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No major competition markets equal footing in the manner of the NFL: it’s the entire brand. Yet following the first ten matchups in this campaign, this isn’t a league that is equally balanced between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Rather, we see a situation where the bulk of franchises is simply sufficient.

NFC Clarity

Within the National Football Conference, for the most part, we see clearer definition. The Rams and Seahawks (each holding 7-2 records) appear to be the most well-rounded squads across the league, and achieved blowout wins during Sunday's action. Philadelphia at 6-2 even with their challenges maintain among the most gifted lineups in the league, similar to the Packers (five wins, two losses, one tie). Detroit as well (6-3 standing), despite their uneven performances on offense and defense while managing coaching drama, have demonstrated they can hammer quality opponents. For all five, one can readily put together a Super Bowl path.

AFC Confusion

In the AFC however, postseason landscape is thoroughly confusing. The current division frontrunners at this stage: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all standing at eight wins) along with Pittsburgh (five wins, four losses). Read that again. No Chiefs presence. Not the Bills. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. The usual contenders, backed by premier quarterback talent, display either significant personnel gaps or are dealing with health issues.

League Equality Design

From certain perspectives, it’s the league’s ideal. Yet observing this season's top AFC teams in the AFC remains somewhat odd. Components of every squad meet championship standards, yet not completely. If someone requested to finalize your conference championship predictions at this moment, would you comfortably select any one of the current division frontrunners?

Team Breakdowns

Indianapolis Outlook

Starting in Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn’t quite reached total collapse. But the last two weeks have caused alarm. He has returned to committing turnovers and faltering under duress. He was sacked seven times against the Falcons during Sunday's contest, and experienced a short sequence during which he tossed an interception and lost three fumbles. This follows he gave away possessions five separate times against the Steelers.

Indianapolis' offensive unit performed well initially as Jones prevented the disaster plays. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line mean the Colts are good enough to survive occasional setbacks, like their German performance. But Jones returning to his old blunder-prone days would end postseason aspirations.

New England Patriots

The Patriots feel somewhat similar. Previously, they were considered jokes. Today, they stand as the league’s happiest surprise and the hottest team in the NFL following seven consecutive victories. If not for losing due to fumbles a manageable matchup versus the Steelers, they’d be sitting a 9-1 record with the top standing. Previously, they were old and slow. Now they’re youthful, quick and confident. Still, it’s hard to ignore the weakness of New England's opponents. They've played against the easiest slate in the league, and flaws have still emerged. Drake Maye has been sacked thirty-five times – the second-most in football – with several hits he absorbed on Sunday were vicious. Over time, that punishment compounds.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos hold also 8-2, and the perception remains as if they’re holding their breath. Their quarterback has been erratic, and the offensive unit laboring, while the defensive unit provides the majority of the work. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos aren’t scaring any playoff team. The Chargers are also contending in the AFC West holding a 7-2 record, yet medical problems along their offensive line will make it tough to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Situation

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, inexplicably frontrunning their division even after suffering a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers in the evening game. They have a negative point differential, their defensive unit frequently falters, and the QB's current constraints given his veteran status continue to show up. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, but Baltimore, with their QB returning to health and the schedule softening, are on a three-game win streak. This development isn't entirely shocking that the Ravens have pulled the gap to just one game, though the speed of this shift represents criticism toward Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. That the Ravens started the season 1-5 and still look like they should win the division is telling about the conference as a whole.

Established Contenders

Baltimore constitutes part of the Big Three – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – driven by elite quarterback play, who would still strike the most fear in opposing teams if they made the playoffs. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, but the Chiefs and Bills continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Bills

A week ago, the Bills were riding high following victory over Kansas City. This weekend they encountered one of the most disappointing losses of the season. They didn’t just lose against Miami; they looked terrible, falling 30-13 on the road. It was Miami’s first win versus Buffalo in more than 1,000 days.

Should you seek a microcosm of the day, look no further: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt