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No league markets competitive balance like the NFL: it's their core marketing message. Yet following ten games of this season, this is not a competition with perfect equilibrium separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. It’s one where the bulk of franchises is simply fine.

NFC Standings Definition

Looking at the NFC side, to some degree, there is some clarity. The Rams and Seahawks (both at 7-2) look like the most well-rounded squads in football, and achieved decisive victories in their weekend matchups. The 6-2 Eagles even with their challenges still have a deeply skilled squad across the NFL, similar to Green Bay (5-2-1 record). The Lions also (6-3), despite their uneven performances on offense and defense while managing tension on their coaching staff, have proven they can defeat good teams. For each of these squads, one can readily envision a route to the final game.

Muddled AFC Picture

Over in the AFC, postseason landscape is a jumbled mess. The four teams leading their divisions after ten games: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all standing at eight wins) along with Pittsburgh (five wins, four losses). Take another look. Not the Chiefs. Buffalo is missing. Not the Ravens or Bengals. The usual contenders, backed by elite NFL signal-callers, possess either significant personnel gaps or are dealing with health issues.

Competitive Balance System

In some ways, this is exactly what the league wants. However, witnessing this year’s four division leaders in the AFC still feels strange. Areas of each team suggest title potential, though not comprehensively. If you were asked to lock in your AFC Championship game picks right now, would you comfortably choose any among the current division frontrunners?

Franchise Analysis

Colts Situation

First, examining Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn't descended to total collapse. But the last two weeks have raised concerns. He's reverting to giving away possessions and faltering under duress. He was sacked seven times facing Atlanta during Sunday's contest, and had a five-minute stretch during which he tossed a pick and lost three fumbles. This follows he gave away possessions on five occasions facing the Steelers.

Indianapolis' offensive unit excelled during early games since Jones evaded game-changing errors. The running back and protection unit ensure Indianapolis remains able to withstand some negative plays, like their German performance. However, if Jones reverts to his historically mistake-heavy play would terminate postseason aspirations.

New England Analysis

The Patriots seem somewhat similar. A year ago, they were league laughingstocks. Today, they stand as the league’s happiest surprise and the hottest team in football post seven wins in a row. Had it not been for losing due to fumbles a manageable matchup facing Pittsburgh, they would currently hold at 9–1 with the best record. Previously, they appeared aged and sluggish. Today they appear youthful, quick and confident. However, we must acknowledge how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They've played against the most manageable schedule across the NFL, and there have still been cracks. The signal-caller has taken sacks thirty-five times – the second-most in football – with several hits he suffered last weekend were vicious. With continued play, those beatings accumulate.

Broncos Situation

Denver stands at also 8-2, yet it seems that they're barely surviving. Their quarterback has performed unevenly, with the attack struggling, with the defense doing the majority of the work. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos aren’t scaring any playoff team. Los Angeles remains nearby in the Western division at 7-2, however, health issues along their offensive line will make it tough to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Steelers Examination

And then there’s Pittsburgh, surprisingly atop the AFC North despite being thumped 25-10 by the Chargers during prime time. They have a negative point differential, their defense too often disappears, and the QB's current constraints during his career phase persistently appear. They’re 5–4 and holding on, yet Baltimore, with their QB returning to health and facing easier opponents, have won three consecutive. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have narrowed to within one game of Pittsburgh, though the speed of this shift is an indictment of the Steelers' uneven performances. That the Ravens started with a 1-5 record and still look like they should win the division speaks volumes regarding the conference as a whole.

Traditional Powers

Baltimore constitutes part of the Big Three – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who would still strike the greatest concern in opposing teams should they reach postseason. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, but the Chiefs and Bills persistently undermine themselves.

Bills Struggles

A week ago, Buffalo was celebrating post Chiefs triumph. This weekend they encountered one of the most disappointing losses during the campaign. They didn't simply fail to the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, losing 30-13 as visitors. This represented Miami's initial victory 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