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We have passed the 25% point of the professional football season, which suggests we have a solid understanding of the direction of most teams. So let’s celebrate the teams whose positive energy have disappeared after Week 5. Keep in mind these are not exactly the worst teams in the league (the Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are awful but are generally playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been most disappointing.

New York Jets: Winless at 0-5

The only winless team in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been heartbreaking defeats, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in Week 1. And there have been one-sided contests like Sunday’s 37-22 beating to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the numbers imply. The Jets’ presumed asset, their defense, became the initial winless squad with no takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with penalties, mistakes, poor offensive line play, ineffective short-yardage play and lackluster coaching. Somehow the Jets are declining each game. If that wasn’t enough this has been a recurring issue: their playoff drought of 14 years is the league's lengthiest. 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

Sure, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But a 44-10 blowout – the most lopsided home defeat in Ravens history – is humiliating and even a player of Jackson's caliber won't single-handedly change things if his D, which admittedly has been blighted by injury, is awful. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a productive outing for the Texans' passer, Nick Chubb, and company.

Still, Jackson will probably return in the next few weeks, they play in a less competitive division and their remaining schedule is manageable, so there's still a chance. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have performed with or sans Jackson, the optimism gauge is nearly depleted.

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

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

This one boils down to one moment: Burrow's year-ending ailment in the early season. A trio of games without Burrow has led to three losses. It’s almost painful to watch two top pass-catchers, the star receiver and the talented wideout, performing well with no positive results. Chase hauled in a pair of big scores and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to an elite squad, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s O did the majority of their work once the game was out of reach. At the same time, Burrow’s replacement, Jake Browning, while notable in the final period against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three interceptions on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No organization in football relies so heavily on the fitness of a single athlete like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will note the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow is back next season, if he can stay fit. But only five weeks into the present year, the schedule looks all but over for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Free Maxx Crosby, who continues to be one of the only bright spots in a weird new era of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Indianapolis was another demonstration of the disastrous pairing of the signal-caller and the head coach in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, ranking first this season with nine turnovers. His two picks in the fifth game produced Indianapolis scores. It's unclear what the backup plan is, but Plan A – being all in on Smith – is a very painful watch.

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

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the defending champions. And of course, they have lost just twice in 22 contests. But among the wideout and the other receiver showing frustration with their positions, supporter grievances about their sluggish offense and the city’s continued skepticism about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. True, Sunday’s meltdown was worrisome: the Eagles lost a two-score advantage to Denver in the last quarter thanks to five penalties, an offense that faded horribly, and a Vic Fangio defense that was pummeled and outsmarted by Sean Payton. More surprising outcomes exist. Still, they were on the subject to some controversial calls and are sharing 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 embarrassing 22-21 defeat to the previously winless Titans was badly executed. A turnover near the end zone from the running back, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown prematurely, followed by a fumbled Cardinals interception that resulted in a opposing TD did Arizona in. You couldn't invent this setback if you attempted. Since this, and their earlier setbacks, were on clutch field goals, there isn't much happiness in Glendale these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I'm confused. I'm completely baffled. That's a textbook example of losing. I don’t know. It was insane.”

Despair Index: 3/10 – Is Murray the long-term answer?

MVP of the week

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle. Dowdle, substituting for the absent Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|