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No professional sports organization markets competitive balance as effectively as the NFL: it’s the entire brand. However, after the first ten matchups of this season, this doesn't represent a landscape featuring uniform distribution between the good, the bad and the mediocre. It’s one where the majority of teams appear to be adequate.

NFC Standings Definition

Looking at the NFC side, at least, there is some clarity. Los Angeles and Seattle (both at 7-2) look like the most well-rounded squads in the NFL, and secured blowout wins in their weekend matchups. The 6-2 Eagles despite their struggles continue to possess one of the most talented rosters throughout football, similar to Green Bay (5-2-1 record). The Lions also (6-3), with their fluctuating form on offense and defense and navigating tension on their coaching staff, have proven they're capable of dominating quality opponents. For each of these squads, you can still easily put together a championship trajectory.

AFC Playoff Chaos

Turning to the American Football Conference, the playoff picture remains completely chaotic. Your four division leaders through ten weeks: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (each with 8-2 records) and the Steelers (five wins, four losses). Take another look. Kansas City isn't there. Not the Bills. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. The usual contenders, supported by the league’s best quarterbacks, possess either significant personnel gaps or have suffered medical setbacks.

Competitive Balance System

In some ways, it’s the league’s ideal. However, witnessing this year’s four division leaders in the American Football Conference remains somewhat odd. Aspects of each franchise suggest title potential, though not comprehensively. If someone requested to commit to your AFC Championship game picks today, would you comfortably choose any among the current division frontrunners?

Squad Examinations

Indianapolis Outlook

Beginning with the Colts, their quarterback hasn't descended to complete disaster level. However, recent performances have been worrying. He's reverting to turning over the ball and struggling against pressure. He suffered seven sacks facing Atlanta on Sunday, and had a short sequence where he delivered an interception and fumbled three times. This comes after he turned the ball over five times against the Steelers.

The Colts attack thrived early in the season as Jones prevented the disaster plays. The running back and protection unit mean the Colts are able to withstand 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

The Patriots seem relatively comparable. A year ago, they were a punchline. Today, they stand as the league’s happiest surprise and the hottest team across the league post seven wins in a row. If not for fumbling away a contest they should have won versus the Steelers, they'd possess nine wins, one loss as the league's best. In the prior year, they seemed veteran and plodding. Now they’re youthful, quick and confident. However, we must acknowledge the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They've played against the most manageable schedule throughout football, yet vulnerabilities remain. Their quarterback has taken sacks thirty-five times – the second-most in football – with several hits he endured during the game were vicious. As the season progresses, those hits add up.

Broncos Situation

The Broncos hold 8–2 as well, yet it seems like they're nervously waiting. Their quarterback has performed unevenly, and the offensive unit laboring, as the defense handles all the heavy lifting. Without serviceable quarterback play, Denver cannot intimidate playoff opponents. The Chargers are also contending in the AFC West at 7-2, yet medical problems within their blocking corps will present challenges for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Steelers

And then there’s Pittsburgh, surprisingly atop the Northern division despite being thumped 25-10 by the Chargers 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’re 5–4 and holding on, however, the Ravens, with Lamar Jackson healthy again and the schedule softening, are on a three-game win streak. This development isn't entirely shocking that the Ravens have narrowed 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 currently seem likely to claim the title is telling about the conference as a whole.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens represent a segment within a trio of powerhouses – together with Bills and Chiefs – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who would still strike the highest anxiety among competitors if they qualified. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, yet Kansas City and Buffalo continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Bills

Previously, the Bills felt confident post Chiefs triumph. During Sunday's action they experienced a particularly discouraging setback of the season. They didn’t just lose against Miami; they suffered humiliation, falling 30-13 on the road. This represented Miami's initial victory against Buffalo in several seasons.

If you’re looking for a microcosm of the day, look no further: Allen transforming {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt