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We have passed the 25% point of the National Football League campaign, which indicates we have a solid understanding of the trajectory of many franchises. So let’s highlight the teams whose positive energy have disappeared after the fifth week. Note that these aren’t necessarily the most terrible squads in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are poor but are generally playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been most disappointing.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The lone squad yet to win in the league, the Jets check all the misery boxes. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell drilling a 60-yard winning field goal for the Steelers in Week 1. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the final score indicates. The Jets’ supposed strength, their D, became the first 0-5 unit with zero takeaways in professional football annals. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with penalties, mistakes, poor offensive line play, failed fourth-down attempts and uninspired coaching. Incredibly the Jets are declining each game. If that weren't sufficient this has been going on for years: their playoff-less streak of over a decade is the most extended in football. And with one of the worst owners in the league, it could last a long time.

Suffering Score: 9/10 – Is Aaron Glenn's job safe?

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Certainly, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But a 44-10 scoreline – the biggest home loss in Ravens history – is shameful and even a star like Jackson won't single-handedly change things if his D, which in fairness has been plagued by health issues, is godawful. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a big day for Houston's QB, the running back, and the rest.

However, Jackson will probably return in the next few weeks, they play in a softer division and their upcoming slate is manageable, so there's still a chance. But considering how messy the Ravens have executed regardless of Jackson, the optimism gauge is nearly depleted.

Suffering Score: 6/10 - The AFC North remains up for grabs.

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

This one boils down to a single play: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in the second week. Three weeks without Burrow has resulted in three losses. It’s almost painful to watch two top pass-catchers, Cincinnati's WR1 and the talented wideout, making plays with nothing to show for it. Chase grabbed two major TDs and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to one of the league’s best teams, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s offense did the majority of their work once the outcome was decided. At the same time, Burrow’s stand-in, the backup passer, while notable in the final period against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three picks on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No franchise in football relies so heavily on the well-being of a single athlete like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will point to the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow is back the following campaign, if he can avoid injury. But merely a month into the current campaign, the season looks practically done for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Free Maxx Crosby, who remains one of the few good things in a strange period of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Indianapolis was another demonstration of the poor combination of Geno Smith and Pete Carroll in the Nevada. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, ranking first this season with nine turnovers. His two turnovers in the latest contest led to Indianapolis touchdowns. It's unclear what Plan B is, but Plan A – being fully committed to Smith – is a hard-to-watch situation.

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

Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Certainly, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And admittedly, they have only been defeated twice in 22 contests. But between the star receiver and the other receiver showing frustration with their positions, fan complaints about their slow-moving attack and the Philadelphia's uncertainty about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. Yes, Sunday’s meltdown was concerning: the Eagles lost a significant margin to Denver in the final period thanks to five penalties, an O that disappeared, and a D that was pummeled and outsmarted by the opposing strategist. More surprising outcomes exist. Nevertheless, they were on the end of debated officiating and are tied for the best record in their league. What happened to the joy?

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

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are average rather than miserable, but their shameful 22-21 loss to the previously winless Titans was badly executed. A goalline fumble from the ball carrier, who assumed he had scored too soon, followed by a botched interception that ended in a Titans touchdown sank the Cardinals. You couldn't invent this defeat if you wanted to. Since this, and their previous two losses, were on game-winning field goals, there isn't much happiness in Glendale these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” Kyler Murray said after the game. “I'm confused. I really don’t even know. That's Football Mistakes 101. I'm not sure. It was crazy.”

Misery rating: 3/10 – Is Kyler Murray still the future?

MVP of the week

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle. The ball carrier, replacing the injured Chuba Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|