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We have passed the 25% point of the NFL season, which indicates we have a clear picture of the direction of many franchises. So let’s highlight the teams whose optimistic outlook have evaporated after the fifth week. Note that these aren’t necessarily the lowest-ranked franchises in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are terrible but are mostly playing as projected) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.

New York Jets: Winless at 0-5

The only winless team in the league, the Jets check all the misery boxes. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell drilling a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in the first game. And there have been routs like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was not nearly as close than the final score indicates. The Jets’ presumed asset, their defensive unit, became the first 0-5 team with no takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with flags, turnovers, poor offensive line play, failed fourth-down attempts and uninspired coaching. Incredibly the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that didn't suffice this has been happening for a long time: their playoff drought of 14 seasons is the most extended in football. 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 (1-4)

Certainly, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But 44-10 – the worst home loss in Ravens history – is embarrassing and even a talent like Jackson can't overcome everything if his defensive unit, which to be fair has been plagued by health issues, is awful. Even worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a big day for Houston's QB, the Browns' star, and their teammates.

Nevertheless, Jackson should be back in the coming weeks, they play in a softer division and their upcoming slate is favorable, so there's still a chance. But considering how messy the Ravens have played with or without Jackson, the optimism gauge is close to empty.

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

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

The issue here is one moment: Burrow's year-ending ailment in the early season. Several weeks without Burrow has led to a trio of defeats. It’s hard to watch a pair of elite wideouts, the star receiver and the talented wideout, making plays with no positive results. Chase caught a pair of big scores and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to a top franchise, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s offense did the bulk of the scoring once the result was beyond doubt. Meanwhile, Burrow’s backup, the substitute QB, while impressive in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three picks on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No team in football relies so heavily on the fitness of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will point to the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow comes back next year, if he can avoid injury. But only five weeks into this season, the season looks all but over for Cincinnati.

Misery rating: 6/10 – Once again, Bengals fans are left to wonder at what could have been.

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Free Maxx Crosby, who is still one of the few good things in a strange period of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Indianapolis was another demonstration of the ill-fated union of Geno Smith and the sideline leader in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a giveaway factory, leading the league this season with nine interceptions. His two picks in Week 5 resulted in Indianapolis TDs. Nobody knows what the backup plan is, but Plan A – being fully committed to Smith – is a very painful watch.

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

Wildcard alert! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Yes, they’re the defending champions. And of course, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 games. But among the wideout and DeVonta Smith showing frustration with their situations, supporter grievances about their slow-moving attack and the local doubt about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. True, Sunday’s meltdown was alarming: the Eagles squandered a significant margin to Denver in the final period thanks to multiple flags, an O that disappeared, and a Vic Fangio defense that was beaten and outthought by the opposing strategist. Crazier things have happened. Nevertheless, they were on the receiving side of debated officiating and are equal with the top mark in their league. Why the long faces?

Despair Index: 3/10 - Despite the mood, the Eagles are playoff-bound.

Mention-Worthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are middle-of-the-road rather than miserable, but their shameful 22-21 loss to the until-then winless Titans was badly executed. A fumble at the goal line from the running back, who assumed he had scored early, followed by a muffed pick that led to a Tennessee score sank the Cardinals. You couldn’t concoct this loss if you attempted. Given that this, and their earlier setbacks, were on last-second kicks, there can’t be much joy in Glendale these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” the quarterback said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I really don’t even know. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I don’t know. It was insane.”

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

MVP of the week

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