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No major competition sells parity like the NFL: it's their core marketing message. Yet following the first ten matchups in this campaign, this is not a competition with perfect equilibrium among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. Instead, it's a scenario where most of the league appear to be fine.

Clear Picture in NFC

In the NFC, for the most part, we see clearer definition. The Rams and Seahawks (each holding 7-2 records) look like the most well-rounded squads in football, and achieved overwhelming triumphs during Sunday's action. The Eagles with six wins notwithstanding their difficulties continue to possess among the most gifted lineups throughout football, likewise with Green Bay (5-2-1 record). The Lions also (6-3), despite their uneven performances in trench play and have been dealing with tension on their coaching staff, have demonstrated they can defeat strong franchises. For each of these squads, you can still easily envision a route to the final game.

Muddled AFC Picture

In the AFC however, championship race is a jumbled mess. Your four division leaders at this stage: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all at 8-2) and the Steelers (5-4). Consider that carefully. Not the Chiefs. No Bills inclusion. Not the Ravens or Bengals. The usual contenders, supported by elite NFL signal-callers, possess either glaring roster weaknesses or have been hit by injuries.

Competitive Balance System

To some extent, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. But watching this year’s four division leaders in the American Football Conference still feels strange. Components of every squad meet championship standards, though not comprehensively. If someone requested to commit to your AFC Championship game picks right now, could you assuredly pick any of these four teams?

Squad Examinations

Colts Situation

First, examining Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn't descended to total collapse. But the last two weeks have caused alarm. He’s back to committing turnovers and struggling against pressure. He was sacked seven times against the Falcons on Sunday, and had a five-minute stretch in which he threw an interception and coughed up the ball thrice. This follows he committed turnovers five times against the Steelers.

The Colts attack performed well initially since Jones evaded game-changing errors. Taylor along with the blockers mean the Colts are good enough to survive occasional setbacks, as they did in Berlin. Yet Jones going back to his old blunder-prone days would terminate any playoff run.

New England Analysis

New England appears fairly alike. A year ago, they were a punchline. Currently, they represent football's most unexpected success and the hottest team in football after seven straight wins. Except for fumbling away a winnable game facing Pittsburgh, they'd possess nine wins, one loss with the best record. Previously, they seemed veteran and plodding. Now they’re youthful, quick and confident. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the weakness of New England's opponents. They've encountered the least challenging lineup across the NFL, yet vulnerabilities remain. Drake Maye has been brought down on 35 occasions – among the highest totals – including particular impacts he suffered last weekend appeared dangerous. With continued play, that punishment compounds.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos hold 8–2 as well, and it still feels that they're barely surviving. The Denver signal-caller has shown inconsistency, and the offense plodding, while the defensive unit provides the majority of the work. Lacking competent QB performance, the Broncos won't frighten playoff opponents. Los Angeles remains nearby in the AFC West with seven wins, but the injuries along their offensive line will make it tough for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Situation

Then we have the Steelers, surprisingly atop the AFC North despite being thumped a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers during prime time. They have a negative point differential, their defense too often disappears, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations at this stage of his career continue to show up. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, yet Baltimore, with their QB returning to health with manageable games ahead, are on a three-game win streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that Baltimore has closed to within one game of Pittsburgh, but that it has arrived so quickly is an indictment of the Steelers' uneven performances. That the Ravens started losing five of six yet still appear capable of division victory is telling about the conference as a whole.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens represent a segment among three elite teams – together with Bills and Chiefs – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, that would continue to generate the highest anxiety in opposing teams if they made the playoffs. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, however, both franchises continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Analysis

Last week, the Bills felt confident following victory over Kansas City. On Sunday they suffered a particularly discouraging setback during the campaign. They didn’t just lose to the Dolphins; they suffered humiliation, falling 30-13 on the road. The Dolphins secured their first triumph versus Buffalo in more than 1,000 days.

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