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No major competition promotes equal footing in the manner of the NFL: it defines their identity. But through ten games in this campaign, this isn’t a league featuring uniform distribution separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. It’s one where the bulk of franchises appear to be fine.

NFC Clarity

In the NFC, at least, there is some clarity. Los Angeles and Seattle (each holding 7-2 records) seem like the most complete teams in football, and secured overwhelming triumphs on Sunday. The Eagles with six wins notwithstanding their difficulties maintain a deeply skilled squad across the NFL, similar to the Packers franchise (five wins, two losses, one tie). The Lions also (6-3), despite their uneven performances on offense and defense while managing coaching drama, have demonstrated they can defeat good teams. For each of these squads, it's straightforward to construct a Super Bowl path.

Muddled AFC Picture

In the AFC however, the playoff picture is thoroughly confusing. The four teams leading their divisions through ten weeks: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) along with Pittsburgh (5-4). Take another look. Kansas City isn't there. Buffalo is missing. Not the Ravens or Bengals. The traditional powers, backed by elite NFL signal-callers, have either obvious team deficiencies or are dealing with health issues.

Parity Mechanics

In some ways, it’s the league’s ideal. Yet observing the current division frontrunners in the American Football Conference remains somewhat odd. Areas of each team meet championship standards, but not in their entirety. If you were asked to finalize your AFC title game selections today, could you assuredly pick any of these four teams?

Team Breakdowns

Indianapolis Outlook

First, examining Indianapolis, Daniel Jones hasn't yet achieved pumpkin status. But the last two weeks have caused alarm. He has returned to giving away possessions and faltering under duress. He suffered seven sacks versus Atlanta during Sunday's contest, and experienced a brief period where he delivered a pick and fumbled three times. This follows he committed turnovers five times facing the Steelers.

The Colts attack excelled during early games since Jones evaded the disaster plays. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line mean the Colts are good enough to survive periodic mistakes, like their German performance. Yet Jones going back to his historically mistake-heavy play would end any playoff run.

New England Patriots

The Patriots feel fairly alike. A year ago, they were a punchline. Currently, they represent football's most unexpected success and the most successful franchise in football following seven consecutive victories. Had it not been for fumbling away a contest they should have won versus the Steelers, they’d be sitting nine wins, one loss with the top standing. Previously, they seemed veteran and plodding. Currently they're youthful, quick and confident. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They have faced the most manageable schedule in the league, yet vulnerabilities remain. Their quarterback has been brought down thirty-five times – the second-most in football – and some of the shots he absorbed on Sunday were vicious. As the season progresses, those hits add up.

Broncos Situation

The Broncos are 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, while the defensive unit provides all the heavy lifting. Absent adequate signal-calling, the Broncos won't frighten any playoff team. Los Angeles remains nearby in the Western division at 7-2, yet medical problems within their blocking corps will create difficulties for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Then we have the Steelers, inexplicably frontrunning their division despite being thumped 25-10 by the Chargers during prime time. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defense too often disappears, with their quarterback's restrictions given his veteran status regularly manifest. They’re 5–4 and holding on, but Baltimore, featuring a recovered Jackson and facing easier opponents, have won three consecutive. This development isn't entirely shocking that the Ravens have narrowed within a game of the Steelers, but that it has arrived so quickly highlights deficiencies within the Steelers' uneven performances. Considering the Ravens opened with a 1-5 record and still look like they should win the division is telling about the conference as a whole.

Traditional Powers

The Ravens represent a segment of the Big Three – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, that would continue to generate the most fear for opponents if they made the playoffs. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, however, both franchises persistently undermine themselves.

Buffalo Analysis

Last week, the Bills felt confident post Chiefs triumph. On Sunday they suffered a particularly discouraging setback of the season. They didn't merely fall versus the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, losing 30-13 as visitors. It was Miami’s first win over the Bills in over three years.

If you’re looking for an example representing the day, look no further: the quarterback converting {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt