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No professional sports organization markets equal footing in the manner of the NFL: it defines their identity. Yet following 10 weeks in this campaign, this doesn't represent a landscape with perfect equilibrium among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. It’s one where most of the league is simply fine.

NFC Standings Definition

Looking at the NFC side, at least, there is some clarity. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both at 7-2) look like the most balanced franchises in the NFL, and secured overwhelming triumphs in their weekend matchups. Philadelphia at 6-2 notwithstanding their difficulties maintain one of the most talented rosters across the NFL, likewise with the Packers franchise (five wins, two losses, one tie). The Lions also (6-3), despite their uneven performances along both lines of scrimmage and have been dealing with coaching drama, have proven they're capable of dominating good teams. Regarding these five teams, you can still easily put together a Super Bowl path.

AFC Confusion

Turning to the American Football Conference, postseason landscape is a jumbled mess. Your four division leaders through ten weeks: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all at 8-2) and the Steelers (5-4). Consider that carefully. Kansas City isn't there. Buffalo is missing. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. Historically strong franchises, supported by the league’s best quarterbacks, display either obvious team deficiencies or have suffered medical setbacks.

League Equality Design

To some extent, it’s the league’s ideal. However, witnessing the current division frontrunners in the AFC still feels strange. Areas of each team suggest title potential, but not in their entirety. If someone requested to finalize your AFC title game selections right now, would you comfortably select any one of the current division frontrunners?

Team Breakdowns

Indianapolis Outlook

First, examining Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn’t quite reached total collapse. However, recent performances have caused alarm. He has returned to committing turnovers and struggling against pressure. He took seven sacks against the Falcons in the weekend game, and endured a brief period in which he threw an interception and fumbled three times. This is a week after he gave away possessions five times facing the Steelers.

Indianapolis' offensive unit thrived early in the season because Jones avoided game-changing errors. The running back and protection unit ensure Indianapolis remains able to withstand periodic mistakes, like their German performance. However, if Jones reverts to his historically mistake-heavy play would finish championship hopes.

New England Patriots

New England appears fairly alike. A year ago, they were a punchline. Now, they’re the NFL's most pleasant shock and the most successful franchise across the league after seven straight wins. If not for fumbling away a contest they should have won facing Pittsburgh, they'd possess a 9-1 record with the best record. Previously, they seemed veteran and plodding. Currently they're inexperienced, speedy and bold. However, we must acknowledge how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They have faced the least challenging lineup in the league, and flaws have still emerged. The signal-caller has been brought down on 35 occasions – the second-most in football – including particular impacts he endured during the game proved brutal. Over time, those hits add up.

Broncos Situation

The Broncos hold 8–2 as well, and it still feels like they're nervously waiting. Their quarterback has performed unevenly, with the attack struggling, while the defensive unit provides the majority of the work. Absent adequate signal-calling, the Broncos won't frighten playoff opponents. The Chargers are also hovering within their division with seven wins, but the injuries along their offensive line will create difficulties for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Steelers

And then there’s Pittsburgh, somehow still leading their division notwithstanding receiving a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers on Sunday night. They have a negative point differential, 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, yet Baltimore, featuring a recovered Jackson and the schedule softening, are riding a three-game streak. This development isn't entirely shocking that the Ravens have narrowed the gap to just one game, though the speed of this shift highlights deficiencies within the Steelers' uneven performances. Considering the Ravens opened the season 1-5 and currently seem capable of division victory reveals much about the conference as a whole.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens represent a segment among three elite teams – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who would still strike the highest anxiety in opposing teams should they reach postseason. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, but the Chiefs and Bills persistently undermine themselves.

Buffalo Bills

Last week, Buffalo was celebrating following victory over Kansas City. On Sunday they suffered among the season's worst defeats during the campaign. They didn't simply fail versus the Dolphins; they suffered humiliation, falling 30-13 on the road. It was Miami’s first win versus Buffalo in over three years.

For those searching for a microcosm of the day, here you go: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt