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No league promotes equal footing like the NFL: it's their core marketing message. But through ten games during the current schedule, this isn’t a league that is equally balanced between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Instead, it's a scenario where most of the league are merely fine.

NFC Clarity

Looking at the NFC side, to some degree, the picture becomes more distinct. The Rams and Seahawks (both at 7-2) appear to be the most well-rounded squads across the league, and delivered blowout wins in their weekend matchups. Philadelphia at 6-2 even with their challenges continue to possess a deeply skilled squad throughout football, similar to the Packers (five wins, two losses, one tie). The Lions also (6-3), who have been inconsistent in trench play and have been dealing with coaching drama, have shown they can hammer good teams. Regarding these five teams, you can still easily put together a Super Bowl path.

Muddled AFC Picture

Over in the AFC, postseason landscape is a jumbled mess. Your four division leaders after ten games: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) along with Pittsburgh (5-4). Take another look. Kansas City isn't there. No Bills inclusion. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. The traditional powers, backed by the league’s best quarterbacks, possess either glaring roster weaknesses or have suffered medical setbacks.

Competitive Balance System

To some extent, this is exactly what the league wants. But watching the current division frontrunners in the AFC still feels strange. Aspects of each franchise meet championship standards, though not comprehensively. If you were asked to commit to your AFC Championship game picks today, would you confidently pick any of the current division frontrunners?

Franchise Analysis

Indianapolis Colts

Beginning with the Colts, the signal-caller hasn't yet achieved complete disaster level. However, recent performances have raised concerns. He’s back to turning over the ball and struggling against pressure. He suffered seven sacks versus Atlanta on Sunday, and endured a five-minute stretch where he delivered a pick and fumbled three times. This follows he turned the ball over five times against the Steelers.

Indianapolis' offensive unit thrived early in the season because Jones avoided game-changing errors. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line make the Colts capable of overcoming some negative plays, as demonstrated overseas. However, if Jones reverts to his previous error-filled form would end postseason aspirations.

Patriots Examination

The Patriots seem fairly alike. A year ago, they were considered jokes. Today, they stand as football's most unexpected success and the most successful franchise in football post seven wins in a row. Except for committing turnover errors a contest they should have won facing Pittsburgh, they would currently hold a 9-1 record with the best record. Previously, they seemed veteran and plodding. Currently they're inexperienced, speedy and bold. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They've played against the most manageable schedule throughout football, and flaws have still emerged. Their quarterback has taken sacks on 35 occasions – the second-most in football – and some of the shots he endured during the game were vicious. With continued play, that punishment compounds.

Broncos Situation

The Broncos are 8–2 as well, yet it seems as if they’re holding their breath. Their quarterback has been erratic, and the offensive unit laboring, while the defensive unit provides all the heavy lifting. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos aren’t scaring playoff opponents. The Chargers are also hovering within their division at 7-2, however, health issues within their blocking corps will present challenges for extended playoff success.

Steelers Examination

And then there’s Pittsburgh, inexplicably frontrunning the Northern division even after suffering a decisive loss to Los Angeles in the evening game. They have a negative point differential, their defense too often disappears, and the QB's current constraints at this stage of his career continue to show up. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, however, the Ravens, featuring a recovered Jackson with manageable games ahead, are riding a three-game streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have pulled the gap to just one game, but how rapidly this occurred represents criticism toward Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. The fact Baltimore began the season 1-5 and still look like capable of division victory speaks volumes regarding the conference as a whole.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens' form part among three elite teams – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – driven by elite quarterback play, that would continue to generate the greatest concern for opponents should they reach postseason. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, but the Chiefs and Bills continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Analysis

Last week, the Bills were riding high after beating the Chiefs. On Sunday they suffered a particularly discouraging setback this year. They didn't merely fall versus the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, dropping a 30-13 road game. This represented Miami's initial victory against Buffalo in over three years.

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