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We’re past the 25% point of the NFL season, which suggests we have a solid understanding of the trajectory of many franchises. So let’s celebrate the teams whose positive energy have vanished after the latest round of games. Keep in mind these aren’t necessarily the most terrible squads in the league (the Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are terrible but are largely playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The only winless team 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 the first game. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the score suggests. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their D, became the first 0-5 team with no forced turnovers in professional football annals. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with penalties, giveaways, subpar blocking, ineffective short-yardage play and poor sideline leadership. Incredibly the Jets are getting worse by the week. If that weren't sufficient this has been happening for a long time: their postseason absence of over a decade is the longest in the NFL. And with one of the worst owners in the league, it could continue for years.

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

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Sure, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But 44-10 – the worst home loss in Ravens history – is embarrassing and even a player of Jackson's caliber can't overcome everything if his defense, which admittedly has been ravaged by injuries, is terrible. 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 company.

Nevertheless, Jackson should be back in the next few weeks, they play in a less competitive division and their remaining schedule is manageable, so all hope is not lost. But considering how messy the Ravens have played with or sans Jackson, the confidence level is running on fumes.

Misery rating: 6/10 - The Steelers probably won’t run away with the division.

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

This situation stems from one moment: Burrow's year-ending ailment in Week 2. Several weeks without Burrow has resulted in three losses. It’s hard to watch two top pass-catchers, Ja’Marr Chase and the talented wideout, making plays with nothing to show for it. Chase grabbed a pair of big scores and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to an elite squad, the Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s offense did most of the damage once the outcome was decided. Meanwhile, Burrow’s stand-in, Jake Browning, while notable in the last quarter against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three interceptions on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No franchise in football hinges 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 team when Burrow comes back next season, if he can remain healthy. But merely a month into the current campaign, the season looks all but over for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders: Stumbling at 1-4

Release Maxx Crosby, who continues to be one of the only bright spots in a weird new era of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Indianapolis was further evidence of the disastrous pairing of Geno Smith and Pete Carroll in the Nevada. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, topping the NFL this season with nine picks. His two picks in the latest contest led to Indianapolis TDs. Nobody knows what the backup plan is, but Plan A – being all in on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

Suffering Score: 7/10 – Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly must adjust quickly.

Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Yes, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And admittedly, they have only been defeated twice in 22 games. But amid the wideout and the pass-catcher being disgruntled with their positions, supporter grievances about their underperforming O and the local doubt about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were winless. Indeed, Sunday’s collapse was concerning: the Eagles blew a significant margin to Denver in the last quarter thanks to multiple flags, an O that disappeared, and a D that was beaten and outthought by the opposing strategist. Stranger events have occurred. Nevertheless, they were on the end of debated officiating and are equal with the best record in their conference. What happened to the joy?

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

Also Noteworthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are middle-of-the-road rather than awful, but their humiliating 22-21 loss to the until-then winless Titans was poorly played. A turnover near the end zone from the ball carrier, who prematurely celebrated a long run prematurely, followed by a botched interception that resulted in a Titans touchdown did Arizona in. You couldn't imagine this defeat if you attempted. Since 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,” Kyler Murray said after the game. “I don’t even know. I truly don't understand. That's a textbook example of losing. I don’t know. It was unbelievable.”

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

Top Performer

Carolina's Rico Dowdle, RB. The ball carrier, filling in for the injured Chuba Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|