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No league sells equal footing in the manner of the NFL: it’s the entire brand. But through ten games in this campaign, this doesn't represent a landscape with perfect equilibrium separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. Rather, we see a situation where the bulk of franchises is simply fine.

NFC Clarity

Looking at the NFC side, to some degree, there is some clarity. The Rams and Seahawks (each holding 7-2 records) seem like the most balanced franchises in football, and secured blowout wins during Sunday's action. The 6-2 Eagles notwithstanding their difficulties continue to possess a deeply skilled squad across the NFL, likewise with the Packers (5-2-1 record). The Lions also (6-3), with their fluctuating form on offense and defense and navigating internal staff conflicts, have shown they can defeat good teams. Regarding these five teams, it's straightforward to put together a Super Bowl path.

Muddled AFC Picture

Turning to the American Football Conference, the playoff picture remains completely chaotic. Your four division leaders through ten weeks: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all standing at eight wins) and Steelers (five wins, four losses). Take another look. Not the Chiefs. Not the Bills. Not the Ravens or Bengals. The traditional powers, backed by the league’s best quarterbacks, have either obvious team deficiencies 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 continues to seem unusual. Aspects of each franchise pass the championship smell test, yet not completely. If someone requested to finalize your AFC title game selections today, would you comfortably choose any among these four teams?

Franchise Analysis

Indianapolis Colts

Starting in Indianapolis, Daniel Jones hasn't yet achieved total collapse. But the last two weeks have caused alarm. He has returned to giving away possessions and faltering under duress. He took seven sacks facing Atlanta in the weekend game, and experienced a brief period where he delivered a pick and coughed up the ball thrice. This follows he turned the ball over five times facing the Steelers.

The Colts attack performed well initially because Jones avoided the disaster plays. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line ensure Indianapolis remains capable of overcoming periodic mistakes, as demonstrated overseas. Yet Jones going back to his old blunder-prone days would end postseason aspirations.

Patriots Examination

New England appears somewhat similar. A year ago, they were league laughingstocks. Currently, they represent the league’s happiest surprise and the strongest squad in football following seven consecutive victories. Had it not been for losing due to fumbles a manageable matchup against Pittsburgh, they'd possess at 9–1 with the top standing. In the prior year, they were old and slow. Today they appear inexperienced, speedy and bold. Still, it’s hard to ignore the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They have faced the least challenging lineup across the NFL, and flaws have still emerged. The signal-caller has been sacked on 35 occasions – the second-most in football – with several hits he suffered last weekend appeared dangerous. Over time, those beatings accumulate.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos hold also 8-2, and the perception remains as if they’re holding their breath. The Denver signal-caller has shown inconsistency, with the attack struggling, as the defense handles all the heavy lifting. Lacking competent QB performance, Denver cannot intimidate any playoff team. Los Angeles remains nearby in the AFC West with seven wins, yet medical problems within their blocking corps will create difficulties to achieve championship contention.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Then we have the Steelers, inexplicably frontrunning the AFC North even after suffering a decisive loss to Los Angeles on Sunday night. They've been outscored overall, their defense too often disappears, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations given his veteran status persistently appear. They’re 5–4 and holding on, but Baltimore, with their QB returning to health and the schedule softening, are on a three-game win streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have narrowed the gap to just one game, though the speed of this shift highlights deficiencies within Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. The fact Baltimore began losing five of six yet still appear they should win the division is telling about the entire AFC.

Historical Favorites

Baltimore constitutes part of the Big Three – together with Bills and Chiefs – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who would still strike the most fear in opposing teams if they made the playoffs. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, yet Kansas City and Buffalo continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Bills

Previously, Buffalo was celebrating after beating the Chiefs. This weekend they encountered a particularly discouraging setback this year. They didn't merely fall to the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, losing 30-13 as visitors. The Dolphins secured their first triumph against Buffalo in several seasons.

For those searching for a perfect summary of Sunday, look no further: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt