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No league sells competitive balance as effectively as the NFL: it's their core marketing message. However, after 10 weeks of this season, this doesn't represent a landscape with perfect equilibrium separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. Rather, we see a situation where most of the league are merely sufficient.

NFC Standings Definition

Within the National Football Conference, to some degree, there is some clarity. The Rams and Seahawks (both at 7-2) appear to be the most well-rounded squads across the league, and achieved overwhelming triumphs during Sunday's action. The Eagles with six wins notwithstanding their difficulties still have a deeply skilled squad in the league, similar to Green Bay (5-2-1 record). Detroit as well (six and three), with their fluctuating form on offense and defense while managing tension on their coaching staff, have proven they're capable of dominating strong franchises. For each of these squads, one can readily envision a championship trajectory.

AFC Confusion

Over in the AFC, the playoff picture remains completely chaotic. The four teams leading their divisions after ten games: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all at 8-2) and the Steelers (5-4 record). Consider that carefully. Kansas City isn't there. No Bills inclusion. Not the Ravens or Bengals. The usual contenders, backed by the league’s best quarterbacks, possess either obvious team deficiencies or are dealing with health issues.

Competitive Balance System

From certain perspectives, this is exactly what the league wants. However, witnessing this season's top AFC teams in the American Football Conference still feels strange. Components of every squad meet championship standards, though not comprehensively. If someone requested to commit to your AFC title game selections today, would you comfortably pick any of the current division frontrunners?

Squad Examinations

Indianapolis Colts

First, examining Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn't descended to pumpkin status. Yet the past two games have raised concerns. He has returned to turning over the ball and faltering under duress. He was sacked seven times facing Atlanta on Sunday, and experienced a five-minute stretch where he delivered a pick and coughed up the ball thrice. This is a week after he committed turnovers five separate times facing the Steelers.

The Colts’ offense excelled during early games as Jones prevented game-changing errors. The running back and protection unit ensure Indianapolis remains good enough to survive occasional setbacks, as they did in Berlin. However, if Jones reverts to his old blunder-prone days would terminate any playoff run.

New England Analysis

The Patriots feel somewhat similar. Previously, they were league laughingstocks. Now, they’re the NFL's most pleasant shock and the hottest team in football following seven consecutive victories. Had it not been for committing turnover errors a contest they should have won against Pittsburgh, they’d be sitting nine wins, one loss with the best record. In the prior year, they appeared aged and sluggish. Currently they're young, fast and unafraid. Still, it’s hard to ignore how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They've played against the easiest slate in the league, yet vulnerabilities remain. Their quarterback has been brought down thirty-five times – the second-most in football – with several hits he endured during the game appeared dangerous. With continued play, that punishment compounds.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos hold eight wins similarly, yet it seems that they're barely surviving. Their quarterback has been erratic, with the attack struggling, while the defensive unit provides most of the responsibility. Absent adequate signal-calling, the Broncos won't frighten playoff opponents. Los Angeles remains nearby in the AFC West at 7-2, but the injuries affecting their protection unit will create difficulties for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Situation

Then we have the Steelers, inexplicably frontrunning the AFC North notwithstanding receiving a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers during prime time. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defense too often disappears, with their quarterback's restrictions during his career phase persistently appear. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, however, the Ravens, with Lamar Jackson healthy again and facing easier opponents, are on a three-game win streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that Baltimore has closed to within one game of Pittsburgh, but how rapidly this occurred is an indictment of the Steelers' uneven performances. That the Ravens started with a 1-5 record yet still appear likely to claim the title is telling about the entire AFC.

Traditional Powers

The Ravens represent a segment of the Big Three – together with Bills and Chiefs – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who could still create the most fear in opposing teams if they qualified. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, however, both franchises persistently undermine themselves.

Buffalo Analysis

A week ago, Buffalo was celebrating after beating the Chiefs. During Sunday's action they experienced one of the most disappointing losses during the campaign. They didn’t just lose against Miami; they looked terrible, falling 30-13 on the road. This represented Miami's initial victory against Buffalo in more than 1,000 days.

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