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We are beyond the 25% point of the professional football season, which indicates we have a solid understanding of the path of most teams. So let’s celebrate the teams whose optimistic outlook have disappeared after the fifth week. Remember these aren’t necessarily the worst teams in the league (the Titans and Browns, for example, are terrible but are mostly playing as projected) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.

New York Jets: Winless at 0-5

The sole franchise without a victory in the league, the Jets check all the misery boxes. There have been heartbreaking defeats, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 beating to the Cowboys, which was not nearly as close than the numbers imply. The Jets’ supposed strength, their defensive unit, became the first 0-5 unit with no takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with flags, turnovers, weak O-line performance, lack of fourth-down execution and uninspired coaching. Amazingly the Jets are declining each game. 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 controversial franchise head in the league, it could continue for years.

Suffering Score: 9/10 – Is Aaron Glenn's job safe?

Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 1-4

Certainly, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But a 44-10 scoreline – the worst home loss in team history – is embarrassing and even a star like Jackson can't overcome everything if his defensive unit, which to be fair has been ravaged by injuries, is terrible. Even worse, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a field day for CJ Stroud, the running back, and their teammates.

Nevertheless, Jackson should be back in the near future, they play in a less competitive division and their upcoming slate is favorable, so optimism remains. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have performed regardless of Jackson, the optimism gauge is nearly depleted.

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

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

This situation stems from one moment: Burrow's year-ending ailment in the second week. A trio of games without Burrow has led to multiple setbacks. It’s hard to watch two top pass-catchers, the star receiver and the other starting receiver, doing their thing with little to celebrate. Chase hauled in two huge touchdowns and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to an elite squad, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did the majority of their work once the result was beyond doubt. At the same time, Burrow’s backup, the substitute QB, while impressive in the final period against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three interceptions on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No franchise in football depends so much on the health of a single athlete like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will note the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow returns next season, if he can remain healthy. But merely a month into the current campaign, the season looks all but over for Cincinnati.

Despair Index: 6/10 – Cincinnati fans are left imagining alternate realities.

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Release Maxx Crosby, who remains one of the few good things in a unusual time of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Indianapolis was further evidence of the poor combination of the signal-caller and the sideline leader in the desert. Smith has been a giveaway factory, topping the NFL this season with nine interceptions. His two interceptions in the latest contest resulted in Indianapolis TDs. It's unclear what the alternative is, but the current approach – being fully committed to Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

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

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Certainly, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And admittedly, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 contests. But among AJ Brown and the pass-catcher expressing dissatisfaction with their positions, followers' criticism about their slow-moving attack and the Philadelphia's uncertainty about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. Yes, Sunday’s meltdown was alarming: the Eagles lost a two-score advantage to Denver in the last quarter thanks to five penalties, an attack that vanished, and a D that was beaten and outthought by the Broncos' coach. Crazier things have happened. Nevertheless, they were on the receiving side of debated officiating and are equal with the best record in their conference. Why the long faces?

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

Also Noteworthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are middle-of-the-road rather than awful, but their humiliating 22-21 setback to the formerly victory-less Titans was poorly played. A turnover near the end zone from the ball carrier, who prematurely celebrated a long run early, followed by a muffed pick that ended in a Titans touchdown sank the Cardinals. You couldn't imagine this loss if you wanted to. Considering this, and their prior defeats, were on game-winning field goals, there isn't much happiness in Cardinals territory these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” Kyler Murray said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I'm completely baffled. That's a textbook example of losing. I can't explain. It was unbelievable.”

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

Top Performer

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