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No league sells competitive balance in the manner of the NFL: it's their core marketing message. However, after ten games during the current schedule, this isn’t a league with perfect equilibrium between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Rather, we see a situation where most of the league are merely sufficient.

Clear Picture in NFC

Within the National Football Conference, at least, there is some clarity. The Rams and Seahawks (both standing at seven wins, two losses) appear to be the most balanced franchises in the NFL, and delivered blowout wins during Sunday's action. The 6-2 Eagles despite their struggles maintain one of the most talented rosters throughout football, comparable to Green Bay (5-2-1 record). The Lions also (six and three), despite their uneven performances in trench play and have been dealing with tension on their coaching staff, have shown they're capable of dominating good teams. For each of these squads, you can still easily envision a route to the final game.

Muddled AFC Picture

Over in the AFC, championship race is a jumbled mess. Your four division leaders after ten games: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all standing at eight wins) along with Pittsburgh (5-4). Take another look. No Chiefs presence. No Bills inclusion. Not the Ravens or Bengals. The usual contenders, backed by the league’s best quarterbacks, have either glaring roster weaknesses or have been hit by injuries.

Parity Mechanics

In some ways, it’s the league’s ideal. But watching this year’s four division leaders in the AFC still feels strange. Aspects of each franchise pass the championship smell test, but not in their entirety. If someone requested to commit to your AFC Championship game picks at this moment, would you confidently pick any of these four teams?

Squad Examinations

Colts Situation

Beginning with the Colts, their quarterback hasn’t quite reached pumpkin status. Yet the past two games have caused alarm. He's reverting to giving away possessions and failing against blitzes. He was sacked seven times facing Atlanta during Sunday's contest, and had a brief period during which he tossed an intercepted pass and coughed up the ball thrice. This is a week after he gave away possessions on five occasions versus Pittsburgh.

Indianapolis' offensive unit excelled during early games as Jones prevented game-changing errors. Taylor along with the blockers ensure Indianapolis remains good enough to survive periodic mistakes, like their German performance. Yet Jones going back to his old blunder-prone days would terminate any playoff run.

New England Analysis

The Patriots seem relatively comparable. Previously, they were a punchline. Currently, they represent the league’s happiest surprise and the most successful franchise in the NFL post seven wins in a row. Had it not been for fumbling away a contest they should have won against Pittsburgh, they would currently hold a 9-1 record as the league's best. Previously, they were old and slow. Currently they're young, fast and unafraid. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They've encountered the most manageable schedule in the league, and flaws have still emerged. Drake Maye has been sacked thirty-five times – among the highest totals – with several hits he endured during the game appeared dangerous. Over time, that punishment compounds.

Broncos Situation

Denver stands at eight wins similarly, yet it seems that they're barely surviving. The Denver signal-caller has shown inconsistency, and the offense plodding, with the defense doing the majority of the work. Lacking competent QB performance, the Broncos won't frighten playoff opponents. Los Angeles remains nearby in the Western division at 7-2, however, health issues affecting their protection unit will present challenges to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Situation

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, somehow still leading the Northern division notwithstanding receiving a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers in the evening game. They have a negative point differential, their defensive unit frequently falters, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations during his career phase continue to show up. They’re 5–4 and holding on, yet Baltimore, featuring a recovered Jackson and facing easier opponents, have won three consecutive. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have pulled within a game of the Steelers, but how rapidly this occurred highlights deficiencies within Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. Considering the Ravens opened losing five of six and currently seem capable of division victory reveals much about the complete conference.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens' form part within a trio of powerhouses – together with Bills and Chiefs – driven by elite quarterback play, who would still strike the greatest concern for opponents if they made the playoffs. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, but the Chiefs and Bills continue to self-destruct.

Bills Struggles

Previously, Buffalo was celebrating after beating the Chiefs. During Sunday's action they experienced one of the most disappointing losses during the campaign. They didn't simply fail versus the Dolphins; they looked terrible, dropping a 30-13 road game. It was Miami’s first win versus Buffalo in more than 1,000 days.

Should you seek a perfect summary of Sunday, look no further: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt