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No major competition markets competitive balance like the NFL: it’s the entire brand. But through ten games of this season, this is not a competition with perfect equilibrium between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Instead, it's a scenario where the majority of teams are merely fine.

NFC Clarity

Looking at the NFC side, to some degree, there is some clarity. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both standing at seven wins, two losses) look like the most well-rounded squads in the NFL, and secured overwhelming triumphs on Sunday. The 6-2 Eagles despite their struggles continue to possess among the most gifted lineups throughout football, similar to the Packers (five wins, two losses, one tie). Detroit as well (six and three), despite their uneven performances along both lines of scrimmage and navigating tension on their coaching staff, have demonstrated they can defeat strong franchises. For all five, you can still easily construct a Super Bowl path.

AFC Playoff Chaos

Turning to the American Football Conference, championship race remains completely chaotic. The current division frontrunners after ten games: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all at 8-2) along with Pittsburgh (5-4). Read that again. Kansas City isn't there. Not the Bills. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. Historically strong franchises, backed by elite NFL signal-callers, display either obvious team deficiencies or have suffered medical setbacks.

Parity Mechanics

To some extent, it’s the league’s ideal. But watching the current division frontrunners within the conference still feels strange. Areas of each team suggest title potential, but not in their entirety. If you were asked to lock in your AFC Championship game picks right now, would you confidently pick any of the four division leaders?

Squad Examinations

Indianapolis Colts

Beginning with the Colts, their quarterback hasn't yet achieved pumpkin status. Yet the past two games have raised concerns. He's reverting to giving away possessions and struggling against pressure. He took seven sacks against the Falcons on Sunday, and endured a short sequence in which he threw an intercepted pass and coughed up the ball thrice. This is a week after he gave away possessions five separate times facing the Steelers.

The Colts attack excelled during early games since Jones evaded catastrophic mistakes. Taylor along with the blockers make the Colts good enough to survive occasional setbacks, as they did in Berlin. But Jones returning to his old blunder-prone days would end championship hopes.

New England Analysis

The Patriots feel relatively comparable. Previously, they were league laughingstocks. Today, they stand as football's most unexpected success and the strongest squad across the league post seven wins in a row. Had it not been for losing due to fumbles a winnable game against Pittsburgh, they would currently hold at 9–1 with the best record. Previously, they were old and slow. Today they appear youthful, quick and confident. Still, it’s hard to ignore the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They've encountered the least challenging lineup across the NFL, and there have still been cracks. The signal-caller has been brought down thirty-five times – among the highest totals – with several hits he absorbed on Sunday proved brutal. With continued play, that punishment compounds.

Denver Analysis

Denver stands at 8–2 as well, and the perception remains as if they’re holding their breath. Bo Nix has been erratic, with the attack struggling, with the defense doing the majority of the work. Absent adequate signal-calling, the Broncos aren’t scaring any playoff team. The Chargers are also hovering within their division at 7-2, but the injuries along their offensive line will make it tough to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Situation

Then we have the Steelers, inexplicably frontrunning the AFC North notwithstanding receiving a decisive loss to Los Angeles in the evening game. They have a negative point differential, their defensive unit frequently falters, with their quarterback's restrictions given his veteran status regularly manifest. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, however, the Ravens, featuring a recovered Jackson with manageable games ahead, are on a three-game win streak. This development isn't entirely shocking that Baltimore has closed the gap to just one game, but that it has arrived so quickly represents criticism toward Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. Considering the Ravens opened losing five of six and currently seem likely to claim the title speaks volumes regarding the conference as a whole.

Traditional Powers

Baltimore constitutes part within a trio of powerhouses – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, that would continue to generate the most fear in opposing teams if they qualified. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, however, both franchises cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Bills

A week ago, the Bills were riding high post Chiefs triumph. On Sunday they suffered a particularly discouraging setback this year. They didn’t just lose against Miami; they looked terrible, dropping a 30-13 road game. This represented Miami's initial victory over the Bills in over three years.

If you’re looking for a microcosm of the day, here you go: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt