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We are beyond the 25% point of the professional football season, which suggests we have a clear picture of the path of the majority of squads. So let’s highlight the teams whose optimistic outlook have disappeared after Week 5. Remember these aren’t necessarily the most terrible squads in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Browns, for example, are terrible but are generally playing as expected) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The lone squad yet to win in the league, the Jets check all the misery boxes. There have been heartbreaking defeats, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in Week 1. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the final score indicates. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their defensive unit, became the first 0-5 unit with no forced turnovers in league history. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with penalties, mistakes, subpar blocking, ineffective short-yardage play and poor sideline leadership. Incredibly the Jets are declining each game. If that didn't suffice this has been going on for years: their postseason absence of 14 seasons is the league's lengthiest. And with a poorly-regarded owner in the league, it could persist indefinitely.

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

Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 1-4

Admittedly, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But 44-10 – the most lopsided home defeat in team history – is shameful and even a talent like Jackson won't single-handedly change things if his defensive unit, which admittedly has been plagued by health issues, is godawful. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a productive outing for Houston's QB, the Browns' star, and company.

However, Jackson should be back in the coming weeks, they play in a less competitive division and their remaining schedule is favorable, so all hope is not lost. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have performed with or sans Jackson, the confidence level is nearly depleted.

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

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

This situation stems from a single play: Burrow's year-ending ailment in the early season. Three weeks without Burrow has resulted in three losses. It’s almost painful to watch two top pass-catchers, the star receiver and Tee Higgins, doing their thing with nothing to show for it. Chase hauled in two major TDs and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to an elite squad, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s O did most of the damage once the outcome was decided. At the same time, Burrow’s backup, the substitute QB, while promising in the final period against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three picks on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No organization in football depends so much on the fitness of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will point to the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow comes back the following campaign, if he can avoid injury. But only five weeks into this season, the schedule looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Release Maxx Crosby, who continues to be one of the few good things in a unusual time of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Indianapolis Colts was further evidence of the disastrous pairing of the quarterback and the sideline leader in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a turnover machine, topping the NFL this season with nine interceptions. His two interceptions in the latest contest resulted in Indianapolis touchdowns. Nobody knows what Plan B is, but the current approach – being all in on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

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

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Certainly, they’re the defending champions. And of course, they have only been defeated twice in 22 outings. But amid the wideout and the other receiver expressing dissatisfaction with their positions, fan complaints about their slow-moving attack and the Philadelphia's uncertainty about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. Yes, Sunday’s collapse was concerning: the Eagles blew a two-score advantage to Denver in the last quarter thanks to multiple flags, an O that disappeared, and a D that was beaten and outthought by Sean Payton. More surprising outcomes exist. Nevertheless, they were on the subject to questionable rulings and are sharing the best record in their conference. Where are the smiles?

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

Also Noteworthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are middle-of-the-road rather than awful, but their shameful 22-21 loss to the until-then winless Titans was badly executed. A turnover near the end zone from the ball carrier, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown early, followed by a fumbled Cardinals interception that led to a Tennessee score did Arizona in. You couldn't imagine this setback if you tried. Considering this, and their previous two losses, were on game-winning field goals, there is little celebration 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 truly don't understand. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I'm not sure. It was insane.”

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

Player of the Week

Carolina's Rico Dowdle, RB. The ball carrier, substituting for the hurt starter, {could do with a little more confidence|