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No professional sports organization sells parity as effectively as the NFL: it's their core marketing message. Yet following ten games of this season, this isn’t a league with perfect equilibrium among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. Rather, we see a situation where the majority of teams is simply adequate.

NFC Clarity

In the NFC, to some degree, we see clearer definition. The Rams and Seahawks (both at 7-2) look like the most complete teams in the NFL, and delivered blowout wins in their weekend matchups. The Eagles with six wins even with their challenges still have among the most gifted lineups across the NFL, similar to the Packers (5-2-1 record). Detroit as well (6-3), with their fluctuating form along both lines of scrimmage and navigating tension on their coaching staff, have shown they can defeat good teams. For each of these squads, one can readily put together a Super Bowl path.

AFC Playoff Chaos

Over in the AFC, championship race is thoroughly confusing. The four teams leading their divisions at this stage: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all standing at eight wins) along with Pittsburgh (5-4). Consider that carefully. Kansas City isn't there. Not the Bills. Not the Ravens or Bengals. The traditional powers, featuring the league’s best quarterbacks, have either significant personnel gaps or are dealing with health issues.

League Equality Design

To some extent, this is exactly what the league wants. However, witnessing this year’s four division leaders in the American Football Conference still feels strange. Areas of each team meet championship standards, but not in their entirety. If you were asked to lock in your conference championship predictions right now, would you comfortably choose any among these four teams?

Squad Examinations

Colts Situation

First, examining Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn't yet achieved pumpkin status. Yet the past two games have caused alarm. He has returned to giving away possessions and faltering under duress. He suffered seven sacks against the Falcons during Sunday's contest, and endured a five-minute stretch in which he threw an interception and fumbled three times. This comes after he turned the ball over five times versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts attack excelled during early games because Jones avoided game-changing errors. The running back and protection unit ensure Indianapolis remains good enough to survive some negative plays, as they did in Berlin. But Jones returning to his historically mistake-heavy play would terminate any playoff run.

New England Analysis

New England appears relatively comparable. Previously, they were a punchline. Currently, they represent the league’s happiest surprise and the hottest team in football following seven consecutive victories. Had it not been for fumbling away a winnable game versus the Steelers, they would currently hold at 9–1 with the top standing. Previously, they seemed veteran and plodding. Today they appear young, fast and unafraid. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They have faced the most manageable schedule across the NFL, yet vulnerabilities remain. The signal-caller has been sacked on 35 occasions – the second-most in football – including particular impacts he suffered last weekend were vicious. With continued play, those beatings accumulate.

Broncos Situation

Denver stands at 8–2 as well, yet it seems as if they’re holding their breath. The Denver signal-caller has performed unevenly, and the offense plodding, as the defense handles most of the responsibility. Without serviceable quarterback play, Denver cannot intimidate any playoff team. The Chargers are also contending within their division holding a 7-2 record, but the injuries affecting their protection unit will create difficulties for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Steelers

And then there’s Pittsburgh, surprisingly atop the AFC North notwithstanding receiving a decisive loss to Los Angeles in the evening game. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defense too often disappears, with their quarterback's restrictions given his veteran status persistently appear. They’re 5–4 and holding on, yet Baltimore, with Lamar Jackson healthy again with manageable games ahead, have won three consecutive. This development isn't entirely shocking that the Ravens have narrowed the gap to just one game, but that it has arrived so quickly represents criticism toward the Steelers' uneven performances. Considering the Ravens opened the season 1-5 and still look like capable of division victory reveals much about the entire AFC.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens' form part among three elite teams – together with Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, that would continue to generate the highest anxiety for opponents if they qualified. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, however, both franchises cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Analysis

A week ago, Buffalo was celebrating after beating the Chiefs. This weekend they encountered a particularly discouraging setback this year. They didn't simply fail versus the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, falling 30-13 on the road. It was Miami’s first win against Buffalo 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