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No league promotes parity like the NFL: it’s the entire brand. But through 10 weeks during the current schedule, this is not a competition featuring uniform distribution among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. Rather, we see a situation where most of the league is simply sufficient.

Clear Picture in NFC

Looking at the NFC side, to some degree, we see clearer definition. Los Angeles and Seattle (each holding 7-2 records) seem like the most well-rounded squads in the NFL, and delivered overwhelming triumphs in their weekend matchups. The Eagles with six wins despite their struggles maintain one of the most talented rosters throughout football, likewise with the Packers franchise (5-2-1). The Lions also (6-3), despite their uneven performances in trench play while managing tension on their coaching staff, have shown they can hammer good teams. For each of these squads, you can still easily construct a route to the final game.

Muddled AFC Picture

In the AFC however, the playoff picture is a jumbled mess. Your four division leaders at this stage: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all at 8-2) and the Steelers (5-4 record). Take another look. Not the Chiefs. Buffalo is missing. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. The usual contenders, supported by the league’s best quarterbacks, display either significant personnel gaps or are dealing with health issues.

League Equality Design

In some ways, it’s the league’s ideal. Yet observing the current division frontrunners in the American Football Conference remains somewhat odd. Areas of each team meet championship standards, but not in their entirety. If you were asked to commit to your AFC title game selections at this moment, would you comfortably pick any of the current division frontrunners?

Squad Examinations

Indianapolis Outlook

Starting in Indianapolis, Daniel Jones hasn't descended to pumpkin status. But the last two weeks have been worrying. He has returned to turning over the ball and struggling against pressure. He took seven sacks against the Falcons in the weekend game, and experienced a brief period in which he threw an intercepted pass and lost three fumbles. This comes after he turned the ball over on five occasions versus Pittsburgh.

Indianapolis' offensive unit excelled during early games since Jones evaded game-changing errors. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line ensure Indianapolis remains capable of overcoming some negative plays, as they did in Berlin. However, if Jones reverts to his previous error-filled form would terminate any playoff run.

New England Patriots

The Patriots feel somewhat similar. A year ago, they were a punchline. Now, they’re football's most unexpected success and the strongest squad in the NFL after seven straight wins. Except for losing due to fumbles a winnable game against Pittsburgh, they would currently hold a 9-1 record with the best record. Previously, they seemed veteran and plodding. Today they appear youthful, quick and confident. However, we must acknowledge the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They've encountered the easiest slate across the NFL, and there have still been cracks. The signal-caller has been brought down 35 times – the second-most in football – including particular impacts he endured during the game appeared dangerous. Over time, those beatings accumulate.

Broncos Situation

The Broncos hold 8–2 as well, yet it seems as if they’re holding their breath. Their quarterback has shown inconsistency, and the offensive unit laboring, as the defense handles all the heavy lifting. Lacking competent QB performance, the Broncos won't frighten anyone in the postseason. Los Angeles remains nearby in the Western division at 7-2, but the injuries within their blocking corps will create difficulties to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Steelers Examination

Then we have the Steelers, inexplicably frontrunning the AFC North even after suffering a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers in the evening game. They have a negative point differential, their defensive unit frequently falters, with their quarterback's restrictions at this stage of his career regularly manifest. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, but Baltimore, with Lamar Jackson healthy again and the schedule softening, are riding a three-game streak. We shouldn't be completely astonished that Baltimore has closed to within one game of Pittsburgh, but that it has arrived so quickly is an indictment of the Steelers' uneven performances. That the Ravens started the season 1-5 and currently seem capable of division victory reveals much about the complete conference.

Traditional Powers

The Ravens represent a segment 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 teams everyone hopes to avoid, however, both franchises cannot get out of their own way.

Bills Struggles

A week ago, Buffalo was celebrating following victory over Kansas City. On Sunday they suffered one of the most disappointing losses during the campaign. They didn't simply fail to the Dolphins; they looked terrible, losing 30-13 as visitors. The Dolphins secured their first triumph over the Bills in over three years.

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