🔗 Share this article

No professional sports organization markets equal footing in the manner of the NFL: it defines their identity. But through 10 weeks of this season, this doesn't represent a landscape featuring uniform distribution among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. It’s one where the bulk of franchises is simply fine.

NFC Clarity

In the NFC, at least, we see clearer definition. Los Angeles and Seattle (both at 7-2) look like the most complete teams in the NFL, 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, likewise with the Packers (5-2-1 record). Even the Lions (6-3), who have been inconsistent along both lines of scrimmage and have been dealing with internal staff conflicts, have demonstrated they can defeat strong franchises. Regarding these five teams, you can still easily construct a Super Bowl path.

Muddled AFC Picture

In the AFC however, the playoff picture remains completely chaotic. The current division frontrunners at this stage: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all standing at eight wins) and Steelers (5-4 record). Take another look. No Chiefs presence. Not the Bills. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. The usual contenders, backed by premier quarterback talent, display either obvious team deficiencies or are dealing with health issues.

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 meet championship standards, though not comprehensively. If someone requested to finalize your AFC Championship game picks today, would you confidently select any one of these four teams?

Team Breakdowns

Indianapolis Outlook

First, examining Indianapolis, Daniel Jones hasn't yet achieved pumpkin status. Yet the past two games have been worrying. He’s back to turning over the ball and faltering under duress. He was sacked seven times facing Atlanta during Sunday's contest, and had a short sequence in which he threw an interception and lost three fumbles. This is a week after he committed turnovers on five occasions against the Steelers.

The Colts attack performed well initially as Jones prevented the disaster plays. The running back and protection unit mean the Colts are capable of overcoming periodic mistakes, as they did in Berlin. But Jones returning to his old blunder-prone days would terminate championship hopes.

New England Patriots

The Patriots feel fairly alike. Previously, they were considered jokes. Now, they’re the league’s happiest surprise and the strongest squad in football after seven straight wins. If not for losing due to fumbles a manageable matchup facing Pittsburgh, they'd possess nine wins, one loss with the best record. Last season, they appeared aged and sluggish. Now they’re young, fast and unafraid. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They've encountered the least challenging lineup in the league, and flaws have still emerged. Their quarterback has been sacked thirty-five times – the second-most in football – including particular impacts he suffered last weekend appeared dangerous. Over time, those hits add up.

Broncos Situation

The Broncos are also 8-2, yet it seems that they're barely surviving. Their quarterback has been erratic, with the attack struggling, with the defense doing all the heavy lifting. Lacking competent QB performance, the Broncos won't frighten anyone in the postseason. The Chargers are also hovering in the Western division at 7-2, however, health issues within their blocking corps will create difficulties to achieve championship contention.

Steelers Examination

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, inexplicably frontrunning their division even after suffering a decisive loss to Los Angeles on Sunday night. They've been outscored overall, their defense regularly vanishes, and the QB's current constraints at this stage of his career regularly manifest. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, yet Baltimore, with Lamar Jackson healthy again with manageable games ahead, have won three consecutive. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have narrowed within a game of the Steelers, but that it has arrived so quickly represents criticism toward Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. That the Ravens started the season 1-5 and still look like capable of division victory is telling about the complete conference.

Traditional Powers

The Ravens represent a segment within a trio of powerhouses – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, that would continue to generate the greatest concern for opponents if they made the playoffs. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, but the Chiefs and Bills continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Analysis

Previously, the Bills felt confident after beating the Chiefs. During Sunday's action they experienced among the season's worst defeats of the season. They didn’t just lose to the Dolphins; they looked terrible, losing 30-13 as visitors. It was Miami’s first win over the Bills in more than 1,000 days.

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