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No major competition markets equal footing in the manner of the NFL: it’s the entire brand. 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 sufficient.

Clear Picture in NFC

In the NFC, at least, there is some clarity. The Rams along with the Seahawks (each holding 7-2 records) look like the most balanced franchises across the league, and achieved decisive victories in their weekend matchups. The Eagles with six wins even with their challenges maintain a deeply skilled squad in the league, comparable to the Packers (5-2-1 record). The Lions also (6-3 standing), with their fluctuating form along both lines of scrimmage and navigating coaching drama, have shown they're capable of dominating good teams. For all five, you can still easily construct a Super Bowl path.

AFC Confusion

Turning to the American Football Conference, 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 Steelers (5-4 record). Take another look. Not the Chiefs. No Bills inclusion. Not the Ravens or Bengals. The traditional powers, backed by elite NFL signal-callers, have either glaring roster weaknesses or have been hit by injuries.

Competitive Balance System

To some extent, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. Yet observing this year’s four division leaders in the AFC continues to seem unusual. Areas of each team pass the championship smell test, yet not completely. Were you questioned to commit to your AFC Championship game picks at this moment, would you confidently select any one of these four teams?

Squad Examinations

Indianapolis Outlook

Beginning with the Colts, their quarterback hasn't descended to total collapse. But the last two weeks have caused alarm. He's reverting to turning over the ball and faltering under duress. He took seven sacks against the Falcons on Sunday, and had a brief period in which he threw an interception and fumbled three times. This follows he committed turnovers on five occasions versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts’ offense performed well initially since Jones evaded the disaster plays. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line make the Colts good enough to survive occasional setbacks, as demonstrated overseas. But Jones returning to his old blunder-prone days would terminate championship hopes.

Patriots Examination

The Patriots seem relatively comparable. Previously, they were considered jokes. Currently, they represent football's most unexpected success and the strongest squad across the league post seven wins in a row. If not for committing turnover errors a manageable matchup against Pittsburgh, they would currently hold nine wins, one loss with the top standing. Previously, they seemed veteran and plodding. Currently they're inexperienced, speedy and bold. However, we must acknowledge the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They have faced the most manageable schedule throughout football, yet vulnerabilities remain. The signal-caller has taken sacks on 35 occasions – among the highest totals – with several hits he endured during the game proved brutal. With continued play, those beatings accumulate.

Broncos Situation

Denver stands at 8–2 as well, and the perception remains like they're nervously waiting. Bo Nix has performed unevenly, and the offensive unit laboring, while the defensive unit provides all the heavy lifting. Absent adequate signal-calling, the Broncos aren’t scaring any playoff team. The Chargers are also hovering in the AFC West at 7-2, but the injuries affecting their protection unit will create difficulties to achieve championship contention.

Pittsburgh Situation

And then there’s Pittsburgh, inexplicably frontrunning the AFC North notwithstanding receiving 25-10 by the Chargers in the evening game. They've been outscored overall, their defense regularly vanishes, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations during his career phase regularly manifest. They’re 5–4 and holding on, however, the Ravens, featuring a recovered Jackson with manageable games ahead, are riding a three-game streak. We shouldn't be completely astonished that the Ravens have pulled within a game of the Steelers, but that it has arrived so quickly highlights deficiencies within Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. The fact Baltimore began the season 1-5 yet still appear capable of division victory reveals much about the conference as a whole.

Traditional Powers

Baltimore constitutes part of the Big Three – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, that would continue to generate the highest anxiety in opposing teams if they qualified. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, but the Chiefs and Bills cannot get out of their own way.

Bills Struggles

Previously, Buffalo was celebrating after beating the Chiefs. During Sunday's action they experienced one of the most disappointing losses this year. They didn't simply fail against Miami; they looked terrible, falling 30-13 on the road. It was Miami’s first win against Buffalo in over three years.

Should you seek a microcosm of the day, look no further: Allen transforming {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt