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We’re past the 25% point of the NFL season, which indicates we have a good idea of the trajectory of many franchises. So let’s highlight the teams whose good vibes have evaporated after the latest round of games. 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 expected) as much as the ones who have been most disappointing.

New York Jets (0-5)

The sole franchise without a victory in the league, the Jets check all the misery boxes. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in Week 1. And there have been one-sided contests like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the score suggests. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their defense, became the first 0-5 unit with no takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with infractions, turnovers, weak O-line performance, lack of fourth-down execution and lackluster coaching. Incredibly the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that didn't suffice this has been going on for years: their playoff drought of over a decade is the most extended in football. And with a poorly-regarded owner in the league, it could last a long time.

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

Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 1-4

Certainly, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But a 44-10 scoreline – the biggest home loss in team 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 barely resisted against the Texans. It was a productive outing for CJ Stroud, Nick Chubb, and their teammates.

However, Jackson is expected back in the near future, they play in a less competitive division and their remaining schedule is favorable, so there's still a chance. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have performed with or without Jackson, the hope-o-meter is close to empty.

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

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

This situation stems from a single play: Joe Burrow's catastrophic injury in the early season. Several weeks without Burrow has led to a trio of defeats. It’s almost painful to watch a pair of elite wideouts, the star receiver and the talented wideout, making plays with no positive results. Chase hauled in a pair of big scores and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to one of the league’s best teams, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s O did the bulk of the scoring once the result was beyond doubt. Simultaneously, Burrow’s stand-in, the backup passer, while promising in the final period against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three picks on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No franchise in football relies so heavily on the fitness of an individual 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 stay fit. But merely a month into this season, the season looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders: Stumbling at 1-4

Let Maxx Crosby go, who remains one of the few good things in a strange period of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Indianapolis was another demonstration of the ill-fated union of the quarterback and the sideline leader in the desert. Smith has been a turnover machine, ranking first this season with nine picks. His two picks in the latest contest produced Indianapolis touchdowns. We’re not sure what Plan B is, but Plan A – being fully committed to Smith – is a very painful watch.

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

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Yes, they’re the defending champions. And yes, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 contests. But amid the star receiver and DeVonta Smith showing frustration with their situations, supporter grievances about their slow-moving attack and the city’s continued skepticism about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were winless. Indeed, Sunday’s breakdown was concerning: the Eagles lost a two-score advantage to Denver in the final period thanks to five penalties, an attack that vanished, and a D that was dominated and outcoached by the Broncos' coach. Stranger events have occurred. Nevertheless, they were on the subject to some controversial calls and are equal with 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.

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are middle-of-the-road rather than miserable, but their shameful 22-21 setback to the previously winless Titans was poorly played. A fumble at the goal line from the running back, who prematurely celebrated a long run prematurely, followed by a botched interception that led to a Tennessee score sank the Cardinals. You couldn't imagine this setback if you tried. Given that this, and their previous two losses, were on clutch field goals, there can’t be much joy in Arizona these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I'm confused. I'm completely baffled. That's Football Mistakes 101. I can't explain. It was insane.”

Misery rating: 3/10 – Is Kyler Murray still the future?

Player of the Week

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle. Dowdle, filling in for the hurt starter, {could do with a little more confidence|