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We are beyond the 25% point of the National Football League campaign, which means we have a solid understanding of the direction of most teams. So let’s examine the teams whose optimistic outlook have vanished after the latest round of games. Note that these are not exactly the worst teams in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are terrible but are mostly playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been most disappointing.

New York Jets: Winless at 0-5

The lone squad yet to win in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been heartbreaking defeats, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in Week 1. And there have been routs like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the numbers imply. The Jets’ presumed asset, their defense, became the first 0-5 unit with no takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with infractions, turnovers, poor offensive line play, ineffective short-yardage play and uninspired coaching. Amazingly the Jets are declining each game. If that weren't sufficient this has been going on for years: their postseason absence of 14 seasons is the league's lengthiest. 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: Struggling at 1-4

Sure, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But a 44-10 scoreline – the worst home loss in team history – is shameful and even a star like Jackson can't overcome everything if his defensive unit, which to be fair 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 Browns' star, and the rest.

Nevertheless, Jackson will probably return in the next few weeks, they play in a softer division and their upcoming slate is soft, so there's still a chance. But given how sloppy the Ravens have played with or without Jackson, the optimism gauge is close to empty.

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

Bengals Fall to 2-3

This situation stems from a single play: Joe Burrow's catastrophic injury in the second week. Several weeks without Burrow has led to multiple setbacks. It’s almost painful to watch a pair of elite wideouts, Cincinnati's WR1 and Tee Higgins, making plays with little to celebrate. Chase grabbed two huge touchdowns and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to a top franchise, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s offense did the bulk of the scoring once the result was beyond doubt. Meanwhile, Burrow’s replacement, Jake Browning, while notable in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three interceptions on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No organization in football depends so much on the health of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will point to the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow returns next season, if he can avoid injury. But just five games into the present year, the campaign looks all but over for Cincinnati.

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

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Free Maxx Crosby, who remains one of the only bright spots in a weird new era of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Indianapolis Colts was further evidence of the ill-fated union of Geno Smith and the sideline leader in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a giveaway factory, ranking first this season with nine turnovers. His two interceptions in the latest contest led to Indianapolis TDs. It's unclear what the backup plan is, but the current approach – being all in on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

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

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Yes, they’re the current title holders. And admittedly, they have lost just twice in 22 games. But between the star receiver and DeVonta Smith showing frustration with their roles, fan complaints about their sluggish offense and the local doubt about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. Yes, Sunday’s collapse was concerning: the Eagles squandered a two-score advantage to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to five penalties, an attack that vanished, and a Vic Fangio defense that was pummeled and outsmarted by Sean Payton. More surprising outcomes exist. Nevertheless, they were on the end of questionable rulings and are sharing the leading standing in their NFC. Where are the smiles?

Despair Index: 3/10 - Despite the mood, the Eagles are playoff-bound.

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are average rather than miserable, but their embarrassing 22-21 defeat to the until-then winless Titans was poorly played. A fumble at the goal line from Emari Demercado, who assumed he had scored early, followed by a botched interception that ended in a Tennessee score did Arizona in. You couldn’t concoct this setback if you wanted to. Given that this, and their earlier setbacks, were on last-second kicks, there is little celebration in Arizona these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I really don’t even know. That's a textbook example of losing. I don’t know. It was crazy.”

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

Player of the Week

Rico Dowdle, running back, Carolina Panthers. The running back, filling in for the absent Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|