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We are beyond 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 examine the teams whose good vibes have vanished after the latest round of games. Remember these aren’t necessarily the worst teams in the league (the Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are poor but are mostly playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.

New York Jets (0-5)

The lone squad yet to win in the league, the Jets check all the misery boxes. There have been heartbreaking defeats, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a 60-yard winning field goal for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been routs like Sunday’s 37-22 beating to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the numbers imply. The Jets’ supposed strength, their D, became the first 0-5 unit with zero takeaways in league history. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with infractions, turnovers, weak O-line performance, ineffective short-yardage play and uninspired coaching. Incredibly the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that wasn’t enough this has been a recurring issue: their playoff drought of 14 seasons is the longest in the NFL. And with one of the worst owners in the league, it could persist indefinitely.

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

Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 1-4

Sure, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But 44-10 – the most lopsided home defeat in Ravens history – is shameful and even a talent like Jackson can't overcome everything if his D, which to be fair has been plagued by health issues, is godawful. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a big day for CJ Stroud, Nick Chubb, and the rest.

Still, Jackson will probably return in the next few weeks, they play in a softer division and their future games is favorable, so optimism remains. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have executed with or without Jackson, the optimism gauge is close to empty.

Despair Index: 6/10 - The division is still within reach.

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

This situation stems from one moment: Burrow's year-ending ailment in Week 2. Three weeks without Burrow has caused three losses. It’s almost painful to watch a pair of elite wideouts, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, performing well with little to celebrate. Chase hauled in two huge touchdowns and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to a top franchise, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s offense did most of the damage once the result was beyond doubt. At the same time, Burrow’s stand-in, the substitute QB, while notable in the final period against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three picks on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No organization in football hinges on the fitness of a single athlete like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will note the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow comes back next season, if he can remain healthy. But merely a month into the present year, the campaign looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

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

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Release Maxx Crosby, who remains a rare positive in a unusual time of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Colts was further evidence of the ill-fated union of the quarterback and the sideline leader in the Nevada. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, topping the NFL this season with nine picks. His two picks in the fifth game produced Indianapolis TDs. It's unclear what the alternative is, but the current approach – being relying entirely on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

Despair Index: 7/10 – Chip Kelly's offense requires immediate changes.

Wildcard alert! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the current title holders. And admittedly, they have lost just twice in 22 games. But amid the wideout and DeVonta Smith being disgruntled with their roles, supporter grievances about their sluggish offense and the city’s continued skepticism about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. Indeed, Sunday’s meltdown was worrisome: the Eagles squandered a 14-point lead to Denver in the last quarter thanks to several infractions, an attack that vanished, and a D that was beaten and outthought by Sean Payton. More surprising outcomes exist. Still, they were on the end of some controversial calls and are tied for the leading standing in their NFC. Why the long faces?

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 mediocre rather than terrible, but their humiliating 22-21 loss to the until-then winless Titans was incompetent. A turnover near the end zone from Emari Demercado, who assumed he had scored too soon, followed by a botched interception that led to a Tennessee score sank the Cardinals. You couldn’t concoct this setback if you tried. Given that this, and their prior defeats, were on last-second kicks, there isn't much happiness in Glendale these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I don’t even know. I really don’t even know. That's a textbook example of losing. I'm not sure. It was insane.”

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

Top Performer

Rico Dowdle, running back, Carolina Panthers. Dowdle, filling in for the hurt starter, {could do with a little more confidence|