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No league sells parity like the NFL: it’s the entire brand. However, after ten games during the current schedule, this isn’t a league that is equally balanced separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. Rather, we see a situation where the bulk of franchises is simply fine.

Clear Picture in NFC

Within the National Football Conference, at least, the picture becomes more distinct. Los Angeles and Seattle (both at 7-2) look like the most well-rounded squads in the NFL, and delivered decisive victories on Sunday. The Eagles with six wins notwithstanding their difficulties still have among the most gifted lineups across the NFL, comparable to the Packers (5-2-1 record). The Lions also (6-3), despite their uneven performances along both lines of scrimmage and navigating coaching drama, have demonstrated they can defeat quality opponents. Regarding these five teams, it's straightforward to envision a route to the final game.

AFC Confusion

In the AFC however, the playoff picture remains completely chaotic. Your four division leaders at this stage: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all at 8-2) and the Steelers (5-4). Consider that carefully. Not the Chiefs. Not the Bills. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. The usual contenders, backed by the league’s best quarterbacks, possess either obvious team deficiencies or are dealing with health issues.

Competitive Balance System

From certain perspectives, it’s the league’s ideal. But watching the current division frontrunners within the conference still feels strange. Areas of each team meet championship standards, but not in their entirety. Were you questioned to lock in your AFC title game selections today, would you comfortably select any one of the current division frontrunners?

Team Breakdowns

Indianapolis Colts

Beginning with the Colts, the signal-caller hasn't yet achieved pumpkin status. Yet the past two games have been worrying. He has returned to turning over the ball and struggling against pressure. He was sacked seven times against the Falcons on Sunday, and endured a five-minute stretch in which he threw an interception and lost three fumbles. This comes after he committed turnovers five separate times versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts attack excelled during early games since Jones evaded game-changing errors. Taylor along with the blockers ensure Indianapolis remains able to withstand periodic mistakes, as demonstrated overseas. Yet Jones going back to his previous error-filled form would finish any playoff run.

New England Analysis

New England appears somewhat similar. A year ago, they were considered jokes. Currently, they represent the NFL's most pleasant shock and the most successful franchise across the league post seven wins in a row. Had it not been for fumbling away a winnable game against Pittsburgh, they’d be sitting a 9-1 record with the top standing. In the prior year, they were old and slow. Now they’re inexperienced, speedy and bold. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They've encountered the least challenging lineup in the league, and there have still been cracks. The signal-caller has taken sacks on 35 occasions – ranking second league-wide – and some of the shots he endured during the game appeared dangerous. Over time, those beatings accumulate.

Broncos Situation

Denver stands at eight wins similarly, and the perception remains like they're nervously waiting. Bo Nix has shown inconsistency, and the offensive unit laboring, as the defense handles the majority of the work. Absent adequate signal-calling, the Broncos aren’t scaring playoff opponents. The Chargers are also contending in the Western division with seven wins, but the injuries within their blocking corps will make it tough to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Steelers Examination

And then there’s Pittsburgh, somehow still leading the Northern division notwithstanding receiving a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers in the evening game. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defensive unit frequently falters, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations given his veteran status persistently appear. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, but Baltimore, with Lamar Jackson healthy again and facing easier opponents, are riding a three-game streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have pulled within a game of the Steelers, but that it has arrived so quickly represents criticism toward Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. Considering the Ravens opened losing five of six yet still appear they should win the division reveals much about the complete conference.

Traditional Powers

The Ravens represent a segment among three elite teams – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – driven by elite quarterback play, who would still strike the most fear in opposing teams if they qualified. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, yet Kansas City and Buffalo persistently undermine themselves.

Buffalo Analysis

Previously, Buffalo was celebrating following victory over Kansas City. On Sunday they suffered among the season's worst defeats during the campaign. They didn’t just lose versus the Dolphins; they suffered humiliation, falling 30-13 on the road. The Dolphins secured their first triumph over the Bills in several seasons.

Should you seek a microcosm of the day, consider this: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt