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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 the majority of squads. So let’s examine the teams whose positive energy have disappeared after the latest round of games. Remember these aren’t necessarily the worst teams in the league (the Titans and Browns, for example, are poor but are mostly playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been most disappointing.

New York Jets: Winless at 0-5

The only winless team in the league, the Jets epitomize football suffering. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in the first game. And there have been one-sided contests like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the score suggests. The Jets’ supposed strength, their D, became the first 0-5 unit with no forced turnovers in league history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with flags, giveaways, poor offensive line play, failed fourth-down attempts and lackluster coaching. Incredibly the Jets are getting worse by the week. If that wasn’t enough this has been going on for years: their postseason absence of over a decade is the longest in the NFL. 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

Admittedly, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But a 44-10 blowout – the worst home loss in franchise history – is shameful and even a star like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales if his defensive unit, which in fairness has been plagued by health issues, is godawful. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a productive outing for Houston's QB, the running back, and the rest.

However, Jackson should be back in the next few weeks, they play in a less competitive division and their future games is soft, so all hope is not lost. But considering how messy the Ravens have executed with or without Jackson, the confidence level is nearly depleted.

Suffering Score: 6/10 - The AFC North remains up for grabs.

Bengals Fall to 2-3

This situation stems from a single play: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in Week 2. A trio of games without Burrow has resulted in a trio of defeats. It’s hard to watch two top pass-catchers, Ja’Marr Chase and the talented wideout, performing well with nothing to show for it. Chase hauled in a pair of big scores and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to an elite squad, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s O did most of the damage once the game was out of reach. Meanwhile, Burrow’s backup, the backup passer, while impressive in the final period against the Lions, has mostly been a disaster. His three picks on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No organization in football relies so heavily on the well-being of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will highlight the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow comes back the following campaign, if he can stay fit. But merely a month into the present year, the schedule looks practically done 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

Release Maxx Crosby, who continues to be one of the only bright spots in a strange period of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Colts was further evidence of the poor combination of Geno Smith and the sideline leader in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a turnover machine, ranking first this season with nine picks. His two turnovers in the fifth game produced Indianapolis TDs. It's unclear what Plan B 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)

Indeed, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And of course, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 games. But amid the wideout and the pass-catcher being disgruntled with their situations, fan complaints about their slow-moving attack and the local doubt about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. True, Sunday’s meltdown was worrisome: the Eagles lost a significant margin to Denver in the final period thanks to five penalties, an O that disappeared, and a Vic Fangio defense that was pummeled and outsmarted by Sean Payton. Stranger events have occurred. Nevertheless, they were on the end of debated officiating and are sharing the best record in their league. What happened to the joy?

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

Also Noteworthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are middle-of-the-road rather than miserable, but their shameful 22-21 defeat to the previously winless Titans was badly executed. A fumble at the goal line from the ball carrier, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown too soon, followed by a botched interception that resulted in a opposing TD sank the Cardinals. You couldn't invent this defeat if you tried. Since this, and their earlier setbacks, were on clutch field goals, there can’t be much joy in Arizona these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” the quarterback said after the game. “I don’t even know. I truly don't understand. That's Football Mistakes 101. I can't explain. It was crazy.”

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

MVP of the week

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