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No major competition promotes parity in the manner of the NFL: it’s the entire brand. Yet following 10 weeks during the current schedule, this doesn't represent a landscape that is equally balanced among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. Rather, we see a situation where the majority of teams is simply fine.

NFC Clarity

Looking at the NFC side, for the most part, we see clearer definition. The Rams and Seahawks (both standing at seven wins, two losses) seem like the most balanced franchises in football, and achieved overwhelming triumphs during Sunday's action. The Eagles with six wins despite their struggles still have among the most gifted lineups in the league, comparable to Green Bay (5-2-1 record). Detroit as well (6-3 standing), who have been inconsistent in trench play while managing internal staff conflicts, have shown they can hammer good teams. Regarding these five teams, one can readily construct a championship trajectory.

AFC Playoff Chaos

Over in the AFC, the playoff picture is a jumbled mess. Your four division leaders after ten games: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) and Steelers (5-4 record). Read that again. No Chiefs presence. Not the Bills. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. Historically strong franchises, featuring elite NFL signal-callers, display either obvious team deficiencies or have suffered medical setbacks.

League Equality Design

In some ways, this is exactly what the league wants. Yet observing this season's top AFC teams within the conference still feels strange. Components of every squad pass the championship smell test, but not in their entirety. If you were asked to commit to your conference championship predictions today, would you confidently choose any among these four teams?

Squad Examinations

Indianapolis Colts

First, examining Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn't descended to complete disaster level. Yet the past two games have raised concerns. He's reverting to giving away possessions and struggling against pressure. He was sacked seven times versus Atlanta in the weekend game, and experienced a five-minute stretch in which he threw a pick and fumbled three times. This is a week after he turned the ball over five times facing the Steelers.

Indianapolis' offensive unit performed well initially as Jones prevented the disaster plays. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line ensure Indianapolis remains good enough to survive periodic mistakes, like their German performance. But Jones returning to his historically mistake-heavy play would end any playoff run.

New England Patriots

The Patriots feel fairly alike. Last season, they were considered jokes. Currently, they represent the league’s happiest surprise and the hottest team in football post seven wins in a row. If not for committing turnover errors a winnable game facing Pittsburgh, they would currently hold a 9-1 record as the league's best. Previously, they appeared aged and sluggish. Today they appear inexperienced, speedy and bold. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They've encountered the easiest slate throughout football, and flaws have still emerged. Their quarterback has been brought down thirty-five times – ranking second league-wide – and some of the shots he absorbed on Sunday were vicious. Over time, those hits add up.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos hold 8–2 as well, and it still feels as if they’re holding their breath. The Denver signal-caller has been erratic, and the offensive unit laboring, while the defensive unit provides most of the responsibility. Lacking competent QB performance, the Broncos aren’t scaring playoff opponents. Los Angeles remains nearby in the AFC West holding a 7-2 record, yet medical problems affecting their protection unit will make it tough to achieve championship contention.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Then we have the Steelers, surprisingly atop the AFC North even after suffering 25-10 by the Chargers in the evening game. They have a negative point differential, their defensive unit frequently falters, with their quarterback's restrictions during his career phase persistently appear. They’re 5–4 and holding on, yet Baltimore, with their QB returning to health 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 the Steelers' uneven performances. Considering the Ravens opened with a 1-5 record and currently seem likely to claim the title speaks volumes regarding the complete conference.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens' form part of the Big Three – together with Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who would still strike the most fear for opponents if they made the playoffs. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, but the Chiefs and Bills cannot get out of their own way.

Bills Struggles

Previously, the Bills felt confident following victory over Kansas City. On Sunday they suffered a particularly discouraging setback during the campaign. They didn't merely fall versus the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, dropping a 30-13 road game. It was Miami’s first win against Buffalo in over three years.

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