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No major competition sells equal footing in the manner of the NFL: it's their core marketing message. Yet following ten games during the current schedule, this isn’t a league with perfect equilibrium between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Rather, we see a situation where most of the league are merely fine.

NFC Clarity

Looking at the NFC side, to some degree, the picture becomes more distinct. The Rams along with the Seahawks (each holding 7-2 records) look like the most complete teams across the league, and delivered overwhelming triumphs during Sunday's action. The Eagles with six wins notwithstanding their difficulties still have among the most gifted lineups across the NFL, likewise with Green Bay (5-2-1). Even the Lions (6-3), with their fluctuating form in trench play and have been dealing with coaching drama, have proven they can defeat good teams. For each of these squads, you can still easily envision a route to the final game.

Muddled AFC Picture

In the AFC however, postseason landscape is thoroughly confusing. The current division frontrunners after ten games: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) along with Pittsburgh (5-4 record). Take another look. Kansas City isn't there. Not the Bills. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. The usual contenders, supported by the league’s best quarterbacks, possess either obvious team deficiencies or have suffered medical setbacks.

Parity Mechanics

In some ways, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. Yet observing this year’s four division leaders in the AFC remains somewhat odd. Aspects of each franchise suggest title potential, though not comprehensively. If you were asked to finalize your conference championship predictions right now, would you confidently pick any of these four teams?

Squad Examinations

Colts Situation

First, examining Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn't descended to complete disaster level. Yet the past two games have raised concerns. He’s back to committing turnovers and struggling against pressure. He suffered seven sacks versus Atlanta on Sunday, and endured a five-minute stretch in which he threw an interception and coughed up the ball thrice. This follows he gave away possessions five separate times against the Steelers.

The Colts’ offense performed well initially as Jones prevented catastrophic mistakes. The running back and protection unit make the Colts good enough to survive some negative plays, as they did in Berlin. But Jones returning to his historically mistake-heavy play would terminate any playoff run.

New England Patriots

New England appears fairly alike. A year ago, they were a punchline. Today, they stand as the NFL's most pleasant shock and the hottest team across the league following seven consecutive victories. Except for losing due to fumbles a winnable game facing Pittsburgh, they would currently hold at 9–1 with the best record. Last season, they seemed veteran and plodding. Today they appear youthful, quick and confident. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They've played against the least challenging lineup in the league, yet vulnerabilities remain. Drake Maye has been brought down 35 times – among the highest totals – and some of the shots he suffered last weekend proved brutal. As the season progresses, those beatings accumulate.

Broncos Situation

The Broncos hold eight wins similarly, and the perception remains like they're nervously waiting. Their quarterback has performed unevenly, and the offense plodding, while the defensive unit provides most of the responsibility. Absent adequate signal-calling, Denver cannot intimidate any playoff team. Los Angeles remains nearby within their division with seven wins, yet medical problems along their offensive line will make it tough for extended playoff success.

Steelers Examination

And then there’s Pittsburgh, somehow still leading the AFC North despite being thumped a decisive loss to Los Angeles on Sunday night. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defensive unit frequently falters, and the QB's current constraints at this stage of his career continue to show up. They’re 5–4 and holding on, however, the Ravens, with their QB returning to health and facing easier opponents, are on a three-game win streak. This development isn't entirely shocking that Baltimore has closed to within one game of Pittsburgh, but that it has arrived so quickly is an indictment of Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. Considering the Ravens opened with a 1-5 record and currently seem they should win the division speaks volumes regarding the complete conference.

Historical Favorites

Baltimore constitutes part of the Big Three – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, that would continue to generate the highest anxiety in opposing teams should they reach postseason. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, however, both franchises continue to self-destruct.

Bills Struggles

Last week, the Bills felt confident following victory over Kansas City. During Sunday's action they experienced among the season's worst defeats of the season. They didn’t just lose versus the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, losing 30-13 as visitors. The Dolphins secured their first triumph against Buffalo in more than 1,000 days.

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