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We’re past the 25% point of the NFL season, which indicates we have a solid understanding of the direction of most teams. So let’s highlight the teams whose good vibes have evaporated after the fifth week. Remember these aren’t necessarily the lowest-ranked franchises in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are terrible but are generally playing as expected) as much as the ones who have been most disappointing.

New York Jets (0-5)

The sole franchise without a victory in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell drilling a 60-yard winning field goal for the Steelers in the first game. And there have been one-sided contests like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the final score indicates. The Jets’ supposed strength, their defense, became the initial winless squad with no takeaways in professional football annals. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with penalties, turnovers, weak O-line performance, ineffective short-yardage play and lackluster coaching. Incredibly the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that wasn’t enough this has been going on for years: their postseason absence of 14 years is the most extended in football. And with a poorly-regarded owner in the league, it could persist indefinitely.

Misery rating: 9/10 – How long is Aaron Glenn’s leash?

Baltimore Ravens (1-4)

Certainly, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But a 44-10 blowout – the biggest home loss in Ravens history – is humiliating and even a talent like Jackson won't single-handedly change things if his D, which to be fair has been plagued by health issues, is godawful. Even worse, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a field day for CJ Stroud, the running back, and company.

Still, Jackson is expected back in the near future, they play in a relatively weak division and their future games is manageable, so there's still a chance. But considering how messy the Ravens have played with or sans Jackson, the hope-o-meter is running on fumes.

Despair Index: 6/10 - The division is still within reach.

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

This situation stems from one incident: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in Week 2. Several weeks without Burrow has resulted in three losses. It’s hard to watch two of the league’s best receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, performing well with nothing to show for it. Chase caught two huge touchdowns and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to one of the league’s best teams, the Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s O did most of the damage once the result was beyond doubt. At the same time, Burrow’s replacement, Jake Browning, while notable in the final period against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three picks on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No franchise in football hinges on the fitness of a single athlete like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will note the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow comes back the following campaign, if he can avoid injury. But only five weeks into the present year, the schedule looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

Despair Index: 6/10 – Cincinnati fans are left imagining alternate realities.

Las Vegas Raiders: Stumbling at 1-4

Let Maxx Crosby go, who remains one of the few good things in a strange period of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Colts was further evidence of the disastrous pairing of Geno Smith and Pete Carroll in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a turnover machine, leading the league this season with nine picks. His two interceptions in Week 5 led to Indianapolis touchdowns. Nobody knows what Plan B is, but the current approach – being all in on Smith – is a very painful watch.

Despair Index: 7/10 – Chip Kelly's offense requires immediate changes.

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Yes, they’re the current title holders. And yes, they have lost just twice in 22 outings. But among AJ Brown and the other receiver showing frustration with their positions, followers' criticism about their sluggish offense and the local doubt about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were winless. Indeed, Sunday’s breakdown was concerning: the Eagles blew a 14-point lead to Denver in the last quarter thanks to multiple flags, an attack that vanished, and a Vic Fangio defense that was dominated and outcoached by Sean Payton. Crazier things have happened. However, they were on the end of some controversial calls and are tied for the top mark in their league. Why the long faces?

Misery rating: 3/10 - The vibes may be off but the Eagles will reach the postseason again.

Mention-Worthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are mediocre rather than miserable, but their shameful 22-21 setback to the until-then winless Titans was incompetent. A fumble at the goal line from the ball carrier, who prematurely celebrated a long run early, followed by a muffed pick that resulted in a Tennessee score sank the Cardinals. You couldn't imagine this defeat if you attempted. Since this, and their previous two losses, were on last-second kicks, there isn't much happiness in Glendale these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” the quarterback said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I'm completely baffled. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I don’t know. It was crazy.”

Suffering Score: 3/10 – Does Kyler Murray remain the franchise QB?

Top Performer

Carolina's Rico Dowdle, RB. The ball carrier, replacing the hurt starter, {could do with a little more confidence|