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No professional sports organization promotes parity as effectively as the NFL: it’s the entire brand. But through the first ten matchups in this campaign, this isn’t a league with perfect equilibrium among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. It’s one where the bulk of franchises is simply adequate.

NFC Clarity

In the NFC, at least, we see clearer definition. Los Angeles and Seattle (both at 7-2) appear to be the most complete teams in the NFL, and achieved overwhelming triumphs on Sunday. The Eagles with six wins despite their struggles still have a deeply skilled squad across the NFL, similar to the Packers franchise (5-2-1). The Lions also (6-3), who have been inconsistent on offense and defense and navigating coaching drama, have proven they're capable of dominating strong franchises. For each of these squads, one can readily put together a championship trajectory.

Muddled AFC Picture

In the AFC however, championship race remains completely chaotic. Your four division leaders through ten weeks: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all at 8-2) and Steelers (5-4). Take another look. Kansas City isn't there. Not the Bills. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. Historically strong franchises, supported by the league’s best quarterbacks, possess either significant personnel gaps or have suffered medical setbacks.

Competitive Balance System

In some ways, this is exactly what the league wants. But watching this year’s four division leaders in the American Football Conference remains somewhat odd. Components of every squad pass the championship smell test, yet not completely. If someone requested to lock in your AFC title game selections right now, could you assuredly select any one of the current division frontrunners?

Squad Examinations

Indianapolis Colts

Starting in Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn't descended to pumpkin status. However, recent performances have raised concerns. He's reverting to committing turnovers and struggling against pressure. He suffered seven sacks versus Atlanta during Sunday's contest, and experienced a five-minute stretch where he delivered a pick and lost three fumbles. This follows he gave away possessions five separate times facing the Steelers.

Indianapolis' offensive unit excelled during early games since Jones evaded game-changing errors. Taylor along with the blockers ensure Indianapolis remains able to withstand periodic mistakes, as demonstrated overseas. But Jones returning to his old blunder-prone days would end championship hopes.

New England Analysis

New England appears fairly alike. Last season, they were a punchline. Today, they stand as football's most unexpected success and the most successful franchise in the NFL post seven wins in a row. Had it not been for fumbling away a manageable matchup versus the Steelers, they’d be sitting nine wins, one loss as the league's best. Previously, they were old and slow. Today they appear youthful, quick and confident. However, we must acknowledge how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They've encountered the most manageable schedule across the NFL, yet vulnerabilities remain. Their quarterback has taken sacks on 35 occasions – ranking second league-wide – including particular impacts he suffered last weekend appeared dangerous. As the season progresses, those beatings accumulate.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos hold 8–2 as well, and it still feels that they're barely surviving. The Denver signal-caller has performed unevenly, and the offense plodding, with the defense doing the majority of the work. Without serviceable quarterback play, Denver cannot intimidate anyone in the postseason. Los Angeles remains nearby within their division holding a 7-2 record, however, health issues along their offensive line will create difficulties to achieve championship contention.

Pittsburgh Steelers

And then there’s Pittsburgh, somehow still leading the AFC North even after suffering 25-10 by the Chargers during prime time. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defense too often disappears, and the QB's current constraints given his veteran status persistently appear. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, yet Baltimore, with their QB returning to health with manageable games ahead, have won three consecutive. We shouldn't be completely astonished that the Ravens have pulled to within one game of Pittsburgh, but how rapidly this occurred highlights deficiencies within the Steelers' uneven performances. The fact Baltimore began with a 1-5 record yet still appear they should win the division reveals much about the entire AFC.

Established Contenders

The Ravens represent a segment among three elite teams – together with Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who would still strike the greatest concern in opposing teams if they qualified. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, however, both franchises persistently undermine themselves.

Buffalo Bills

Previously, the Bills felt confident post Chiefs triumph. During Sunday's action they experienced a particularly discouraging setback during the campaign. They didn’t just lose versus the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, losing 30-13 as visitors. The Dolphins secured their first triumph versus Buffalo in more than 1,000 days.

If you’re looking for a microcosm of the day, here you go: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt