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No professional sports organization promotes parity like the NFL: it defines their identity. Yet following ten games in this campaign, this isn’t a league featuring uniform distribution between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Rather, we see a situation where the bulk of franchises appear to be fine.

NFC Clarity

Within the National Football Conference, for the most part, there is some clarity. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both standing at seven wins, two losses) appear to be the most well-rounded squads in the NFL, and delivered decisive victories on Sunday. The 6-2 Eagles even with their challenges still have one of the most talented rosters in the league, likewise with the Packers franchise (5-2-1 record). Even the Lions (6-3 standing), with their fluctuating form on offense and defense while managing internal staff conflicts, have shown they can hammer strong franchises. For each of these squads, you can still easily envision a route to the final game.

AFC Confusion

Over in the AFC, championship race remains completely chaotic. The current division frontrunners at this stage: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all standing at eight wins) and the Steelers (5-4). Take another look. No Chiefs presence. No Bills inclusion. Not the Ravens or Bengals. The usual contenders, featuring the league’s best quarterbacks, possess either obvious team deficiencies or have been hit by injuries.

Competitive Balance System

To some extent, this is exactly what the league wants. But watching this year’s four division leaders in the AFC continues to seem unusual. Areas of each team meet championship standards, yet not completely. Were you questioned to lock in your conference championship predictions at this moment, would you comfortably choose any among these four teams?

Squad Examinations

Colts Situation

First, examining Indianapolis, Daniel Jones hasn't yet achieved pumpkin status. But the last two weeks have caused alarm. He has returned to turning over the ball and struggling against pressure. He was sacked seven times facing Atlanta during Sunday's contest, and had a brief period in which he threw an intercepted pass and lost three fumbles. This comes after he committed turnovers five separate times against the Steelers.

Indianapolis' offensive unit thrived early in the season because Jones avoided catastrophic mistakes. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line mean the Colts are capable of overcoming occasional setbacks, like their German performance. But Jones returning to his previous error-filled form would finish any playoff run.

Patriots Examination

The Patriots seem relatively comparable. Previously, they were a punchline. Today, they stand as the league’s happiest surprise and the strongest squad in football following seven consecutive victories. Except for losing due to fumbles a winnable game versus the Steelers, they would currently hold at 9–1 with the best record. In the prior year, they were old and slow. Now they’re youthful, quick and confident. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the weakness of New England's opponents. They've played against the most manageable schedule across the NFL, yet vulnerabilities remain. Their quarterback has been sacked thirty-five times – the second-most in football – and some of the shots he absorbed on Sunday proved brutal. With continued play, those beatings accumulate.

Denver Broncos

Denver stands at 8–2 as well, yet it seems like they're nervously waiting. The Denver signal-caller has been erratic, with the attack struggling, with the defense doing all the heavy lifting. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos won't frighten any playoff team. The Chargers are also hovering in the AFC West at 7-2, yet medical problems along their offensive line will present challenges for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, somehow still leading the Northern division even after suffering a decisive loss to Los Angeles on Sunday night. They have a negative point differential, their defensive unit frequently falters, and the QB's current constraints given his veteran status regularly manifest. They’re 5–4 and holding on, yet Baltimore, with Lamar Jackson healthy again and the schedule softening, are riding a three-game streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have narrowed the gap to just one game, but that it has arrived so quickly represents criticism toward Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. Considering the Ravens opened losing five of six and currently seem capable of division victory speaks volumes regarding the entire AFC.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens represent a segment among three elite teams – together with Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, that would continue to generate the most fear for opponents should they reach postseason. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, yet Kansas City and Buffalo persistently undermine themselves.

Bills Struggles

Last week, the Bills were riding high after beating the Chiefs. This weekend they encountered one of the most disappointing losses during the campaign. They didn't merely fall against Miami; they looked terrible, dropping a 30-13 road game. It was Miami’s first win versus Buffalo in more than 1,000 days.

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