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No professional sports organization sells competitive balance like the NFL: it defines their identity. Yet following ten games during the current schedule, this is not a competition featuring uniform distribution separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. It’s one where the bulk of franchises is simply adequate.

NFC Standings Definition

In the NFC, at least, the picture becomes more distinct. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both standing at seven wins, two losses) seem like the most complete teams in the NFL, and achieved blowout wins on Sunday. Philadelphia at 6-2 despite their struggles maintain a deeply skilled squad across the NFL, similar to the Packers franchise (5-2-1). Even the Lions (6-3), who have been inconsistent in trench play and navigating coaching drama, have demonstrated they're capable of dominating quality opponents. Regarding these five teams, you can still easily put together a Super Bowl path.

Muddled AFC Picture

In the AFC however, championship race is thoroughly confusing. The four teams leading their divisions after ten games: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) and the Steelers (5-4 record). Read that again. Not the Chiefs. Not the Bills. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. Historically strong franchises, featuring elite NFL signal-callers, have either significant personnel gaps or have suffered medical setbacks.

League Equality Design

In some ways, this is exactly what the league wants. Yet observing this year’s four division leaders in the American Football Conference still feels strange. Components of every squad meet championship standards, yet not completely. If someone requested to commit to your conference championship predictions right now, would you comfortably choose any among the current division frontrunners?

Franchise Analysis

Colts Situation

Starting in Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn't descended to complete disaster level. However, recent performances have caused alarm. He’s back to committing turnovers and faltering under duress. He took seven sacks versus Atlanta during Sunday's contest, and endured a short sequence in which he threw a pick and coughed up the ball thrice. This comes after he turned the ball over five separate times against the Steelers.

Indianapolis' offensive unit excelled during early games since Jones evaded game-changing errors. Taylor along with the blockers make the Colts able to withstand some negative plays, like their German performance. However, if Jones reverts to his previous error-filled form would terminate postseason aspirations.

New England Analysis

New England appears somewhat similar. Last season, they were league laughingstocks. Currently, they represent the league’s happiest surprise and the hottest team in football following seven consecutive victories. Had it not been for committing turnover errors a winnable game versus the Steelers, they’d be sitting a 9-1 record with the best record. Last season, they were old and slow. Now they’re young, fast and unafraid. Still, it’s hard to ignore the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They have faced the least challenging lineup in the league, and there have still been cracks. Their quarterback has been brought down on 35 occasions – the second-most in football – with several hits he absorbed on Sunday appeared dangerous. With continued play, that punishment compounds.

Denver Analysis

The Broncos hold 8–2 as well, yet it seems like they're nervously waiting. The Denver signal-caller has performed unevenly, and the offensive unit laboring, as the defense handles all the heavy lifting. Absent adequate signal-calling, the Broncos aren’t scaring playoff opponents. The Chargers are also hovering in the Western division holding a 7-2 record, however, health issues within their blocking corps will present challenges to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Situation

Then we have the Steelers, surprisingly atop the Northern division despite being thumped 25-10 by the Chargers during prime time. They've been outscored overall, their defensive unit frequently falters, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations during his career phase regularly manifest. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, yet Baltimore, featuring a recovered Jackson and the schedule softening, have won three consecutive. This development isn't entirely shocking that the Ravens have pulled within a game of the Steelers, though the speed of this shift is an indictment of Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. That the Ravens started with a 1-5 record and still look like likely to claim the title is telling about the entire AFC.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens' form part of the Big Three – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, that would continue to generate the most fear among competitors if they qualified. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, however, both franchises cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Analysis

A week ago, Buffalo was celebrating post Chiefs triumph. On Sunday they suffered one of the most disappointing losses during the campaign. They didn't merely fall against Miami; they suffered humiliation, losing 30-13 as visitors. The Dolphins secured their first triumph against Buffalo in several seasons.

If you’re looking for a perfect summary of Sunday, look no further: the quarterback converting {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt