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We are beyond the 25% point of the NFL season, which indicates we have a good idea of the direction of the majority of squads. So let’s celebrate the teams whose good vibes have disappeared after the fifth week. Keep in mind these aren’t necessarily the worst teams in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Browns, for example, are terrible but are largely playing as projected) as much as the ones who have been most disappointing.

New York Jets: Winless at 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 drilling a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 beating to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the score suggests. The Jets’ presumed asset, their defense, became the initial winless squad with no takeaways in professional football annals. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with penalties, mistakes, subpar blocking, ineffective short-yardage play and lackluster coaching. Amazingly the Jets are getting worse by the week. If that didn't suffice this has been a recurring issue: their postseason absence of 14 years 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?

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Sure, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But a 44-10 scoreline – the most lopsided home defeat in Ravens history – is shameful and even a player of Jackson's caliber won't single-handedly change things if his defensive unit, which admittedly has been plagued by health issues, is terrible. Even worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a field day for CJ Stroud, the running back, and the rest.

However, Jackson should be back in the next few weeks, they play in a softer division and their remaining schedule is soft, so optimism remains. But considering how messy the Ravens have performed regardless of Jackson, the confidence level is close to empty.

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

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

This one boils down to a single play: Joe Burrow's catastrophic injury in the second week. Three weeks without Burrow has led to three losses. It’s difficult to watch two top pass-catchers, Cincinnati's WR1 and the talented wideout, making plays with little to celebrate. Chase caught two major TDs and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to an elite squad, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did the bulk of the scoring once the result was beyond doubt. Meanwhile, Burrow’s backup, Jake Browning, while promising in the final period against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three picks on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No franchise in football depends so much on the well-being of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will highlight the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow is back next season, if he can avoid injury. But only five weeks into the present year, the campaign looks essentially finished 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 a rare positive in a weird new era of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Indianapolis was further evidence of the disastrous pairing of the signal-caller and Pete Carroll in the desert. Smith has been a giveaway factory, leading the league this season with nine picks. His two interceptions in the latest contest produced Indianapolis touchdowns. We’re not sure what the backup plan is, but the primary strategy – being relying entirely on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

Despair Index: 7/10 – Chip Kelly's offense requires immediate changes.

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Yes, they’re the defending champions. And of course, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 outings. But amid the wideout and the pass-catcher expressing dissatisfaction with their situations, supporter grievances about their slow-moving attack and the Philadelphia's uncertainty about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were winless. Yes, Sunday’s meltdown was worrisome: the Eagles lost a two-score advantage to Denver in the final period thanks to five penalties, an attack that vanished, and a defensive scheme that was dominated and outcoached by the Broncos' coach. Crazier things have happened. Still, they were on the subject to debated officiating and are equal with the leading standing 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.

Mention-Worthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are mediocre rather than miserable, but their humiliating 22-21 loss to the previously winless Titans was incompetent. A fumble at the goal line from the running back, who assumed he had scored early, followed by a botched interception that ended in a opposing TD cost Arizona the game. You couldn’t concoct this loss if you tried. Given that this, and their prior defeats, were on game-winning field goals, there is little celebration in Cardinals territory these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” Kyler Murray said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I truly don't understand. That's Football Mistakes 101. I'm not sure. It was unbelievable.”

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

Top Performer

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle. The running back, replacing the hurt starter, {could do with a little more confidence|