🔗 Share this article

No major competition markets equal footing like the NFL: it's their core marketing message. Yet following 10 weeks during the current schedule, this isn’t a league with perfect equilibrium between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Instead, it's a scenario where the bulk of franchises appear to be adequate.

Clear Picture in NFC

In the NFC, to some degree, there is some clarity. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both standing at seven wins, two losses) appear to be the most balanced franchises across the league, and achieved blowout wins on Sunday. The Eagles with six wins despite their struggles maintain one of the most talented rosters throughout football, similar to the Packers (5-2-1). Detroit as well (6-3 standing), who have been inconsistent in trench play and have been dealing with internal staff conflicts, have demonstrated they're capable of dominating good teams. For all five, you can still easily envision a route to the final game.

AFC Playoff Chaos

Turning to the American Football Conference, championship race is thoroughly confusing. Your four division leaders through ten weeks: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all standing at eight wins) and the Steelers (5-4). Consider that carefully. Not the Chiefs. Not the Bills. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. Historically strong franchises, featuring the league’s best quarterbacks, have either significant personnel gaps or have been hit by injuries.

Competitive Balance System

In some ways, this is exactly what the league wants. But watching this year’s four division leaders within the conference continues to seem unusual. Components of every squad meet championship standards, though not comprehensively. If someone requested to lock in your conference championship predictions at this moment, would you confidently select any one of the current division frontrunners?

Squad Examinations

Indianapolis Outlook

Beginning with the Colts, their quarterback hasn't descended to total collapse. But the last two weeks have raised concerns. He has returned to turning over the ball and failing against blitzes. He was sacked seven times versus Atlanta in the weekend game, and experienced a short sequence in which he threw an interception and fumbled three times. This comes after he gave away possessions five times facing the Steelers.

Indianapolis' offensive unit thrived early in the season because Jones avoided the disaster plays. The running back and protection unit mean the Colts are able to withstand some negative plays, as they did in Berlin. However, if Jones reverts to his previous error-filled form would terminate postseason aspirations.

New England Analysis

The Patriots feel somewhat similar. Previously, they were a punchline. Currently, they represent the league’s happiest surprise and the most successful franchise in football after seven straight wins. If not for fumbling away a contest they should have won versus the Steelers, they’d be sitting at 9–1 with the best record. In the prior year, they were old and slow. Currently they're young, fast and unafraid. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the weakness of New England's opponents. They've played against the most manageable schedule in the league, and flaws have still emerged. Their quarterback has been brought down 35 times – the second-most in football – and some of the shots he suffered last weekend appeared dangerous. Over time, those beatings accumulate.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos hold also 8-2, and the perception remains that they're barely surviving. Their quarterback has performed unevenly, and the offensive unit laboring, while the defensive unit provides most of the responsibility. Absent adequate signal-calling, Denver cannot intimidate anyone in the postseason. The Chargers are also hovering in the Western division holding a 7-2 record, however, health issues along their offensive line will create difficulties to achieve championship contention.

Steelers Examination

Then we have the Steelers, somehow still leading their division notwithstanding receiving 25-10 by the Chargers on Sunday night. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defensive unit frequently falters, with their quarterback's restrictions during his career phase continue to show up. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, however, the Ravens, with their QB returning to health with manageable games ahead, are riding a three-game streak. This development isn't entirely shocking that the Ravens have narrowed the gap to just one game, but how rapidly this occurred highlights deficiencies within the Steelers' uneven performances. Considering the Ravens opened losing five of six and still look like likely to claim the title is telling about the conference as a whole.

Traditional Powers

Baltimore constitutes part among three elite teams – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who could still create the greatest concern for opponents should they reach postseason. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, however, both franchises cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Analysis

Last week, the Bills were riding high following victory over Kansas City. This weekend they encountered one of the most disappointing losses of the season. They didn’t just lose versus the Dolphins; they suffered humiliation, dropping a 30-13 road game. It was Miami’s first win over the Bills in several seasons.

For those searching for a perfect summary of Sunday, consider this: Allen transforming {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt