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No league promotes equal footing as effectively as the NFL: it’s the entire brand. Yet following ten games of this season, this is not a competition with perfect equilibrium separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. It’s one where most of the league is simply sufficient.

Clear Picture in NFC

Within the National Football Conference, at least, the picture becomes more distinct. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both at 7-2) seem like the most well-rounded squads in football, and achieved overwhelming triumphs during Sunday's action. The 6-2 Eagles even with their challenges continue to possess among the most gifted lineups across the NFL, comparable to the Packers franchise (5-2-1 record). Even the Lions (6-3), despite their uneven performances on offense and defense while managing coaching drama, have proven they can defeat good teams. For each of these squads, you can still easily envision a route to the final game.

Muddled AFC Picture

In the AFC however, the playoff picture remains completely chaotic. The four teams leading their divisions at this stage: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all standing at eight wins) and the Steelers (5-4). Take another look. Kansas City isn't there. No Bills inclusion. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. The usual contenders, featuring the league’s best quarterbacks, have either glaring roster weaknesses or have been hit by injuries.

Competitive Balance System

In some ways, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. However, witnessing the current division frontrunners in the AFC still feels strange. Areas of each team suggest title potential, but not in their entirety. If you were asked to lock in your conference championship predictions right now, would you comfortably choose any among the four division leaders?

Franchise Analysis

Indianapolis Outlook

First, examining Indianapolis, Daniel Jones hasn't descended to complete disaster level. But the last two weeks have raised concerns. He's reverting to committing turnovers and failing against blitzes. He took seven sacks against the Falcons on Sunday, and experienced a brief period during which he tossed a pick and lost three fumbles. This is a week after he turned the ball over five times versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts’ offense thrived early in the season as Jones prevented game-changing errors. Taylor along with the blockers mean the Colts are good enough to survive occasional setbacks, like their German performance. However, if Jones reverts to his historically mistake-heavy play would terminate postseason aspirations.

New England Patriots

New England appears fairly alike. Last season, they were league laughingstocks. Now, they’re football's most unexpected success and the most successful franchise in the NFL after seven straight wins. Had it not been for losing due to fumbles a winnable game versus the Steelers, they would currently hold nine wins, one loss with the top standing. In the prior year, they seemed veteran and plodding. Today they appear young, fast and unafraid. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They've played against the most manageable schedule throughout football, yet vulnerabilities remain. The signal-caller has taken sacks on 35 occasions – ranking second league-wide – including particular impacts he absorbed on Sunday appeared dangerous. As the season progresses, that punishment compounds.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos are eight wins similarly, yet it seems as if they’re holding their breath. Their quarterback has performed unevenly, and the offensive unit laboring, while the defensive unit provides the majority of the work. Lacking competent QB performance, the Broncos won't frighten playoff opponents. Los Angeles remains nearby within their division holding a 7-2 record, yet medical problems within their blocking corps will present challenges to achieve championship contention.

Pittsburgh Steelers

And then there’s Pittsburgh, somehow still leading their division even after suffering 25-10 by the Chargers during prime time. They've been outscored overall, their defensive unit frequently falters, with their quarterback's restrictions during his career phase regularly manifest. They’re 5–4 and holding on, yet Baltimore, with Lamar Jackson healthy again and the schedule softening, have won three consecutive. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that Baltimore has closed to within one game of Pittsburgh, though the speed of this shift represents criticism toward Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. The fact Baltimore began the season 1-5 and still look like they should win the division speaks volumes regarding the entire AFC.

Established Contenders

Baltimore constitutes part within a trio of powerhouses – together with Bills and Chiefs – driven by elite quarterback play, who could still create the highest anxiety in opposing teams if they made the playoffs. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, however, both franchises persistently undermine themselves.

Buffalo Bills

A week ago, Buffalo was celebrating following victory over Kansas City. This weekend they encountered a particularly discouraging setback this year. They didn't simply fail versus the Dolphins; they suffered humiliation, falling 30-13 on the road. This represented Miami's initial victory versus Buffalo in several seasons.

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