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No league promotes parity as effectively as the NFL: it’s the entire brand. However, after 10 weeks in this campaign, this is not a competition that is equally balanced among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. Instead, it's a scenario where the bulk of franchises is simply sufficient.

NFC Clarity

Within the National Football Conference, to some degree, the picture becomes more distinct. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both standing at seven wins, two losses) seem like the most complete teams across the league, and secured blowout wins on Sunday. Philadelphia at 6-2 notwithstanding their difficulties maintain a deeply skilled squad in the league, likewise with the Packers (5-2-1 record). Detroit as well (6-3), with their fluctuating form along both lines of scrimmage and navigating coaching drama, have shown they're capable of dominating quality opponents. For all five, you can still easily put together a championship trajectory.

Muddled AFC Picture

In the AFC however, postseason landscape remains completely chaotic. Your four division leaders through ten weeks: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all standing at eight wins) and Steelers (5-4). Consider that carefully. Not the Chiefs. Not the Bills. Not the Ravens or Bengals. The traditional powers, supported by the league’s best quarterbacks, have either significant personnel gaps or have been hit by injuries.

League Equality Design

To some extent, this is exactly what the league wants. But watching the current division frontrunners in the American Football Conference remains somewhat odd. Aspects of each franchise pass the championship smell test, though not comprehensively. If someone requested to lock in your AFC Championship game picks today, could you assuredly select any one of these four teams?

Team Breakdowns

Colts Situation

Starting in Indianapolis, Daniel Jones hasn’t quite reached complete disaster level. However, recent performances have raised concerns. He has returned to giving away possessions and struggling against pressure. He suffered seven sacks against the Falcons during Sunday's contest, and experienced a brief period during which he tossed an interception and lost three fumbles. This is a week after he gave away possessions on five occasions facing the Steelers.

The Colts attack performed well initially as Jones prevented catastrophic mistakes. The running back and protection unit make the Colts good enough to survive occasional setbacks, as they did in Berlin. However, if Jones reverts to his previous error-filled form would finish postseason aspirations.

New England Analysis

The Patriots feel relatively comparable. Last season, they were league laughingstocks. Currently, they represent the league’s happiest surprise and the hottest team in football following seven consecutive victories. Had it not been for losing due to fumbles a winnable game against Pittsburgh, they’d be sitting at 9–1 with the top standing. In the prior year, they appeared aged and sluggish. Currently they're young, fast and unafraid. Still, it’s hard to ignore the weakness of New England's opponents. They've encountered the most manageable schedule in the league, and flaws have still emerged. Drake Maye has taken sacks 35 times – ranking second league-wide – including particular impacts he endured during the game were vicious. As the season progresses, those hits add up.

Broncos Situation

The Broncos hold eight wins similarly, and the perception remains that they're barely surviving. Their quarterback has been erratic, and the offensive unit laboring, with the defense doing the majority of the work. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos won't frighten anyone in the postseason. The Chargers are also contending within their division at 7-2, however, health issues affecting their protection unit will present challenges to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Situation

And then there’s Pittsburgh, inexplicably frontrunning their division despite being thumped 25-10 by the Chargers in the evening game. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defense too often disappears, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations during his career phase regularly manifest. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, but Baltimore, with their QB returning to health and facing easier opponents, are riding a three-game streak. We shouldn't be completely astonished that the Ravens have pulled the gap to just one game, though the speed of this shift highlights deficiencies within Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. Considering the Ravens opened losing five of six yet still appear capable of division victory is telling about the complete conference.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens' form part of the Big Three – together with Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who could still create the highest anxiety in opposing teams if they made the playoffs. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, but the Chiefs and Bills continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Analysis

Previously, the Bills were riding high post Chiefs triumph. During Sunday's action they experienced one of the most disappointing losses this year. They didn't merely fall against Miami; they were embarrassed, falling 30-13 on the road. The Dolphins secured their first triumph versus Buffalo in several seasons.

For those searching for a perfect summary of Sunday, look no further: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt