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No professional sports organization sells competitive balance as effectively as the NFL: it defines their identity. But through ten games of this season, this doesn't represent a landscape featuring uniform distribution between the good, the bad and the mediocre. It’s one where the majority of teams are merely fine.

NFC Clarity

In the NFC, at least, we see clearer definition. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both at 7-2) seem like the most complete teams in the NFL, and secured overwhelming triumphs on Sunday. The Eagles with six wins despite their struggles still have a deeply skilled squad throughout football, similar to the Packers (5-2-1 record). The Lions also (6-3 standing), who have been inconsistent on offense and defense while managing internal staff conflicts, have proven they're capable of dominating strong franchises. For each of these squads, you can still easily envision a route to the final game.

Muddled AFC Picture

In the AFC however, championship race is thoroughly confusing. Your four division leaders after ten games: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all at 8-2) and the Steelers (5-4 record). Consider that carefully. Kansas City isn't there. No Bills inclusion. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. Historically strong franchises, backed by elite NFL signal-callers, possess either significant personnel gaps or are dealing with health issues.

League Equality Design

In some ways, this is exactly what the league wants. Yet observing the current division frontrunners within the conference still feels strange. Areas of each team suggest title potential, though not comprehensively. Were you questioned to commit to your conference championship predictions today, would you confidently pick any of the four division leaders?

Franchise Analysis

Colts Situation

First, examining Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn’t quite reached total collapse. However, recent performances have been worrying. He’s back to giving away possessions and failing against blitzes. He was sacked seven times against the Falcons on Sunday, and endured a short sequence where he delivered an interception and fumbled three times. This follows he turned the ball over on five occasions against the Steelers.

The Colts’ offense performed well initially as Jones prevented game-changing errors. Taylor along with the blockers make the Colts capable of overcoming occasional setbacks, as demonstrated overseas. But Jones returning to his previous error-filled form would terminate championship hopes.

Patriots Examination

New England appears fairly alike. Previously, they were league laughingstocks. Now, they’re the NFL's most pleasant shock and the strongest squad across the league following seven consecutive victories. Had it not been for committing turnover errors a winnable game versus the Steelers, they’d be sitting a 9-1 record with the best record. In the prior year, they appeared aged and sluggish. Today they appear inexperienced, speedy and bold. Still, it’s hard to ignore the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They have faced the least challenging lineup in the league, and flaws have still emerged. Their quarterback has been brought down thirty-five times – ranking second league-wide – including particular impacts he absorbed on Sunday appeared dangerous. Over time, those hits add up.

Broncos Situation

The Broncos are 8–2 as well, yet it seems as if they’re holding their breath. Their quarterback has shown inconsistency, with the attack struggling, as the defense handles all the heavy lifting. Without serviceable quarterback play, Denver cannot intimidate any playoff team. The Chargers are also hovering in the AFC West holding a 7-2 record, but the injuries along their offensive line will present challenges for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Situation

Then we have the Steelers, inexplicably frontrunning the AFC North notwithstanding receiving a decisive loss to Los Angeles on Sunday night. They have a negative point differential, their defense too often disappears, with their quarterback's restrictions during his career phase persistently appear. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, yet Baltimore, with their QB returning to health with manageable games ahead, are on a three-game win streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have narrowed within a game of the Steelers, but how rapidly this occurred highlights deficiencies within the Steelers' uneven performances. That the Ravens started the season 1-5 and currently seem they should win the division speaks volumes regarding the entire AFC.

Historical Favorites

Baltimore constitutes part within a trio of powerhouses – together with Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who could still create the most fear among competitors if they made the playoffs. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, yet Kansas City and Buffalo continue to self-destruct.

Bills Struggles

Last week, the Bills felt confident after beating the Chiefs. This weekend they encountered one of the most disappointing losses of the season. They didn't merely fall to the Dolphins; they suffered humiliation, falling 30-13 on the road. It was Miami’s first win over the Bills in more than 1,000 days.

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