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We have passed the 25% point of the National Football League campaign, which means we have a good idea of the direction of the majority of squads. So let’s highlight the teams whose optimistic outlook have evaporated after the latest round of games. Remember these might not be the lowest-ranked franchises in the league (the Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are poor but are largely 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 check all the misery boxes. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been routs like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was not nearly as close than the final score indicates. The Jets’ supposed strength, their defense, became the first 0-5 unit with no takeaways in professional football annals. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with penalties, turnovers, poor offensive line play, ineffective short-yardage play and lackluster coaching. Amazingly the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that weren't sufficient this has been a recurring issue: their playoff drought of 14 seasons is the most extended in football. And with one of the worst owners in the league, it could continue for years.

Misery rating: 9/10 – How long is Aaron Glenn’s leash?

Baltimore Ravens (1-4)

Admittedly, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But a 44-10 blowout – the worst home loss in Ravens history – is embarrassing and even a player of Jackson's caliber can't overcome everything if his defensive unit, which in fairness has been ravaged by injuries, is terrible. Even worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a productive outing for the Texans' passer, the Browns' star, and company.

However, Jackson should be back in the next few weeks, they play in a less competitive division and their remaining schedule is soft, so all hope is not lost. But given how sloppy the Ravens have executed regardless of Jackson, the hope-o-meter is running on fumes.

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

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

This situation stems from a single play: Burrow's year-ending ailment in Week 2. Three weeks without Burrow has resulted in three losses. It’s hard to watch two top pass-catchers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, performing well with little to celebrate. Chase grabbed a pair of big scores and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to a top franchise, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did the bulk of the scoring once the game was out of reach. Meanwhile, Burrow’s stand-in, the substitute QB, while impressive in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three interceptions on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No franchise in football hinges on the health of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will note the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow is back the following campaign, if he can stay fit. But just five games into this season, the schedule looks all but over for Cincinnati.

Misery rating: 6/10 – Once again, Bengals fans are left to wonder at what could have been.

Las Vegas Raiders: Stumbling at 1-4

Let Maxx Crosby go, who remains a rare positive in a weird new era of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Indianapolis was more proof of the poor combination of Geno Smith and the head coach in the desert. Smith has been a giveaway factory, topping the NFL this season with nine turnovers. His two turnovers in the latest contest resulted in Indianapolis TDs. Nobody knows what the backup plan is, but the current approach – being relying entirely on Smith – is a very painful watch.

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

Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the current title holders. And admittedly, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 contests. But between AJ Brown and the pass-catcher being disgruntled with their situations, fan complaints about their sluggish offense and the local doubt about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were winless. True, Sunday’s meltdown was alarming: the Eagles lost a significant margin to Denver in the final period thanks to several infractions, an offense that faded horribly, and a D that was pummeled and outsmarted by Sean Payton. More surprising outcomes exist. However, they were on the subject to questionable rulings and are sharing the best record in their conference. Where are the smiles?

Suffering Score: 3/10 - The atmosphere might be negative but Philadelphia will make the playoffs.

Also Noteworthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are mediocre rather than miserable, but their humiliating 22-21 defeat to the formerly victory-less Titans was badly executed. A goalline fumble from Emari Demercado, who prematurely celebrated a long run early, followed by a muffed pick that led to a Tennessee score cost Arizona the game. You couldn't invent this defeat if you wanted to. Since this, and their prior defeats, were on last-second kicks, there is little celebration in Glendale these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” the quarterback said after the game. “I'm confused. I truly don't understand. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I'm not sure. It was crazy.”

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

Top Performer

Rico Dowdle, running back, Carolina Panthers. Dowdle, substituting for the injured Chuba Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|