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No major competition sells equal footing like the NFL: it defines their identity. But through 10 weeks in this campaign, this doesn't represent a landscape with perfect equilibrium separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. It’s one where the bulk of franchises are merely adequate.

NFC Standings Definition

Looking at the NFC side, for the most part, there is some clarity. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both standing at seven wins, two losses) look like the most well-rounded squads in football, and delivered blowout wins during Sunday's action. The 6-2 Eagles even with their challenges continue to possess among the most gifted lineups in the league, comparable to Green Bay (five wins, two losses, one tie). The Lions also (six and three), with their fluctuating form on offense and defense while managing tension on their coaching staff, have shown they can hammer 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, postseason landscape is thoroughly confusing. Your four division leaders at this stage: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all at 8-2) and the Steelers (5-4 record). Read that again. No Chiefs presence. Buffalo is missing. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. Historically strong franchises, featuring premier quarterback talent, have either glaring roster weaknesses or are dealing with health issues.

Competitive Balance System

To some extent, it’s the league’s ideal. However, witnessing the current division frontrunners in the AFC continues to seem unusual. Aspects of each franchise meet championship standards, though not comprehensively. Were you questioned to lock in your AFC Championship game picks right now, could you assuredly pick any of the four division leaders?

Team Breakdowns

Indianapolis Outlook

Beginning with the Colts, their quarterback hasn’t quite reached total collapse. Yet the past two games have raised concerns. He's reverting to committing turnovers and struggling against pressure. He suffered seven sacks versus Atlanta on Sunday, and experienced a five-minute stretch during which he tossed an intercepted pass and fumbled three times. This follows he turned the ball over five times versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts’ offense excelled during early games since Jones evaded catastrophic mistakes. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line ensure Indianapolis remains capable of overcoming some negative plays, as they did in Berlin. Yet Jones going back to his previous error-filled form would end championship hopes.

New England Analysis

The Patriots feel relatively comparable. Previously, they were league laughingstocks. Currently, they represent the NFL's most pleasant shock and the hottest team across the league post seven wins in a row. Except for fumbling away a winnable game facing Pittsburgh, they would currently hold nine wins, one loss as the league's best. Last season, they seemed veteran and plodding. Today they appear inexperienced, speedy and bold. Still, it’s hard to ignore the weakness of New England's opponents. They have faced the most manageable schedule throughout football, yet vulnerabilities remain. Drake Maye has been sacked thirty-five times – among the highest totals – with several hits he suffered last weekend proved brutal. With continued play, those beatings accumulate.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos are 8–2 as well, and it still feels that they're barely surviving. Their quarterback has performed unevenly, and the offense plodding, as the defense handles all the heavy lifting. Lacking competent QB performance, the Broncos aren’t scaring any playoff team. The Chargers are also contending within their division holding a 7-2 record, but the injuries within their blocking corps will create difficulties for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Then we have the Steelers, surprisingly atop the AFC North even after suffering a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers in the evening game. They have a negative point differential, their defense too often disappears, and the QB's current constraints during his career phase continue to show up. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, yet 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 pulled within a game of the Steelers, though the speed of this shift highlights deficiencies within Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. Considering the Ravens opened losing five of six and still look like likely to claim the title speaks volumes regarding the conference as a whole.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens represent a segment among three elite teams – together with Bills and Chiefs – driven by elite quarterback play, who would still strike the most fear for opponents should they reach postseason. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, but the Chiefs and Bills cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Bills

A week ago, Buffalo was celebrating after beating the Chiefs. During Sunday's action they experienced a particularly discouraging setback this year. They didn’t just lose to the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, dropping a 30-13 road game. It was Miami’s first win versus Buffalo in more than 1,000 days.

For those searching for a microcosm of the day, look no further: Allen transforming {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt