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No professional sports organization sells competitive balance as effectively as the NFL: it’s the entire brand. Yet following 10 weeks during the current schedule, this isn’t a league that is equally balanced between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Rather, we see a situation where the majority of teams appear to be fine.

NFC Clarity

Within the National Football Conference, for the most part, we see clearer definition. The Rams and Seahawks (both standing at seven wins, two losses) look like the most balanced franchises in football, and delivered blowout wins during Sunday's action. Philadelphia at 6-2 notwithstanding their difficulties continue to possess among the most gifted lineups in the league, comparable to Green Bay (five wins, two losses, one tie). Detroit as well (six and three), who have been inconsistent on offense and defense and navigating internal staff conflicts, have proven they can defeat good teams. Regarding these five teams, it's straightforward to envision a Super Bowl path.

Muddled AFC Picture

In the AFC however, the playoff picture is thoroughly confusing. The current division frontrunners after ten games: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all standing at eight wins) along with Pittsburgh (5-4 record). Consider that carefully. No Chiefs presence. No Bills inclusion. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. The usual contenders, featuring the league’s best quarterbacks, have either obvious team deficiencies or have suffered medical setbacks.

Parity Mechanics

To some extent, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. However, witnessing this season's top AFC teams in the AFC continues to seem unusual. Areas of each team suggest title potential, yet not completely. Were you questioned to finalize your AFC Championship game picks right now, would you comfortably pick any of the four division leaders?

Squad Examinations

Indianapolis Outlook

Beginning with the Colts, Daniel Jones hasn’t quite reached pumpkin status. Yet the past two games have caused alarm. He has returned to giving away possessions and struggling against pressure. He suffered seven sacks versus Atlanta in the weekend game, and endured a five-minute stretch in which he threw a pick and coughed up the ball thrice. This follows he committed turnovers five times versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts attack performed well initially because Jones avoided game-changing errors. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line mean the Colts are able to withstand occasional setbacks, like their German performance. However, if Jones reverts to his old blunder-prone days would finish any playoff run.

Patriots Examination

The Patriots seem relatively comparable. Previously, they were league laughingstocks. Now, they’re the league’s happiest surprise and the hottest team across the league post seven wins in a row. Had it not been for losing due to fumbles a manageable matchup against Pittsburgh, they’d be sitting at 9–1 as the league's best. Last season, they appeared aged and sluggish. Currently they're inexperienced, speedy and bold. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the weakness of New England's opponents. They've encountered the easiest slate across the NFL, and flaws have still emerged. Their quarterback has been sacked on 35 occasions – among the highest totals – and some of the shots he suffered last weekend proved brutal. Over time, that punishment compounds.

Denver Analysis

The Broncos are 8–2 as well, and it still feels that they're barely surviving. Bo Nix has performed unevenly, and the offense plodding, with the defense doing the majority of the work. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos aren’t scaring anyone in the postseason. The Chargers are also contending within their division at 7-2, however, health issues affecting their protection unit will present challenges to achieve championship contention.

Pittsburgh Situation

And then there’s Pittsburgh, somehow still leading their division notwithstanding receiving a decisive loss to Los Angeles during prime time. They've been outscored overall, their defense too often disappears, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations during his career phase continue to show up. They’re 5–4 and holding on, yet Baltimore, with their QB returning to health and the schedule softening, have won three consecutive. We shouldn't be completely astonished that Baltimore has closed within a game of the Steelers, 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 they should win the division speaks volumes regarding the complete conference.

Historical Favorites

Baltimore constitutes part of the Big Three – together with Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who would still strike the greatest concern in opposing teams if they qualified. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, but the Chiefs and Bills cannot get out of their own way.

Bills Struggles

Last week, Buffalo was celebrating after beating the Chiefs. This weekend they encountered one of the most disappointing losses of the season. They didn’t just lose to the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, falling 30-13 on the road. This represented Miami's initial victory against Buffalo in more than 1,000 days.

For those searching for a perfect summary of Sunday, look no further: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt