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We are beyond the 25% point of the professional football season, which suggests we have a clear picture of the path of most teams. So let’s highlight the teams whose optimistic outlook have vanished after Week 5. Remember these might not be the most terrible squads in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Browns, for example, are poor but are mostly playing as projected) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.

New York Jets: Winless at 0-5

The lone squad yet to win in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a 60-yard winning field goal for the Steelers in the first game. And there have been one-sided contests like Sunday’s 37-22 beating to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the numbers imply. The Jets’ supposed strength, their defense, became the first 0-5 team with no forced turnovers in professional football annals. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with infractions, turnovers, poor offensive line play, failed fourth-down attempts and lackluster coaching. Amazingly the Jets are declining each game. If that weren't sufficient this has been a recurring issue: their playoff-less streak of 14 seasons is the longest in the NFL. And with one of the worst owners in the league, it could continue for years.

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 Lamar Jackson’s absence. But a 44-10 scoreline – the worst home loss in team history – is shameful and even a talent like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales if his defensive unit, which in fairness has been ravaged by injuries, is godawful. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a productive outing for Houston's QB, the running back, and the rest.

However, Jackson should be back in the near future, they play in a less competitive division and their future games is favorable, so there's still a chance. But given how sloppy the Ravens have performed regardless of Jackson, the confidence level is nearly depleted.

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

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

The issue here is one incident: Joe Burrow's catastrophic injury in the early season. Three weeks without Burrow has caused multiple setbacks. It’s difficult to watch two of the league’s best receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, performing well with nothing to show for it. Chase hauled in a pair of big scores and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to an elite squad, the Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s offense did the majority of their work once the outcome was decided. Meanwhile, Burrow’s replacement, the backup passer, while notable in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has mostly been a disaster. His three turnovers on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No organization in football hinges on the well-being of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will note the fact that they will be a postseason threat when Burrow comes back next year, if he can avoid injury. But only five weeks into the current campaign, the schedule looks practically done for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Release Maxx Crosby, who remains one of the only bright spots in a unusual time of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Indianapolis was more proof of the disastrous pairing of the signal-caller and Pete Carroll in the Nevada. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, leading the league this season with nine interceptions. His two picks in the fifth game led to Indianapolis scores. It's unclear what the backup plan is, but the primary strategy – 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)

Yes, they’re the current title holders. And admittedly, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 contests. But between the wideout and the pass-catcher showing frustration with their roles, supporter grievances about their sluggish offense and the local doubt about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. True, Sunday’s breakdown was worrisome: the Eagles blew a significant margin to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to several infractions, an attack that vanished, and a D that was beaten and outthought by the Broncos' coach. More surprising outcomes exist. Still, they were on the end of debated officiating and are equal with the best record in their league. 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 shameful 22-21 loss to the until-then winless Titans was badly executed. A fumble at the goal line from the ball carrier, who prematurely celebrated a long run too soon, followed by a muffed pick that resulted in a Titans touchdown sank the Cardinals. You couldn't imagine this loss if you attempted. Since this, and their previous two losses, were on game-winning field goals, there can’t be much joy in Glendale these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” Kyler Murray 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.”

Misery rating: 3/10 – Is Kyler Murray still the future?

MVP of the week

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle. The running back, substituting for the hurt starter, {could do with a little more confidence|