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We have passed the 25% point of the National Football League campaign, which indicates we have a good idea of the trajectory of many franchises. So let’s highlight the teams whose optimistic outlook have vanished after the fifth week. Keep in mind these aren’t necessarily the lowest-ranked franchises in the league (the Titans and Browns, for example, are poor but are mostly playing as expected) as much as the ones who have been most disappointing.

New York Jets (0-5)

The lone squad yet to win in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell drilling a 60-yard game-winner 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 numbers imply. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their D, became the initial winless squad with zero takeaways in league history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with infractions, giveaways, subpar blocking, lack of fourth-down execution and lackluster coaching. Amazingly the Jets are declining each game. If that wasn’t enough this has been a recurring issue: their playoff drought of 14 seasons is the league's lengthiest. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could continue for years.

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 44-10 – the worst home loss in franchise history – is humiliating and even a talent like Jackson won't single-handedly change things if his D, which in fairness has been blighted by injury, is godawful. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a productive outing for CJ Stroud, the running back, and company.

However, Jackson should be back in the next few weeks, they play in a relatively weak division and their remaining schedule is favorable, so there's still a chance. But given how sloppy the Ravens have performed regardless of Jackson, the hope-o-meter is nearly depleted.

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

Bengals Fall to 2-3

This situation stems from one moment: Burrow's year-ending ailment in Week 2. Several weeks without Burrow has led to multiple setbacks. 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 grabbed two huge touchdowns and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to a top franchise, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s offense did most of the damage once the game was out of reach. At the same time, Burrow’s replacement, the substitute QB, while notable in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has mostly been a disaster. His three picks on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No organization in football depends so much on the fitness of a single athlete like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will highlight the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow is back the following campaign, if he can remain healthy. But merely a month into this season, the campaign looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

Misery rating: 6/10 – Once again, Bengals fans are left to wonder at what could have been.

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Free Maxx Crosby, who continues to be a rare positive in a unusual time of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Colts was more proof of the poor combination of the quarterback and the head coach in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, leading the league this season with nine turnovers. His two interceptions in the fifth game produced Indianapolis TDs. Nobody knows what Plan B is, but the current approach – being relying entirely on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

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

Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Certainly, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And yes, they have only been defeated twice in 22 outings. But among the star receiver and the other receiver being disgruntled with their roles, fan complaints about their sluggish offense and the Philadelphia's uncertainty about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. Yes, Sunday’s breakdown was alarming: the Eagles squandered a 14-point lead to Denver in the final period thanks to multiple flags, an offense that faded horribly, and a D that was dominated and outcoached by the opposing strategist. Stranger events have occurred. Still, they were on the receiving side of some controversial calls and are equal with the best record in their NFC. 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 middle-of-the-road rather than awful, but their humiliating 22-21 setback to the until-then winless Titans was incompetent. A fumble at the goal line from Emari Demercado, who prematurely celebrated a long run too soon, followed by a fumbled Cardinals interception that led to a Tennessee score cost Arizona the game. You couldn't invent this defeat if you wanted to. Considering this, and their previous two losses, were on last-second kicks, there is little celebration in Glendale these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I really don’t even know. That's Football Mistakes 101. I can't explain. It was unbelievable.”

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

Top Performer

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