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We are beyond the 25% point of the professional football season, which indicates we have a clear picture of the direction of most teams. So let’s highlight the teams whose good vibes have vanished after the latest round of games. Note that these might not be the most terrible squads in the league (the Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are poor but are generally playing as expected) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.

New York Jets (0-5)

The sole franchise without a victory in the league, the Jets epitomize football suffering. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell hitting 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’ presumed asset, their defense, became the first 0-5 unit with zero takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with flags, giveaways, weak O-line performance, ineffective short-yardage play and poor sideline leadership. Amazingly the Jets are getting worse by the week. If that didn't suffice this has been happening for a long time: their playoff drought of 14 seasons is the league's lengthiest. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could continue for years.

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

Baltimore Ravens (1-4)

Certainly, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But 44-10 – the biggest home loss in Ravens history – is shameful and even a talent like Jackson can't overcome everything if his defense, which to be fair has been plagued by health issues, is godawful. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a big day for the Texans' passer, Nick Chubb, and company.

However, Jackson is expected back in the next few weeks, they play in a relatively weak division and their remaining schedule is manageable, so optimism remains. But given how sloppy the Ravens have performed with or without 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)

This one boils down to one incident: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in the early season. Several weeks without Burrow has resulted in a trio of defeats. It’s hard to watch a pair of elite wideouts, Ja’Marr Chase and the other starting receiver, performing well with no positive results. Chase grabbed two huge touchdowns and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to one of the league’s best teams, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s O did the majority of their work once the result was beyond doubt. Meanwhile, Burrow’s stand-in, the backup passer, while impressive in the final period against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three picks on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No organization in football relies so heavily on the fitness of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will point to the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow comes back next year, if he can stay fit. But only five weeks into the present year, the season 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 (1-4)

Release Maxx Crosby, who remains one of the few good things in a strange period of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 rout 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 mistake-prone player, leading the league this season with nine turnovers. His two interceptions in the latest contest resulted in Indianapolis TDs. We’re not sure what the alternative is, but Plan A – being all in on Smith – is a hard-to-watch situation.

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

Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And of course, they have only been defeated twice in 22 outings. But amid AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith expressing dissatisfaction with their roles, fan complaints about their sluggish offense and the local doubt about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. Indeed, Sunday’s meltdown was concerning: the Eagles lost a two-score advantage to Denver in the final period thanks to multiple flags, an O that disappeared, and a Vic Fangio defense that was pummeled and outsmarted by the Broncos' coach. Stranger events have occurred. However, they were on the subject to questionable rulings and are equal with the best record in their NFC. Where are the smiles?

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

Mention-Worthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are average rather than miserable, but their shameful 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 opposing TD did Arizona in. You couldn't imagine this loss if you tried. Since this, and their earlier setbacks, were on clutch field goals, there is little celebration in Arizona these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” Kyler Murray said after the game. “I don’t even know. I really don’t even know. That's Football Mistakes 101. I can't explain. It was crazy.”

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

Player of the Week

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle. Dowdle, substituting for the absent Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|