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No professional sports organization markets competitive balance as effectively as the NFL: it's their core marketing message. But through 10 weeks of this season, this is not a competition that is equally balanced between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Rather, we see a situation where the bulk of franchises are merely adequate.

NFC Standings Definition

Looking at the NFC side, for the most part, we see clearer definition. Los Angeles and Seattle (both at 7-2) appear to be the most well-rounded squads across the league, and achieved blowout wins in their weekend matchups. Philadelphia at 6-2 despite their struggles still have among the most gifted lineups across the NFL, similar to Green Bay (5-2-1). The Lions also (6-3), with their fluctuating form on offense and defense and navigating internal staff conflicts, have demonstrated they're capable of dominating good teams. For each of these squads, one can readily construct a Super Bowl path.

AFC Confusion

Turning to the American Football Conference, the playoff picture is thoroughly confusing. The current division frontrunners through ten weeks: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all at 8-2) and Steelers (5-4 record). Read that again. No Chiefs presence. Not the Bills. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. The traditional powers, backed by premier quarterback talent, display either obvious team deficiencies or are dealing with health issues.

Parity Mechanics

To some extent, it’s the league’s ideal. However, witnessing this season's top AFC teams in the American Football Conference remains somewhat odd. Components of every squad meet championship standards, though not comprehensively. If you were asked to lock in your AFC title game selections at this moment, would you comfortably select any one of the four division leaders?

Team Breakdowns

Indianapolis Colts

First, examining Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn’t quite reached pumpkin status. But the last two weeks have been worrying. He has returned to turning over the ball and faltering under duress. He suffered seven sacks against the Falcons during Sunday's contest, and experienced a brief period during which he tossed an intercepted pass and fumbled three times. This is a week after he gave away possessions on five occasions versus Pittsburgh.

Indianapolis' offensive unit excelled during early games since Jones evaded the disaster plays. The running back and protection unit make the Colts capable of overcoming periodic mistakes, like their German performance. Yet Jones going back to his historically mistake-heavy play would end any playoff run.

New England Analysis

New England appears fairly alike. A year ago, they were a punchline. Today, they stand as the NFL's most pleasant shock and the hottest team in football following seven consecutive victories. Except for losing due to fumbles a manageable matchup versus the Steelers, they'd possess a 9-1 record with the top standing. Last season, they appeared aged and sluggish. Now they’re inexperienced, speedy and bold. Still, it’s hard to ignore the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They've encountered the easiest slate in the league, and there have still been cracks. Their quarterback has taken sacks 35 times – among the highest totals – and some of the shots he suffered last weekend proved brutal. With continued play, those beatings accumulate.

Broncos Situation

The Broncos are eight wins similarly, yet it seems like they're nervously waiting. Bo Nix has shown inconsistency, and the offensive unit laboring, as the defense handles all the heavy lifting. Without serviceable quarterback play, Denver cannot intimidate playoff opponents. Los Angeles remains nearby within their division at 7-2, but the injuries along their offensive line will create difficulties to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Steelers

And then there’s Pittsburgh, surprisingly atop their division notwithstanding receiving a decisive loss to Los Angeles during prime time. They've been outscored overall, their defense too often disappears, with their quarterback's restrictions at this stage of his career continue to show up. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, however, the Ravens, with Lamar Jackson healthy again and facing easier opponents, 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, but how rapidly this occurred represents criticism toward Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. Considering the Ravens opened the season 1-5 yet still appear they should win the division speaks volumes regarding the complete conference.

Established Contenders

Baltimore constitutes part among three elite teams – together with Bills and Chiefs – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who would still strike the highest anxiety for opponents should they reach postseason. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, yet Kansas City and Buffalo cannot get out of their own way.

Bills Struggles

Last week, the Bills were riding high after beating the Chiefs. During Sunday's action they experienced a particularly discouraging setback during the campaign. They didn't merely fall to the Dolphins; they looked terrible, dropping a 30-13 road game. It was Miami’s first win against Buffalo in several seasons.

For those searching for a microcosm of the day, consider this: Allen transforming {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt