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We’re past 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. Note that these are not exactly the most terrible squads in the league (the Titans and Browns, for example, are poor but are generally playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been most disappointing.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The sole franchise without a victory in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell hitting 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’ presumed asset, their defensive unit, became the first 0-5 team with zero takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with penalties, turnovers, weak O-line performance, lack of fourth-down execution and uninspired coaching. Incredibly the Jets are getting worse by the week. If that wasn’t enough this has been going on for years: their playoff drought of 14 seasons is the most extended in football. And with a poorly-regarded owner 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

Certainly, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But 44-10 – the most lopsided home defeat in franchise history – is shameful and even a talent like Jackson won't single-handedly change things if his D, which admittedly has been blighted by injury, is godawful. Even worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a field day for the Texans' passer, the running back, and their teammates.

Still, Jackson is expected back in the coming weeks, they play in a softer division and their upcoming slate is manageable, so there's still a chance. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have played with or sans Jackson, the confidence level is nearly depleted.

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

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

The issue here is one incident: Burrow's year-ending ailment in the second week. A trio of games without Burrow has caused a trio of defeats. It’s almost painful to watch two of the league’s best receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, making plays with little to celebrate. Chase grabbed two huge touchdowns and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to a top franchise, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s O did most of the damage once the game was out of reach. Simultaneously, Burrow’s stand-in, the backup passer, while impressive in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three interceptions on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No franchise in football depends so much on the health of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will highlight the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow is back the following campaign, if he can remain healthy. But merely a month into this season, the season looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Free Maxx Crosby, who remains one of the few good things in a weird new era of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Indianapolis Colts was more proof of the poor combination of Geno Smith and the sideline leader in the Nevada. Smith has been a turnover machine, topping the NFL this season with nine interceptions. His two turnovers in the fifth game produced Indianapolis touchdowns. It's unclear what the backup plan 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.

Wildcard alert! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And admittedly, they have only been defeated twice in 22 games. But amid the star receiver and the other receiver being disgruntled with their positions, fan complaints about their underperforming O and the local doubt about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. Yes, Sunday’s collapse was alarming: the Eagles squandered a significant margin to Denver in the last quarter thanks to five penalties, an offense that faded horribly, and a Vic Fangio defense that was dominated and outcoached by the Broncos' coach. Crazier things have happened. However, they were on the end of some controversial calls and are equal with the best record in their conference. Why the long faces?

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

Mention-Worthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are mediocre rather than miserable, but their embarrassing 22-21 loss to the previously winless Titans was incompetent. A goalline fumble from the running back, who prematurely celebrated a long run too soon, followed by a muffed pick that led to a Titans touchdown sank the Cardinals. You couldn't imagine this loss if you attempted. Considering this, and their prior defeats, were on clutch field goals, 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 uncertain. I'm completely baffled. That's a textbook example of losing. I'm not sure. It was crazy.”

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

MVP of the week

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle. The ball carrier, replacing the injured Chuba Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|