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No league markets competitive balance like the NFL: it’s the entire brand. Yet following the first ten matchups during the current schedule, this isn’t a league featuring uniform distribution between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Instead, it's a scenario where the bulk of franchises appear to be adequate.

Clear Picture in NFC

Within the National Football Conference, for the most part, the picture becomes more distinct. The Rams and Seahawks (both at 7-2) seem like the most complete teams across the league, and achieved blowout wins during Sunday's action. The Eagles with six wins notwithstanding their difficulties maintain a deeply skilled squad across the NFL, likewise with the Packers franchise (5-2-1). Even the Lions (6-3 standing), with their fluctuating form along both lines of scrimmage and navigating tension on their coaching staff, have proven they can defeat strong franchises. Regarding these five teams, you can still easily envision a Super Bowl path.

AFC Confusion

Over in the AFC, the playoff picture is thoroughly confusing. Your four division leaders after ten games: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all at 8-2) and Steelers (5-4). Consider that carefully. Not the Chiefs. Not the Bills. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. The usual contenders, backed by premier quarterback talent, have either significant personnel gaps or have suffered medical setbacks.

League Equality Design

To some extent, it’s the league’s ideal. However, witnessing this season's top AFC teams in the AFC continues to seem unusual. Components of every squad pass the championship smell test, yet not completely. If you were asked to commit to your AFC Championship game picks right now, would you confidently select any one of the current division frontrunners?

Squad Examinations

Indianapolis Colts

Starting in Indianapolis, Daniel Jones hasn't yet achieved pumpkin status. But the last two weeks have been worrying. He's reverting to giving away possessions and failing against blitzes. He suffered seven sacks facing Atlanta in the weekend game, and experienced a five-minute stretch where he delivered an interception and coughed up the ball thrice. This follows he committed turnovers five times versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts attack excelled during early games since Jones evaded catastrophic mistakes. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line make the Colts capable of overcoming some negative plays, like their German performance. But Jones returning to his old blunder-prone days would end postseason aspirations.

New England Patriots

The Patriots feel relatively comparable. Previously, they were a punchline. Currently, they represent the NFL's most pleasant shock and the strongest squad in football post seven wins in a row. Except for committing turnover errors a winnable game facing Pittsburgh, they’d be sitting nine wins, one loss with the best record. In the prior year, they seemed veteran and plodding. Now they’re young, fast and unafraid. Still, it’s hard to ignore the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They've played against the easiest slate in the league, and flaws have still emerged. The signal-caller has been brought down on 35 occasions – among the highest totals – and some of the shots he suffered last weekend were vicious. Over time, those beatings accumulate.

Denver Broncos

Denver stands at eight wins similarly, and it still feels that they're barely surviving. Their quarterback has been erratic, with the attack struggling, while the defensive unit provides all the heavy lifting. Lacking competent QB performance, Denver cannot intimidate playoff opponents. The Chargers are also hovering within their division holding a 7-2 record, but the injuries within their blocking corps will create difficulties to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Steelers

And then there’s Pittsburgh, somehow still leading their division even after suffering a decisive loss to Los Angeles on Sunday night. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defense too often disappears, and the QB's current constraints given his veteran status continue to show up. They’re 5–4 and holding on, yet Baltimore, with Lamar Jackson healthy again with manageable games ahead, are riding a three-game streak. We shouldn't be completely astonished that the Ravens have narrowed within a game of the Steelers, but how rapidly this occurred highlights deficiencies within Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. Considering the Ravens opened losing five of six and currently seem capable of division victory is telling about the entire AFC.

Established Contenders

The Ravens' form part within a trio of powerhouses – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who would still strike the most fear among competitors should they reach postseason. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, but the Chiefs and Bills continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Bills

A week ago, the Bills were riding high post Chiefs triumph. This weekend they encountered among the season's worst defeats this year. They didn’t just lose against Miami; they looked terrible, losing 30-13 as visitors. This represented Miami's initial victory over the Bills in over three years.

For those searching for a perfect summary of Sunday, here you go: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt