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We’re past the 25% point of the professional football season, which suggests we have a good idea of the direction of most teams. So let’s highlight the teams whose good vibes have evaporated after the latest round of games. Keep in mind these are not exactly the lowest-ranked franchises in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Browns, for example, are terrible but are mostly playing as expected) as much as the ones who have been most disappointing.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The only winless team in the league, the Jets epitomize football suffering. There have been heartbreaking defeats, 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 far more lopsided than the final score indicates. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their D, became the first 0-5 team with zero takeaways in league history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with flags, mistakes, poor offensive line play, lack of fourth-down execution and poor sideline leadership. Amazingly the Jets are declining each game. If that weren't sufficient this has been going on for years: their playoff-less streak of over a decade is the league's lengthiest. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could persist indefinitely.

Despair Index: 9/10 – What is Aaron Glenn's future?

Baltimore Ravens (1-4)

Certainly, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But a 44-10 blowout – the worst home loss in team history – is humiliating and even a talent like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales if his defensive unit, which admittedly has been blighted by injury, is awful. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a field day for the Texans' passer, the running back, and their teammates.

Nevertheless, Jackson will probably return in the coming weeks, they play in a relatively weak division and their upcoming slate is soft, so all hope is not lost. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have played regardless of Jackson, the optimism gauge is close to empty.

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

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

This situation stems from one moment: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in the early season. A trio of games without Burrow has caused multiple setbacks. It’s hard to watch two top pass-catchers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, doing their thing with little to celebrate. Chase grabbed two major TDs and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to a top franchise, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s offense did the majority of their work once the result was beyond doubt. At the same time, Burrow’s replacement, Jake Browning, while impressive in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three turnovers on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No franchise in football relies so heavily on the well-being of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will point to the fact that they will be a postseason threat when Burrow comes back the following campaign, if he can stay fit. But only five weeks 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: Stumbling at 1-4

Let Maxx Crosby go, who is still one of the few good things in a unusual time of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Colts was further evidence of the disastrous pairing of the quarterback and the head coach in the desert. Smith has been a giveaway factory, leading the league this season with nine interceptions. His two turnovers in Week 5 led to Indianapolis touchdowns. Nobody knows what the alternative is, but Plan A – being relying entirely on Smith – is a hard-to-watch situation.

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

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Certainly, they’re the defending champions. And of course, they have lost just twice in 22 contests. But between the wideout and the other receiver 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 without a victory. Yes, Sunday’s meltdown was worrisome: the Eagles squandered a 14-point lead to Denver in the final period thanks to several infractions, an offense that faded horribly, and a D that was dominated and outcoached by the Broncos' coach. Crazier things have happened. Nevertheless, they were on the receiving side of debated officiating and are sharing the best record in their conference. Where are the smiles?

Misery rating: 3/10 - The vibes may be off but the Eagles will reach the postseason again.

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are mediocre rather than terrible, but their shameful 22-21 setback to the formerly victory-less Titans was badly executed. A fumble at the goal line from Emari Demercado, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown too soon, followed by a muffed pick that resulted in a Tennessee score sank the Cardinals. You couldn’t concoct this setback if you attempted. Given that this, and their previous two losses, were on game-winning field goals, there can’t be much joy in Cardinals territory these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” 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 don’t know. It was unbelievable.”

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

Player of the Week

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