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We have passed the 25% point of the professional football season, which means we have a clear picture of the trajectory of many franchises. So let’s highlight the teams whose positive energy have vanished after the fifth week. Note that these might not be the worst teams in the league (the Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are awful but are largely playing as expected) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.

New York Jets: Winless at 0-5

The sole franchise without a victory in the league, the Jets epitomize football suffering. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 beating to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the numbers imply. The Jets’ presumed asset, their defense, became the first 0-5 unit with no takeaways in league history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with flags, turnovers, poor offensive line play, ineffective short-yardage play and poor sideline leadership. Amazingly the Jets are declining each game. If that weren't sufficient this has been going on for years: their playoff drought of 14 seasons is the league's lengthiest. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could last a long time.

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 Lamar Jackson’s absence. But a 44-10 scoreline – the worst home loss in franchise history – is humiliating and even a star like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales if his defensive unit, which in fairness has been plagued by health issues, is terrible. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a productive outing for CJ Stroud, Nick Chubb, and company.

However, Jackson is expected back in the next few weeks, they play in a less competitive division and their upcoming slate is soft, so optimism remains. But considering how messy the Ravens have performed with or sans Jackson, the optimism gauge is close to empty.

Suffering Score: 6/10 - The AFC North remains up for grabs.

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

This situation stems from a single play: Burrow's year-ending ailment in the second week. Several weeks without Burrow has led to three losses. It’s difficult to watch a pair of elite wideouts, Cincinnati's WR1 and Tee Higgins, doing their thing with nothing to show for it. Chase grabbed a pair of big scores and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to a top franchise, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s O did most of the damage once the result was beyond doubt. Simultaneously, Burrow’s replacement, Jake Browning, while notable in the final period against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three turnovers on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No team in football depends so much on the fitness of a single athlete like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will highlight the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow returns next year, if he can avoid injury. But just five games into the current campaign, the season looks practically done for Cincinnati.

Suffering Score: 6/10 – Bengals supporters are again pondering what might have been.

Las Vegas Raiders: Stumbling at 1-4

Release Maxx Crosby, who continues to be one of the only bright spots in a strange period of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Colts was more proof of the poor combination of the signal-caller and Pete Carroll in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a giveaway factory, ranking first this season with nine turnovers. His two picks in Week 5 led to Indianapolis scores. We’re not sure what Plan B is, but the current approach – being fully committed to Smith – is a very painful watch.

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

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And admittedly, they have only been defeated twice in 22 games. But amid the wideout and DeVonta Smith expressing dissatisfaction with their positions, followers' criticism about their slow-moving attack and the local doubt about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were winless. Yes, Sunday’s breakdown was worrisome: the Eagles lost a two-score advantage to Denver in the final period thanks to multiple flags, an offense that faded horribly, and a D that was dominated and outcoached by the opposing strategist. Stranger events have occurred. Still, they were on the end of questionable rulings and are equal with the top mark in their NFC. What happened to the joy?

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

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are average rather than miserable, but their humiliating 22-21 defeat to the formerly victory-less Titans was incompetent. A fumble at the goal line from the ball carrier, who assumed he had scored prematurely, followed by a fumbled Cardinals interception that ended in a opposing TD did Arizona in. You couldn't imagine this setback if you attempted. Given that this, and their prior defeats, were on game-winning field goals, there can’t be much joy in Glendale these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I really don’t even know. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I'm not sure. It was insane.”

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

MVP of the week

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