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No league markets equal footing like the NFL: it's their core marketing message. Yet following ten games of this season, this isn’t a league with perfect equilibrium among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. Rather, we see a situation where the majority of teams is simply adequate.

NFC Standings Definition

Within the National Football Conference, to some degree, there is some clarity. Los Angeles and Seattle (each holding 7-2 records) look like the most balanced franchises in football, and achieved decisive victories during Sunday's action. The Eagles with six wins even with their challenges continue to possess among the most gifted lineups in the league, likewise with the Packers franchise (5-2-1). Detroit as well (6-3), who have been inconsistent in trench play while managing coaching drama, have shown they can defeat good teams. For each of these squads, it's straightforward to put together a Super Bowl path.

AFC Confusion

Turning to the American Football Conference, postseason landscape is a jumbled mess. The current division frontrunners at this stage: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) and the Steelers (5-4 record). Take another look. Kansas City isn't there. Not the Bills. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. The usual contenders, supported by premier quarterback talent, possess either obvious team deficiencies or have suffered medical setbacks.

Parity Mechanics

From certain perspectives, this is exactly what the league wants. However, witnessing this season's top AFC teams in the American Football Conference continues to seem unusual. Areas of each team meet championship standards, but not in their entirety. If someone requested to lock in your AFC title game selections at this moment, would you confidently pick any of the four division leaders?

Team Breakdowns

Colts Situation

Starting in Indianapolis, Daniel Jones hasn’t quite reached complete disaster level. Yet the past two games have caused alarm. He’s back to giving away possessions and struggling against pressure. He took seven sacks versus Atlanta in the weekend game, and had a short sequence during which he tossed a pick and coughed up the ball thrice. This follows he turned the ball over on five occasions versus Pittsburgh.

Indianapolis' offensive unit thrived early in the season as Jones prevented the disaster plays. Taylor along with the blockers ensure Indianapolis remains capable of overcoming some negative plays, as they did in Berlin. However, if Jones reverts to his historically mistake-heavy play would end postseason aspirations.

New England Analysis

The Patriots feel somewhat similar. A year ago, they were league laughingstocks. Now, they’re the NFL's most pleasant shock and the most successful franchise in football following seven consecutive victories. If not for committing turnover errors a manageable matchup against Pittsburgh, they'd possess a 9-1 record as the league's best. Previously, they were old and slow. Today they appear inexperienced, speedy and bold. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They have faced the most manageable schedule across the NFL, yet vulnerabilities remain. The signal-caller has been sacked thirty-five times – among the highest totals – with several hits he absorbed on Sunday appeared dangerous. As the season progresses, those hits add up.

Broncos Situation

The Broncos hold also 8-2, yet it seems like they're nervously waiting. Bo Nix has shown inconsistency, and the offense plodding, as the defense handles most of the responsibility. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos aren’t scaring any playoff team. The Chargers are also contending within their division at 7-2, however, health issues within their blocking corps will create difficulties for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Situation

Then we have the Steelers, surprisingly atop their division notwithstanding receiving a decisive loss to Los Angeles in the evening game. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defense too often disappears, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations at this stage of his career continue to show up. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, yet Baltimore, with Lamar Jackson healthy again and facing easier opponents, are on a three-game win streak. This development isn't entirely shocking that the Ravens have narrowed to within one game of Pittsburgh, but that it has arrived so quickly is an indictment of Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. Considering the Ravens opened losing five of six and currently seem likely to claim the title reveals much about the conference as a whole.

Traditional Powers

The Ravens represent a segment within a trio of powerhouses – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who could still create the greatest concern in opposing teams if they qualified. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, yet Kansas City and Buffalo cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Bills

A week ago, the Bills were riding high after beating the Chiefs. During Sunday's action they experienced one of the most disappointing losses this year. They didn’t just lose to the Dolphins; they looked terrible, dropping a 30-13 road game. It was Miami’s first win versus Buffalo in several seasons.

If you’re looking for a perfect summary of Sunday, consider this: the quarterback converting {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt