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We’re past the 25% point of the NFL season, which indicates we have a solid understanding of the trajectory of most teams. So let’s highlight the teams whose good vibes have vanished after the latest round of games. Remember these aren’t necessarily the most terrible squads in the league (the Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are terrible but are generally playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been most disappointing.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The lone squad yet to win in the league, the Jets check all the misery boxes. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in the first game. And there have been routs like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the numbers imply. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their D, became the first 0-5 unit with no takeaways in professional football annals. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with penalties, giveaways, poor offensive line play, ineffective short-yardage play 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 most extended in football. 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 (1-4)

Admittedly, 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 franchise history – is humiliating and even a talent like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales if his D, which in fairness has been ravaged by injuries, is terrible. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a productive outing for CJ Stroud, the running back, and their teammates.

Nevertheless, Jackson will probably return in the coming weeks, they play in a relatively weak division and their remaining schedule is soft, so there's still a chance. But considering how messy the Ravens have played with or without Jackson, the hope-o-meter is close to empty.

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

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

The issue here is a single play: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in the early season. Several weeks without Burrow has resulted in three losses. It’s difficult to watch two top pass-catchers, Cincinnati's WR1 and Tee Higgins, doing their thing with little to celebrate. Chase grabbed a pair of big scores and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to an elite squad, the Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s O did the bulk of the scoring once the outcome was decided. Meanwhile, Burrow’s backup, the substitute QB, while notable in the final period against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three turnovers on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No franchise in football depends so much on the well-being of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will note the fact that they will be a postseason threat when Burrow is back next season, if he can stay fit. But merely a month into the current campaign, the season looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

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

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Release Maxx Crosby, who is still one of the only bright spots 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 the quarterback and the sideline leader in the Nevada. Smith has been a giveaway factory, ranking first this season with nine picks. His two interceptions in the fifth game resulted in Indianapolis scores. We’re not sure what Plan B is, but the current approach – being fully committed to Smith – is a hard-to-watch situation.

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

Wildcard alert! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And of course, they have lost just twice in 22 contests. But between AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith being disgruntled with their roles, followers' criticism about their slow-moving attack and the local doubt about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. True, Sunday’s collapse was worrisome: the Eagles lost a 14-point lead to Denver in the final period thanks to five penalties, an attack that vanished, and a defensive scheme that was beaten and outthought by Sean Payton. Stranger events have occurred. However, they were on the subject to some controversial calls and are tied for the leading standing in their league. Where are the smiles?

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

Mention-Worthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are mediocre rather than miserable, but their shameful 22-21 setback to the until-then winless Titans was incompetent. A turnover near the end zone from the ball carrier, who prematurely celebrated a long run prematurely, followed by a botched interception that ended in a opposing TD sank the Cardinals. You couldn't invent this defeat if you wanted to. Considering this, and their prior defeats, were on game-winning field goals, there is little celebration in Cardinals territory these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” the quarterback said after the game. “I don’t even know. I really don’t even know. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I'm not sure. It was unbelievable.”

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

Top Performer

Carolina's Rico Dowdle, RB. Dowdle, substituting for the injured Chuba Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|