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No professional sports organization markets parity like the NFL: it’s the entire brand. But through the first ten matchups during the current schedule, this doesn't represent a landscape with perfect equilibrium between the good, the bad and the mediocre. It’s one where the bulk of franchises are merely fine.

Clear Picture in NFC

In the NFC, to some degree, there is some clarity. Los Angeles and Seattle (each holding 7-2 records) look like the most balanced franchises in the NFL, and achieved overwhelming triumphs during Sunday's action. Philadelphia at 6-2 even with their challenges maintain among the most gifted lineups throughout football, comparable to the Packers franchise (5-2-1 record). Even the Lions (6-3 standing), despite their uneven performances in trench play and navigating internal staff conflicts, have demonstrated they can hammer good teams. Regarding these five teams, one can readily envision a route to the final game.

AFC Confusion

Turning to the American Football Conference, the playoff picture is thoroughly confusing. The four teams leading their divisions through ten weeks: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all standing at eight wins) and the Steelers (five wins, four losses). Take another look. Kansas City isn't there. Buffalo is missing. Not the Ravens or Bengals. The traditional powers, supported by premier quarterback talent, have either significant personnel gaps or are dealing with health issues.

League Equality Design

To some extent, this is exactly what the league wants. But watching this year’s four division leaders within the conference remains somewhat odd. Areas of each team pass the championship smell test, but not in their entirety. If someone requested to commit to your AFC title game selections today, could you assuredly pick any of the current division frontrunners?

Squad Examinations

Colts Situation

Beginning with the Colts, their quarterback hasn't yet achieved complete disaster level. But the last two weeks have caused alarm. He's reverting to committing turnovers and faltering under duress. He was sacked seven times against the Falcons during Sunday's contest, and endured a five-minute stretch in which he threw a pick and fumbled three times. This is a week after he gave away possessions on five occasions versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts attack thrived early in the season as Jones prevented game-changing errors. The running back and protection unit mean the Colts are able to withstand occasional setbacks, as they did in Berlin. Yet Jones going back to his old blunder-prone days would finish championship hopes.

Patriots Examination

New England appears somewhat similar. Last season, they were league laughingstocks. Currently, they represent the NFL's most pleasant shock and the strongest squad in football following seven consecutive victories. If not for committing turnover errors a winnable game versus the Steelers, they’d be sitting nine wins, one loss with the best record. Last season, they seemed veteran and plodding. Now they’re youthful, quick and confident. However, we must acknowledge how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They have faced the easiest slate in the league, and flaws have still emerged. Drake Maye has taken sacks thirty-five times – ranking second league-wide – and some of the shots he endured during the game appeared dangerous. With continued play, that punishment compounds.

Broncos Situation

Denver stands at also 8-2, yet it seems like they're nervously waiting. Their quarterback has performed unevenly, and the offensive unit laboring, with the defense doing the majority of the work. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos won't frighten any playoff team. The Chargers are also contending in the AFC West holding a 7-2 record, however, health issues along their offensive line will create difficulties for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Situation

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've been outscored overall, their defense regularly vanishes, with their quarterback's restrictions during his career phase continue to show up. They’re 5–4 and holding on, however, the Ravens, with their QB returning to health with manageable games ahead, have won three consecutive. This development isn't entirely shocking that Baltimore has closed to within one game of Pittsburgh, though the speed of this shift is an indictment of Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. Considering the Ravens opened the season 1-5 yet still appear likely to claim the title is telling about the conference as a whole.

Historical Favorites

Baltimore constitutes part among three elite teams – together with Bills and Chiefs – driven by elite quarterback play, that would continue to generate the most fear for opponents if they made the playoffs. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, however, both franchises cannot get out of their own way.

Bills Struggles

Last week, the Bills felt confident post Chiefs triumph. On Sunday they suffered a particularly discouraging setback this year. They didn’t just lose versus the Dolphins; they looked terrible, dropping a 30-13 road game. The Dolphins secured their first triumph against Buffalo in over three years.

For those searching for a microcosm of the day, look no further: Allen transforming {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt