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No league markets competitive balance like the NFL: it’s the entire brand. However, after ten games during the current schedule, this isn’t a league that is equally balanced among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. Instead, it's a scenario where most of the league are merely fine.

Clear Picture in NFC

In the NFC, at least, the picture becomes more distinct. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both standing at seven wins, two losses) seem like the most complete teams in the NFL, and achieved blowout wins on Sunday. The Eagles with six wins notwithstanding their difficulties continue to possess a deeply skilled squad across the NFL, similar to Green Bay (5-2-1). Detroit as well (6-3), despite their uneven performances on offense and defense and navigating tension on their coaching staff, have proven they can defeat quality opponents. For all five, you can still easily put together a championship trajectory.

Muddled AFC Picture

Turning to the American Football Conference, championship race remains completely chaotic. The current division frontrunners through ten weeks: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) and Steelers (5-4 record). Take another look. Kansas City isn't there. Buffalo is missing. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. Historically strong franchises, supported by elite NFL signal-callers, have either obvious team deficiencies or have been hit by injuries.

Parity Mechanics

In some ways, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. But watching this year’s four division leaders in the AFC continues to seem unusual. Areas of each team suggest title potential, though not comprehensively. Were you questioned to finalize your AFC title game selections right now, could you assuredly choose any among these four teams?

Team Breakdowns

Indianapolis Outlook

First, examining Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn't descended to pumpkin status. But the last two weeks have raised concerns. He’s back to turning over the ball and failing against blitzes. He was sacked seven times facing Atlanta in the weekend game, and had a short sequence during which he tossed a pick and lost three fumbles. This follows he committed turnovers on five occasions versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts’ offense thrived early in the season as Jones prevented game-changing errors. Taylor along with the blockers make the Colts good enough to survive some negative plays, as they did in Berlin. But Jones returning to his old blunder-prone days would finish postseason aspirations.

Patriots Examination

The Patriots feel fairly alike. A year ago, they were a punchline. Currently, they represent the league’s happiest surprise and the strongest squad in football post seven wins in a row. If not for committing turnover errors a winnable game versus the Steelers, they would currently hold at 9–1 with the top standing. Previously, they seemed veteran and plodding. Now they’re youthful, quick and confident. However, we must acknowledge how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They've played against the most manageable schedule throughout football, and flaws have still emerged. Their quarterback has taken sacks thirty-five times – the second-most in football – with several hits he absorbed on Sunday appeared dangerous. With continued play, those hits add up.

Denver Analysis

The Broncos hold also 8-2, and it still feels like they're nervously waiting. Their quarterback has been erratic, and the offense plodding, as the defense handles all the heavy lifting. Without serviceable quarterback play, Denver cannot intimidate anyone in the postseason. 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

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, inexplicably frontrunning the Northern division despite being thumped a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers on Sunday night. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defense regularly vanishes, with their quarterback's restrictions during his career phase continue to show up. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, yet Baltimore, with Lamar Jackson healthy again and the schedule softening, are on a three-game win streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that Baltimore has closed the gap to just one game, though the speed of this shift is an indictment of Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. That the Ravens started with a 1-5 record yet still appear likely to claim the title is telling about the conference as a whole.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens' form part among three elite teams – together with Bills and Chiefs – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who would still strike the greatest concern for opponents should they reach postseason. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, however, both franchises cannot get out of their own way.

Bills Struggles

Last week, Buffalo was celebrating after beating the Chiefs. This weekend they encountered one of the most disappointing losses during the campaign. They didn't merely fall versus the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, falling 30-13 on the road. The Dolphins secured their first triumph versus Buffalo in over three years.

Should you seek a perfect summary of Sunday, here you go: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt