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No major competition sells equal footing in the manner of the NFL: it's their core marketing message. But through the first ten matchups in this campaign, this isn’t a league that is equally balanced among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. Instead, it's a scenario where the majority of teams is simply fine.

Clear Picture in NFC

Looking at the NFC side, at least, there is some clarity. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both at 7-2) appear to be the most complete teams across the league, and achieved blowout wins during Sunday's action. The Eagles with six wins despite their struggles still have among the most gifted lineups throughout football, comparable to the Packers franchise (5-2-1 record). The Lions also (6-3 standing), who have been inconsistent on offense and defense and navigating coaching drama, have demonstrated they're capable of dominating quality opponents. For each of these squads, you can still easily put together a route to the final game.

Muddled AFC Picture

Turning to the American Football Conference, the playoff picture is a jumbled mess. The four teams leading their divisions after ten games: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all standing at eight wins) and Steelers (5-4). Consider that carefully. Kansas City isn't there. No Bills inclusion. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. The usual contenders, supported by elite NFL signal-callers, display either obvious team deficiencies or are dealing with health issues.

Parity Mechanics

From certain perspectives, it’s the league’s ideal. Yet observing the current division frontrunners within the conference remains somewhat odd. Aspects of each franchise suggest title potential, but not in their entirety. Were you questioned to finalize your AFC Championship game picks today, could you assuredly pick any of the current division frontrunners?

Franchise Analysis

Indianapolis Outlook

First, examining Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn’t quite reached complete disaster level. However, recent performances have raised concerns. He’s back to turning over the ball and faltering under duress. He took seven sacks against the Falcons on Sunday, and experienced a brief period in which he threw an interception and fumbled three times. This is a week after he turned the ball over on five occasions against the Steelers.

Indianapolis' offensive unit excelled during early games as Jones prevented catastrophic mistakes. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line make the Colts able to withstand occasional setbacks, as they did in Berlin. Yet Jones going back to his historically mistake-heavy play would end championship hopes.

New England Analysis

New England appears relatively comparable. A year ago, they were a punchline. Currently, they represent the NFL's most pleasant shock and the most successful franchise in the NFL after seven straight wins. If not for committing turnover errors a manageable matchup against Pittsburgh, they’d be sitting a 9-1 record with the top standing. In the prior year, they were old and slow. Currently they're youthful, quick and confident. Still, it’s hard to ignore the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They have faced the easiest slate throughout football, and there have still been cracks. Drake Maye has been sacked thirty-five times – ranking second league-wide – with several hits he suffered last weekend proved brutal. With continued play, that punishment compounds.

Broncos Situation

The Broncos hold 8–2 as well, and the perception remains like they're nervously waiting. The Denver signal-caller has been erratic, and the offensive unit laboring, as the defense handles all the heavy lifting. Lacking competent QB performance, the Broncos aren’t scaring playoff opponents. Los Angeles remains nearby within their division with seven wins, but the injuries within their blocking corps will present challenges to achieve championship contention.

Pittsburgh Situation

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, surprisingly atop their division notwithstanding receiving a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers in the evening game. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defense too often disappears, with their quarterback's restrictions during his career phase continue to show up. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, but Baltimore, with their QB returning to health and facing easier opponents, are on a three-game win streak. This development isn't entirely shocking that the Ravens have narrowed within a game of the Steelers, but how rapidly this occurred is an indictment of the Steelers' uneven performances. Considering the Ravens opened losing five of six yet still appear they should win the division speaks volumes regarding the entire AFC.

Historical Favorites

Baltimore constitutes part within a trio of powerhouses – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – driven by elite quarterback play, that would continue to generate the greatest concern among competitors if they qualified. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, however, both franchises cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Bills

A week ago, the Bills felt confident after beating the Chiefs. This weekend they encountered one of the most disappointing losses during the campaign. They didn't merely fall to the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, dropping a 30-13 road game. The Dolphins secured their first triumph over the Bills in over three years.

If you’re looking for a microcosm of the day, here you go: Allen transforming {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt