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We’re past the 25% point of the NFL season, which suggests we have a good idea of the direction of the majority of squads. So let’s highlight the teams whose positive energy have disappeared after the fifth week. Keep in mind these might not be the most terrible squads in the league (the Titans and Browns, for example, are awful but are mostly playing as projected) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The only winless team in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in Week 1. And there have been routs like Sunday’s 37-22 beating to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the numbers imply. The Jets’ presumed asset, their defense, became the initial winless squad with zero takeaways in league history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with penalties, turnovers, subpar blocking, lack of fourth-down execution and poor sideline leadership. Amazingly the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that didn't suffice this has been happening for a long time: their postseason absence of 14 years is the most extended in football. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could last a long time.

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

Baltimore Ravens (1-4)

Sure, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But 44-10 – the biggest home loss in Ravens history – is humiliating and even a player of Jackson's caliber won't single-handedly change things if his defense, which admittedly has been ravaged by injuries, is terrible. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a productive outing for CJ Stroud, the Browns' star, and the rest.

However, Jackson is expected back in the coming weeks, they play in a relatively weak division and their remaining schedule is favorable, so optimism remains. But given how sloppy the Ravens have executed with or without Jackson, the hope-o-meter is running on fumes.

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

Bengals Fall to 2-3

The issue here is one incident: Joe Burrow's catastrophic injury in Week 2. Three weeks without Burrow has led to three losses. It’s almost painful to watch two of the league’s best receivers, Cincinnati's WR1 and the other starting receiver, performing well with nothing to show for it. Chase hauled in two major TDs and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to a top franchise, the Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did the majority of their work once the outcome was decided. Simultaneously, Burrow’s backup, the substitute QB, while impressive in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three picks on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No organization in football depends so much on the well-being of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will highlight the fact that they will be a postseason threat when Burrow is back the following campaign, if he can remain healthy. But only five weeks into this season, the season looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

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

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Release Maxx Crosby, who continues to be one of the only bright spots in a unusual time of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition 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 turnover machine, leading the league this season with nine picks. His two interceptions in the fifth game led to Indianapolis touchdowns. Nobody knows what the backup plan is, but the primary strategy – being fully committed to Smith – is a hard-to-watch situation.

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

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Yes, they’re the current title holders. And admittedly, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 contests. But among the wideout and the other receiver showing frustration with their situations, supporter grievances about their underperforming O and the Philadelphia's uncertainty about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. True, Sunday’s collapse was worrisome: the Eagles squandered a two-score advantage to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to multiple flags, an O that disappeared, and a Vic Fangio defense that was pummeled and outsmarted by Sean Payton. Stranger events have occurred. Nevertheless, they were on the receiving side of some controversial calls and are equal with the top mark in their conference. 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 middle-of-the-road rather than miserable, but their humiliating 22-21 defeat to the previously winless Titans was incompetent. A goalline fumble from Emari Demercado, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown too soon, followed by a muffed pick that led to a Tennessee score did Arizona in. You couldn't imagine this setback if you wanted to. Considering 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 don’t even know. I really don’t even know. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I'm not sure. It was insane.”

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

Top Performer

Rico Dowdle, running back, Carolina Panthers. The ball carrier, filling in for the hurt starter, {could do with a little more confidence|