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No major competition sells competitive balance as effectively as the NFL: it’s the entire brand. However, after 10 weeks during the current schedule, this doesn't represent a landscape featuring uniform distribution among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. Instead, it's a scenario where the bulk of franchises are merely sufficient.

Clear Picture in NFC

Within the National Football Conference, at least, there is some clarity. The Rams along with the Seahawks (each holding 7-2 records) seem like the most well-rounded squads in the NFL, and delivered blowout wins during Sunday's action. The 6-2 Eagles despite their struggles maintain a deeply skilled squad in the league, comparable to the Packers (5-2-1). The Lions also (6-3 standing), with their fluctuating form in trench play while managing coaching drama, have shown they're capable of dominating strong franchises. For all five, one can readily construct a championship trajectory.

AFC Playoff Chaos

Over in the AFC, championship race remains completely chaotic. The four teams leading their divisions through ten weeks: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all standing at eight wins) and the Steelers (5-4 record). Consider that carefully. Not the Chiefs. No Bills inclusion. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. The traditional powers, featuring premier quarterback talent, have either obvious team deficiencies or have been hit by injuries.

Competitive Balance System

In some ways, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. However, witnessing this season's top AFC teams within the conference continues to seem unusual. Areas of each team suggest title potential, but not in their entirety. If you were asked to commit to your conference championship predictions today, could you assuredly choose any among the four division leaders?

Squad Examinations

Indianapolis Colts

Starting in Indianapolis, Daniel Jones hasn’t quite reached complete disaster level. However, recent performances have caused alarm. He's reverting to giving away possessions and struggling against pressure. He suffered seven sacks versus Atlanta on Sunday, and had a five-minute stretch where he delivered an intercepted pass and coughed up the ball thrice. This is a week after he turned the ball over five times against the Steelers.

The Colts’ offense thrived early in the season as Jones prevented game-changing errors. The running back and protection unit mean the Colts are good enough to survive periodic mistakes, like their German performance. Yet Jones going back to his previous error-filled form would terminate any playoff run.

New England Patriots

The Patriots seem relatively comparable. Previously, they were a punchline. Currently, they represent the NFL's most pleasant shock and the strongest squad in the NFL following seven consecutive victories. Except for committing turnover errors a contest they should have won against Pittsburgh, they’d be sitting at 9–1 with the best record. Previously, they seemed veteran and plodding. Today they appear inexperienced, speedy and bold. Still, it’s hard to ignore the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They've played against the most manageable schedule throughout football, and flaws have still emerged. The signal-caller has been sacked 35 times – among the highest totals – including particular impacts he endured during the game proved brutal. As the season progresses, those beatings accumulate.

Broncos Situation

Denver stands at 8–2 as well, yet it seems that they're barely surviving. The Denver signal-caller has been erratic, and the offense plodding, with the defense doing all the heavy lifting. Absent adequate signal-calling, the Broncos won't frighten any playoff team. The Chargers are also hovering in the AFC West with seven wins, however, health issues along their offensive line will present challenges to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Steelers Examination

And then there’s Pittsburgh, somehow still leading their division despite being thumped a decisive loss to Los Angeles in the evening game. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defense too often disappears, and the QB's current constraints during his career phase regularly manifest. They’re 5–4 and holding on, however, the Ravens, featuring a recovered Jackson and the schedule softening, have won three consecutive. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that Baltimore has closed within a game of the Steelers, though the speed of this shift is an indictment of Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. Considering the Ravens opened with a 1-5 record yet still appear they should win the division reveals much about the entire AFC.

Established Contenders

Baltimore constitutes part among three elite teams – together with Bills and Chiefs – driven by elite quarterback play, who would still strike the greatest concern among competitors 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.

Buffalo Analysis

Last week, Buffalo was celebrating post Chiefs triumph. On Sunday they suffered a particularly discouraging setback this year. They didn't merely fall to the Dolphins; they suffered humiliation, losing 30-13 as visitors. It was Miami’s first win over the Bills in more than 1,000 days.

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