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No league sells parity in the manner of the NFL: it’s the entire brand. But through the first ten matchups during the current schedule, this isn’t a league with perfect equilibrium separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. Instead, it's a scenario where most of the league are merely adequate.

NFC Standings Definition

Within the National Football Conference, for the most part, we see clearer definition. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both at 7-2) look like the most complete teams across the league, and secured blowout wins during Sunday's action. The Eagles with six wins notwithstanding their difficulties maintain a deeply skilled squad across the NFL, likewise with the Packers franchise (five wins, two losses, one tie). The Lions also (6-3), who have been inconsistent along both lines of scrimmage and navigating internal staff conflicts, have demonstrated they're capable of dominating quality opponents. For all five, you can still easily construct a route to the final game.

Muddled AFC Picture

In the AFC however, championship race is thoroughly confusing. The current division frontrunners through ten weeks: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) and Steelers (five wins, four losses). Consider that carefully. Not the Chiefs. No Bills inclusion. Not the Ravens or Bengals. Historically strong franchises, featuring elite NFL signal-callers, have either obvious team deficiencies or have suffered medical setbacks.

Parity Mechanics

From certain perspectives, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. Yet observing this season's top AFC teams in the AFC still feels strange. Components of every squad suggest title potential, but not in their entirety. Were you questioned to commit to your AFC Championship game picks today, could you assuredly pick any of the four division leaders?

Squad Examinations

Colts Situation

Starting in Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn't descended to complete disaster level. However, recent performances have raised concerns. He's reverting to turning over the ball and struggling against pressure. He was sacked seven times against the Falcons on Sunday, and experienced a brief period where he delivered an intercepted pass and fumbled three times. This is a week after he gave away possessions five separate times versus Pittsburgh.

Indianapolis' offensive unit excelled during early games since Jones evaded catastrophic mistakes. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line make the Colts good enough to survive occasional setbacks, as they did in Berlin. Yet Jones going back to his old blunder-prone days would finish postseason aspirations.

Patriots Examination

The Patriots seem fairly alike. Previously, they were a punchline. Now, they’re the league’s happiest surprise and the strongest squad in the NFL post seven wins in a row. Except for losing due to fumbles a winnable game versus the Steelers, they'd possess at 9–1 with the top standing. Last season, they appeared aged and sluggish. Now they’re inexperienced, speedy and bold. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They have faced the least challenging lineup in the league, yet vulnerabilities remain. The signal-caller has taken sacks on 35 occasions – the second-most in football – and some of the shots he suffered last weekend were vicious. Over time, those hits add up.

Denver Analysis

Denver stands at 8–2 as well, and it still feels like they're nervously waiting. Their quarterback has performed unevenly, with the attack struggling, as the defense handles most of the responsibility. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos won't frighten any playoff team. The Chargers are also hovering in the AFC West with seven wins, but the injuries along their offensive line will make it tough to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Situation

Then we have the Steelers, somehow still leading their division even after suffering a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers on Sunday night. They've been outscored overall, their defense regularly vanishes, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations given his veteran status regularly manifest. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, however, the Ravens, featuring a recovered Jackson and facing easier opponents, are riding a three-game streak. We shouldn't be completely astonished that the Ravens have pulled to within one game of Pittsburgh, though the speed of this shift represents criticism toward Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. The fact Baltimore began the season 1-5 yet still appear likely to claim the title speaks volumes regarding the conference as a whole.

Traditional Powers

The Ravens' form part within a trio of powerhouses – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – driven by elite quarterback play, who would still strike the greatest concern in opposing teams should they reach postseason. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, yet Kansas City and Buffalo persistently undermine themselves.

Buffalo Analysis

Last week, the Bills were riding high following victory over Kansas City. During Sunday's action they experienced one of the most disappointing losses this year. They didn’t just lose versus the Dolphins; they looked terrible, losing 30-13 as visitors. It was Miami’s first win over the Bills in several seasons.

Should you seek a perfect summary of Sunday, here you go: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt