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No league sells equal footing in the manner of the NFL: it's their core marketing message. Yet following ten games of this season, this isn’t a league featuring uniform distribution separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. Rather, we see a situation where the majority of teams are merely sufficient.

NFC Clarity

In the NFC, at least, we see clearer definition. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both standing at seven wins, two losses) appear to be the most well-rounded squads across the league, and secured decisive victories during Sunday's action. The Eagles with six wins notwithstanding their difficulties still have a deeply skilled squad throughout football, similar to the Packers franchise (5-2-1 record). Detroit as well (6-3), with their fluctuating form in trench play and navigating coaching drama, have demonstrated they're capable of dominating good teams. For each of these squads, one can readily construct a Super Bowl path.

AFC Confusion

Over in the AFC, the playoff picture remains completely chaotic. The four teams leading their divisions at this stage: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) and Steelers (5-4 record). Read that again. Kansas City isn't there. Buffalo is missing. Not the Ravens or Bengals. Historically strong franchises, backed by premier quarterback talent, display either obvious team deficiencies or have suffered medical setbacks.

Competitive Balance System

To some extent, this is exactly what the league wants. However, witnessing the current division frontrunners within the conference still feels strange. Aspects of each franchise pass the championship smell test, but not in their entirety. Were you questioned to lock in your AFC Championship game picks right now, would you confidently choose any among the current division frontrunners?

Squad Examinations

Indianapolis Colts

First, examining Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn’t quite reached total collapse. However, recent performances have caused alarm. He has returned to turning over the ball and failing against blitzes. He was sacked seven times facing Atlanta during Sunday's contest, and endured a short sequence where he delivered an interception and fumbled three times. This comes after he committed turnovers five times facing the Steelers.

The Colts attack excelled during early games because Jones avoided game-changing errors. The running back and protection unit make the Colts good enough to survive periodic mistakes, like their German performance. Yet Jones going back to his historically mistake-heavy play would finish any playoff run.

New England Analysis

The Patriots seem fairly alike. A year ago, they were league laughingstocks. Now, they’re the league’s happiest surprise and the strongest squad in football after seven straight wins. Had it not been for committing turnover errors a contest they should have won against Pittsburgh, they’d be sitting nine wins, one loss as the league's best. In the prior year, they appeared aged and sluggish. Currently they're young, fast and unafraid. However, we must acknowledge the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They've played against the easiest slate across the NFL, yet vulnerabilities remain. Drake Maye has taken sacks on 35 occasions – the second-most in football – including particular impacts he absorbed on Sunday were vicious. As the season progresses, those hits add up.

Denver Analysis

The Broncos are 8–2 as well, and it still feels as if they’re holding their breath. Their quarterback has shown inconsistency, and the offense plodding, as the defense handles all the heavy lifting. Without serviceable quarterback play, Denver cannot intimidate playoff opponents. The Chargers are also hovering in the AFC West holding a 7-2 record, but the injuries affecting their protection unit will make it tough to achieve championship contention.

Steelers Examination

And then there’s Pittsburgh, surprisingly atop the Northern division even after suffering 25-10 by the Chargers during prime time. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defensive unit frequently falters, with their quarterback's restrictions at this stage of his career continue to show up. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, yet Baltimore, with their QB returning to health and facing easier opponents, are on a three-game win streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that Baltimore has closed within a game of the Steelers, but that it has arrived so quickly highlights deficiencies within Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. The fact Baltimore began with a 1-5 record and currently seem likely to claim the title speaks volumes regarding the entire AFC.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens' form part among three elite teams – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – driven by elite quarterback play, who would still strike the greatest concern among competitors if they qualified. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, however, both franchises persistently undermine themselves.

Buffalo Analysis

Last week, the Bills felt confident following victory over Kansas City. On Sunday they suffered a particularly discouraging setback of the season. They didn't simply fail to the Dolphins; they looked terrible, dropping a 30-13 road game. This represented Miami's initial victory against Buffalo in over three years.

For those searching for a microcosm of the day, here you go: Allen transforming {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt