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No professional sports organization sells parity as effectively as the NFL: it defines their identity. Yet following 10 weeks of this season, this isn’t a league featuring uniform distribution between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Instead, it's a scenario where the bulk of franchises appear to be adequate.

NFC Standings Definition

In the NFC, to some degree, we see clearer definition. The Rams along with the Seahawks (each holding 7-2 records) seem like the most balanced franchises in football, and delivered overwhelming triumphs during Sunday's action. The 6-2 Eagles despite their struggles continue to possess one of the most talented rosters across the NFL, likewise with Green Bay (5-2-1 record). Even the Lions (6-3 standing), despite their uneven performances in trench play and have been dealing with tension on their coaching staff, have demonstrated they're capable of dominating good teams. For each of these squads, it's straightforward to construct a championship trajectory.

Muddled AFC Picture

Over in the AFC, postseason landscape remains completely chaotic. The four teams leading their divisions after ten games: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) and the Steelers (5-4 record). Consider that carefully. Kansas City isn't there. No Bills inclusion. 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

From certain perspectives, it’s the league’s ideal. Yet observing the current division frontrunners in the AFC continues to seem unusual. Aspects of each franchise pass the championship smell test, yet not completely. If you were asked to commit to your AFC Championship game picks right now, would you confidently pick any of these four teams?

Team Breakdowns

Indianapolis Outlook

First, examining Indianapolis, Daniel Jones hasn't descended to total collapse. But the last two weeks have raised concerns. He's reverting to giving away possessions and failing against blitzes. He was sacked seven times against the Falcons on Sunday, and experienced a brief period where he delivered an interception and fumbled three times. This follows he turned the ball over on five occasions against the Steelers.

The Colts attack thrived early in the season since Jones evaded game-changing errors. The running back and protection unit make the Colts good enough to survive some negative plays, like their German performance. However, if Jones reverts to his previous error-filled form would end championship hopes.

Patriots Examination

New England appears relatively comparable. A year ago, they were considered jokes. Now, they’re the NFL's most pleasant shock and the most successful franchise across the league after seven straight wins. Except for fumbling away a contest they should have won versus the Steelers, they'd possess a 9-1 record with the top standing. Last season, they were old and slow. Currently they're youthful, quick and confident. Still, it’s hard to ignore how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They've played against the most manageable schedule across the NFL, yet vulnerabilities remain. The signal-caller has been sacked 35 times – ranking second league-wide – and some of the shots he endured during the game were vicious. Over time, those hits add up.

Denver Analysis

Denver stands at eight wins similarly, and it still feels like they're nervously waiting. Bo Nix has performed unevenly, and the offensive unit laboring, as the defense handles the majority of the work. Lacking competent QB performance, the Broncos aren’t scaring playoff opponents. The Chargers are also contending within their division holding a 7-2 record, however, health issues affecting their protection unit will present challenges to achieve championship contention.

Pittsburgh Situation

And then there’s Pittsburgh, surprisingly atop the Northern division even after suffering a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers on Sunday night. They've been outscored overall, their defense regularly vanishes, with their quarterback's restrictions at this stage of his career continue to show up. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, but Baltimore, with their QB returning to health and the schedule softening, are riding a three-game streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have pulled within a game of the Steelers, but that it has arrived so quickly highlights deficiencies within the Steelers' uneven performances. Considering the Ravens opened the season 1-5 and still look like likely to claim the title reveals much about the conference as a whole.

Established Contenders

The Ravens represent a segment among three elite teams – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who could still create 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, Buffalo was celebrating post Chiefs triumph. This weekend they encountered a particularly discouraging setback of the season. They didn't simply fail to the Dolphins; they looked terrible, dropping a 30-13 road game. The Dolphins secured their first triumph over the Bills in more than 1,000 days.

Should you seek a microcosm of the day, here you go: Allen transforming {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt