The Black Cats are currently sixth in League One heading into after defeats to Charlton Athletic, Rotherham United and Sheffield Wednesday.
However, the Wearsiders did manage to win against Ipswich Town and draw against Shrewsbury Town, but performances have left a lot to be desired.
Sunderland are five points off the promotion places but have two games in hand on second-place Wycombe.
But how is the third tier predicted to look come the end of the season based on the results so far?
Here, we take a look at how the data experts say that the table will look at the end of the season:
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1. Crewe Alexandra - 24th - Relegated
Crewe Alexandra are predicted to finish 24th in League One on 29 points by data experts FiveThirtyEight.
Photo: Stu Forster
2. Doncaster Rovers - 23rd - Relegated
Doncaster Rovers are predicted to finish 23rd in League One on 34 points by data experts FiveThirtyEight.
Photo: Nathan Stirk
3. Morecambe - 22nd - Relegated
Morecambe are predicted to finish 22nd in League One on 39 points by data experts FiveThirtyEight.
Photo: Charlotte Tattersall
4. AFC Wimbledon - 21st - Relegated
AFC Wimbledon are predicted to finish 21st in League One on 40 points by data experts FiveThirtyEight.
Photo: Alex Davidson