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We’re past the 25% point of the National Football League campaign, which indicates we have a solid understanding of the direction of most teams. So let’s celebrate the teams whose positive energy have evaporated after the latest round of games. Note that these might not be the worst teams in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are poor but are largely playing as projected) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.

New York Jets (0-5)

The only winless team in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in Week 1. And there have been routs like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the score suggests. The Jets’ presumed asset, their defensive unit, became the initial winless squad with no forced turnovers in league history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with flags, giveaways, poor offensive line play, lack of fourth-down execution and lackluster coaching. Somehow the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that weren't sufficient this has been going on for years: their postseason absence of 14 seasons is the league's lengthiest. And with a poorly-regarded owner in the league, it could last a long time.

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

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Admittedly, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But a 44-10 scoreline – the biggest home loss in team history – is embarrassing and even a star like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales if his D, which admittedly has been ravaged by injuries, is awful. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a big day for the Texans' passer, the running back, and company.

However, Jackson should be back in the next few weeks, they play in a softer division and their upcoming slate is soft, so there's still a chance. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have played with or sans Jackson, the optimism gauge is running on fumes.

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

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

The issue here is one moment: Joe Burrow's catastrophic injury in the second week. Several weeks without Burrow has caused three losses. It’s hard to watch two of the league’s best receivers, Cincinnati's WR1 and the talented wideout, making plays with nothing to show for it. Chase grabbed two major TDs and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to a top franchise, the Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did the bulk of the scoring once the game was out of reach. Meanwhile, Burrow’s replacement, Jake Browning, while promising in the last quarter against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three interceptions on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No team in football hinges on the fitness of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will note the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow is back next year, if he can avoid injury. But merely a month into the present year, the campaign looks all but over for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders: Stumbling at 1-4

Release Maxx Crosby, who remains a rare positive in a strange period of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Indianapolis Colts was further evidence of the ill-fated union of the quarterback and Pete Carroll in the Nevada. Smith has been a giveaway factory, leading the league this season with nine picks. His two picks in the fifth game led to Indianapolis TDs. We’re not sure what the alternative is, but the primary strategy – 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)

Yes, they’re the current title holders. And admittedly, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 outings. But between the star receiver and the other receiver expressing dissatisfaction with their positions, fan complaints about their sluggish offense and the city’s continued skepticism about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were winless. Indeed, Sunday’s breakdown was worrisome: the Eagles squandered a significant margin to Denver in the last quarter thanks to several infractions, an offense that faded horribly, and a Vic Fangio defense that was dominated and outcoached by the Broncos' coach. Stranger events have occurred. Nevertheless, they were on the end of some controversial calls and are tied for the leading standing in their conference. What happened to the joy?

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

Mention-Worthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are middle-of-the-road rather than terrible, but their humiliating 22-21 setback to the formerly victory-less Titans was incompetent. A goalline fumble from Emari Demercado, who assumed he had scored prematurely, followed by a muffed pick that ended in a Titans touchdown did Arizona in. You couldn’t concoct this loss if you tried. Considering this, and their earlier setbacks, were on last-second kicks, there is little celebration in Arizona these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I truly don't understand. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I'm not sure. It was unbelievable.”

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

MVP of the week

Carolina's Rico Dowdle, RB. Dowdle, replacing the absent Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|