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We have passed the 25% point of the professional football season, which means we have a solid understanding of the direction of many franchises. So let’s examine the teams whose good vibes have evaporated after the latest round of games. Keep in mind these might not be the worst teams in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are terrible but are largely playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.

New York Jets: Winless at 0-5

The only winless team in the league, the Jets check all the misery boxes. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell drilling a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been routs like Sunday’s 37-22 beating to the Cowboys, which was not nearly as close than the score suggests. The Jets’ supposed strength, their defensive unit, became the first 0-5 team with zero takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with flags, giveaways, poor offensive line play, lack of fourth-down execution and lackluster coaching. Incredibly the Jets are declining each game. If that weren't sufficient this has been happening for a long time: their playoff-less streak of 14 years is the league's lengthiest. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could persist indefinitely.

Despair Index: 9/10 – What is Aaron Glenn's future?

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Certainly, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But 44-10 – the worst home loss in franchise history – is embarrassing and even a talent like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales if his D, which to be fair has been ravaged by injuries, is godawful. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a field day for CJ Stroud, Nick Chubb, and the rest.

Nevertheless, Jackson is expected back in the next few weeks, 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 performed regardless of Jackson, the confidence level is close to empty.

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

Bengals Fall to 2-3

The issue here is one moment: Burrow's year-ending ailment in the early season. A trio of games without Burrow has caused three losses. It’s almost painful to watch two of the league’s best receivers, the star receiver and the talented wideout, performing well with little to celebrate. Chase hauled in two major TDs and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to an elite squad, the Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did the bulk of the scoring once the outcome was decided. Meanwhile, Burrow’s backup, the substitute QB, while notable in the last quarter against the Lions, has mostly been a disaster. His three picks on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No franchise in football depends so much on the well-being of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will point to the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow comes back next year, if he can stay fit. But only five weeks into the current campaign, the season looks all but over for Cincinnati.

Suffering Score: 6/10 – Bengals supporters are again pondering what might have been.

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Release Maxx Crosby, who is still a rare positive in a unusual time of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Colts was another demonstration of the disastrous pairing of Geno Smith and the head coach in the Nevada. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, leading the league this season with nine picks. His two interceptions in the fifth game resulted in Indianapolis TDs. We’re not sure what the backup plan is, but the primary strategy – being fully committed to Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

Misery rating: 7/10 – OC Chip Kelly needs to change course ASAP.

Wildcard alert! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the current title holders. And yes, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 games. But between the wideout and the other receiver being disgruntled with their situations, supporter grievances about their sluggish offense and the city’s continued skepticism about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. True, Sunday’s meltdown was worrisome: the Eagles blew a 14-point lead to Denver in the last quarter thanks to multiple flags, an offense that faded horribly, and a defensive scheme that was pummeled and outsmarted by the opposing strategist. Stranger events have occurred. Nevertheless, they were on the receiving side of some controversial calls and are sharing the leading standing in their NFC. What happened to the joy?

Despair Index: 3/10 - Despite the mood, the Eagles are playoff-bound.

Mention-Worthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are average rather than awful, but their embarrassing 22-21 setback to the formerly victory-less Titans was badly executed. A turnover near the end zone from the running back, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown too soon, followed by a botched interception that ended in a opposing TD sank the Cardinals. You couldn't imagine this setback if you tried. Given that this, and their prior defeats, were on game-winning field goals, there can’t be much joy in Arizona these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I don’t even know. I'm completely baffled. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I can't explain. It was insane.”

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

Player of the Week

Rico Dowdle, running back, Carolina Panthers. The running back, replacing the absent Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|