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No major competition sells equal footing in the manner of the NFL: it's their core marketing message. But through 10 weeks in this campaign, this doesn't represent a landscape with perfect equilibrium between the good, the bad and the mediocre. It’s one where the majority of teams are merely adequate.

Clear Picture in NFC

Looking at the NFC side, at least, we see clearer definition. The Rams and Seahawks (each holding 7-2 records) seem like the most well-rounded squads in the NFL, and delivered blowout wins in their weekend matchups. Philadelphia at 6-2 notwithstanding their difficulties maintain a deeply skilled squad across the NFL, comparable to the Packers (five wins, two losses, one tie). Detroit as well (6-3 standing), who have been inconsistent on offense and defense and navigating coaching drama, have shown they're capable of dominating good teams. For all five, you can still easily construct a route to the final game.

Muddled AFC Picture

Turning to the American Football Conference, the playoff picture remains completely chaotic. Your four division leaders through ten weeks: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all at 8-2) along with Pittsburgh (five wins, four losses). Take another look. No Chiefs presence. Buffalo is missing. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. The traditional powers, supported by elite NFL signal-callers, have either significant personnel gaps or have been hit by injuries.

Competitive Balance System

In some ways, this is exactly what the league wants. Yet observing this season's top AFC teams in the American Football Conference still feels strange. Areas of each team meet championship standards, yet not completely. If someone requested to commit to your conference championship predictions right now, could you assuredly select any one of the four division leaders?

Franchise Analysis

Indianapolis Colts

Starting in Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn't descended to pumpkin status. However, recent performances have caused alarm. He's reverting to committing turnovers and struggling against pressure. He suffered seven sacks against the Falcons on Sunday, and endured a short sequence in which he threw a pick and fumbled three times. This is a week after he turned the ball over five times versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts’ offense thrived early in the season as Jones prevented game-changing errors. The running back and protection unit make the Colts capable of overcoming occasional setbacks, as demonstrated overseas. Yet Jones going back to his historically mistake-heavy play would finish any playoff run.

Patriots Examination

The Patriots feel somewhat similar. Last season, they were a punchline. Currently, they represent the league’s happiest surprise and the strongest squad in football after seven straight wins. Had it not been for fumbling away a winnable game versus the Steelers, they'd possess nine wins, one loss with the top standing. Last season, they appeared aged and sluggish. Now they’re inexperienced, speedy and bold. Still, it’s hard to ignore the weakness of New England's opponents. They have faced the least challenging lineup in the league, and flaws have still emerged. Drake Maye has taken sacks 35 times – ranking second league-wide – with several hits he endured during the game proved brutal. As the season progresses, those hits add up.

Broncos Situation

The Broncos are also 8-2, and it still feels like they're nervously waiting. Their quarterback has performed unevenly, 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 within their blocking corps will create difficulties for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Steelers

And then there’s Pittsburgh, surprisingly atop the AFC North even after suffering a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers on Sunday night. They have a negative point differential, their defensive unit frequently falters, and the QB's current constraints during his career phase persistently appear. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, however, the Ravens, with Lamar Jackson healthy again and facing easier opponents, are on a three-game win streak. This development isn't entirely shocking that Baltimore has closed within a game of the Steelers, but that it has arrived so quickly is an indictment of the Steelers' uneven performances. Considering the Ravens opened with a 1-5 record and still look like they should win the division is telling about the conference as a whole.

Established Contenders

The Ravens represent a segment of the Big Three – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, that would continue to generate the most fear among competitors if they made the playoffs. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, however, both franchises continue to self-destruct.

Bills Struggles

Last week, Buffalo was celebrating after beating the Chiefs. On Sunday they suffered one of the most disappointing losses this year. They didn’t just lose versus the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, falling 30-13 on the road. This represented Miami's initial victory against Buffalo 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