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We’re past the 25% point of the National Football League campaign, which suggests we have a good idea of the path of the majority of squads. So let’s highlight the teams whose optimistic outlook have vanished after the latest round of games. Note that these might not be the most terrible squads in the league (the Titans and Browns, for example, are awful but are largely 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 heartbreaking defeats, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a 60-yard winning field goal for the Steelers in Week 1. 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 team with no takeaways in professional football annals. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with infractions, mistakes, poor offensive line play, failed fourth-down attempts and poor sideline leadership. Amazingly the Jets are declining each game. If that didn't suffice this has been going on for years: their postseason absence of 14 seasons is the league's lengthiest. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could persist indefinitely.

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

Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 1-4

Certainly, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But 44-10 – the worst home loss in team history – is shameful and even a star like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales if his defense, which admittedly has been ravaged by injuries, is terrible. Even worse, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a field day for CJ Stroud, the running back, and the rest.

Nevertheless, Jackson should be back in the near future, they play in a relatively weak division and their remaining schedule is manageable, so all hope is not lost. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have played regardless of Jackson, the confidence level is nearly depleted.

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

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

This one boils down to a single play: Burrow's year-ending ailment in Week 2. A trio of games without Burrow has resulted in a trio of defeats. It’s almost painful to watch a pair of elite wideouts, Ja’Marr Chase and the other starting receiver, making plays with nothing to show for it. Chase hauled in two huge touchdowns and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to an elite squad, the Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s O did the bulk of the scoring once the game was out of reach. Simultaneously, Burrow’s backup, the backup passer, while notable in the last quarter against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three picks on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No organization in football depends so much on the health of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will note the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow returns next year, if he can stay fit. But only five weeks into the current campaign, the campaign looks practically done for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders: Stumbling at 1-4

Free Maxx Crosby, who is still a rare positive in a weird new era of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Colts was further evidence of the disastrous pairing of the signal-caller and the head coach in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a giveaway factory, ranking first this season with nine interceptions. His two picks in the fifth game produced Indianapolis scores. It's unclear what the alternative is, but the primary strategy – being all in on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

Suffering Score: 7/10 – Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly must adjust quickly.

Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Certainly, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And yes, they have only been defeated twice in 22 games. But between AJ Brown and the pass-catcher being disgruntled with their positions, supporter grievances about their underperforming O and the city’s continued skepticism about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were winless. Yes, Sunday’s meltdown was concerning: the Eagles lost a two-score advantage to Denver in the last quarter thanks to multiple flags, an offense that faded horribly, and a Vic Fangio defense that was beaten and outthought by Sean Payton. More surprising outcomes exist. Nevertheless, they were on the end of debated officiating and are sharing the best record in their NFC. Where are the smiles?

Suffering Score: 3/10 - The atmosphere might be negative but Philadelphia will make the playoffs.

Mention-Worthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are average rather than terrible, but their shameful 22-21 defeat 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 muffed pick that led to a Titans touchdown did Arizona in. You couldn’t concoct this defeat if you wanted to. 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 at a loss for words,” 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 can't explain. It was unbelievable.”

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

Top Performer

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