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No major competition markets equal footing in the manner of the NFL: it’s the entire brand. However, after the first ten matchups of this season, this doesn't represent a landscape featuring uniform distribution among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. Instead, it's a scenario where the bulk of franchises are merely adequate.

Clear Picture in NFC

In the NFC, for the most part, we see clearer definition. The Rams and Seahawks (both standing at seven wins, two losses) appear to be the most balanced franchises in football, and delivered blowout wins during Sunday's action. The Eagles with six wins notwithstanding their difficulties still have a deeply skilled squad in the league, likewise with the Packers (5-2-1). The Lions also (6-3), despite their uneven performances along both lines of scrimmage while managing tension on their coaching staff, have proven they can defeat strong franchises. For all five, one can readily put together a championship trajectory.

AFC Playoff Chaos

Over in the AFC, the playoff picture remains completely chaotic. The current division frontrunners through ten weeks: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all standing at eight wins) and the Steelers (5-4). Consider that carefully. Kansas City isn't there. Not the Bills. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. The traditional powers, featuring the league’s best quarterbacks, have either glaring roster weaknesses or have been hit by injuries.

League Equality Design

In some ways, it’s the league’s ideal. But watching this year’s four division leaders in the AFC remains somewhat odd. Components of every squad suggest title potential, though not comprehensively. If you were asked to commit to your conference championship predictions today, would you comfortably pick any of the four division leaders?

Team Breakdowns

Indianapolis Colts

Starting in Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn’t quite reached complete disaster level. However, recent performances have raised concerns. He has returned to giving away possessions and failing against blitzes. He was sacked seven times against the Falcons during Sunday's contest, and endured a five-minute stretch in which he threw an interception and lost three fumbles. This is a week after he gave away possessions five separate times facing the Steelers.

The Colts attack thrived early in the season since Jones evaded game-changing errors. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line ensure Indianapolis remains capable of overcoming occasional setbacks, as they did in Berlin. But Jones returning to his historically mistake-heavy play would finish any playoff run.

New England Patriots

The Patriots feel relatively comparable. A year ago, they were league laughingstocks. Today, they stand as the league’s happiest surprise and the hottest team in football after seven straight wins. Except for losing due to fumbles a winnable game versus the Steelers, they would currently hold a 9-1 record as the league's best. Previously, they were old and slow. Now they’re young, fast and unafraid. However, we must acknowledge how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They've played against the least challenging lineup across the NFL, and there have still been cracks. Their quarterback has taken sacks 35 times – among the highest totals – with several hits he endured during the game proved brutal. With continued play, that punishment compounds.

Denver Analysis

The Broncos hold also 8-2, and it still feels as if they’re holding their breath. Their quarterback has shown inconsistency, and the offense plodding, as the defense handles most of the responsibility. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos won't frighten any playoff team. Los Angeles remains nearby in the AFC West holding a 7-2 record, but the injuries affecting their protection unit will create difficulties to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Then we have the Steelers, somehow still leading their division even after suffering a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers during prime time. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defensive unit frequently falters, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations given his veteran status persistently appear. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, yet Baltimore, with their QB returning to health with manageable games ahead, are riding a three-game streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have narrowed the gap to just one game, but that it has arrived so quickly represents criticism toward Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. The fact Baltimore began the season 1-5 and currently seem capable of division victory speaks volumes regarding the entire AFC.

Established Contenders

Baltimore constitutes part within a trio of powerhouses – together with Bills and Chiefs – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, that would continue to generate the greatest concern for opponents if they made the playoffs. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, yet Kansas City and Buffalo cannot get out of their own way.

Bills Struggles

Previously, the Bills were riding high post Chiefs triumph. On Sunday they suffered a particularly discouraging setback of the season. They didn’t just lose to the Dolphins; they suffered humiliation, falling 30-13 on the road. This represented Miami's initial victory versus Buffalo in several seasons.

For those searching for a microcosm of the day, consider this: the quarterback converting {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt