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No professional sports organization promotes competitive balance like the NFL: it defines their identity. Yet following 10 weeks in this campaign, this is not a competition featuring uniform distribution among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. Rather, we see a situation where the bulk of franchises appear to be fine.

NFC Clarity

Within the National Football Conference, for the most part, we see clearer definition. Los Angeles and Seattle (both at 7-2) look like the most well-rounded squads in football, and delivered decisive victories in their weekend matchups. Philadelphia at 6-2 despite their struggles maintain a deeply skilled squad throughout football, comparable to the Packers (five wins, two losses, one tie). The Lions also (6-3), despite their uneven performances along both lines of scrimmage while managing coaching drama, have shown they're capable of dominating strong franchises. For each of these squads, one can readily construct a route to the final game.

AFC Confusion

Turning to the American Football Conference, the playoff picture is a jumbled mess. The current division frontrunners at this stage: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (each with 8-2 records) and Steelers (five wins, four losses). Take another look. Kansas City isn't there. No Bills inclusion. Not the Ravens or Bengals. The usual contenders, featuring elite NFL signal-callers, have either obvious team deficiencies or are dealing with health issues.

League Equality Design

In some ways, this is exactly what the league wants. But watching this year’s four division leaders in the AFC still feels strange. Areas of each team meet championship standards, yet not completely. Were you questioned to finalize your AFC title game selections right now, could you assuredly select any one of the current division frontrunners?

Squad Examinations

Indianapolis Colts

Starting in Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn’t quite reached pumpkin status. However, recent performances have raised concerns. He’s back to giving away possessions and struggling against pressure. He suffered seven sacks versus Atlanta on Sunday, and endured a short sequence in which he threw an interception and lost three fumbles. This is a week after he gave away possessions five times facing the Steelers.

The Colts attack performed well initially as Jones prevented the disaster plays. The running back and protection unit mean the Colts are able to withstand occasional setbacks, like their German performance. But Jones returning to his old blunder-prone days would finish championship hopes.

New England Patriots

New England appears somewhat similar. A year ago, they were considered jokes. Currently, they represent the league’s happiest surprise and the strongest squad in the NFL following seven consecutive victories. Except for fumbling away a contest they should have won versus the Steelers, they'd possess at 9–1 with the best record. Previously, they were old and slow. Currently they're youthful, quick and confident. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They've played against the most manageable schedule across the NFL, yet vulnerabilities remain. The signal-caller has taken sacks 35 times – ranking second league-wide – and some of the shots he endured during the game appeared dangerous. With continued play, that punishment compounds.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos are eight wins similarly, and it still feels that they're barely surviving. Bo Nix has shown inconsistency, and the offense plodding, with the defense doing all the heavy lifting. Without serviceable quarterback play, Denver cannot intimidate playoff opponents. Los Angeles remains nearby within their division holding a 7-2 record, however, health issues within their blocking corps will present challenges for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Steelers

And then there’s Pittsburgh, surprisingly atop the AFC North despite being thumped a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers in the evening game. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defensive unit frequently falters, and the QB's current constraints given his veteran status regularly manifest. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, yet Baltimore, with their QB returning to health and facing easier opponents, are riding a three-game streak. This development isn't entirely shocking that Baltimore has closed to within one game of Pittsburgh, but that it has arrived so quickly highlights deficiencies within Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. Considering the Ravens opened the season 1-5 and still look like they should win the division reveals much about the conference as a whole.

Established Contenders

Baltimore constitutes part among three elite teams – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who could still create the greatest concern among competitors should they reach postseason. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, but the Chiefs and Bills cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Bills

Previously, the Bills were riding high following victory over Kansas City. During Sunday's action they experienced a particularly discouraging setback during the campaign. They didn't merely fall to the Dolphins; they looked terrible, falling 30-13 on the road. The Dolphins secured their first triumph over the Bills in several seasons.

If you’re looking for a microcosm of the day, consider this: the quarterback converting {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt