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No professional sports organization promotes competitive balance like the NFL: it defines their identity. However, after ten games of this season, this doesn't represent a landscape that is equally balanced among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. Rather, we see a situation where most of the league is simply sufficient.

Clear Picture in NFC

In the NFC, for the most part, we see clearer definition. The Rams along with the Seahawks (each holding 7-2 records) seem like the most complete teams across the league, and delivered overwhelming triumphs on Sunday. The 6-2 Eagles even with their challenges still have a deeply skilled squad throughout football, likewise with the Packers (5-2-1). Even the Lions (6-3), with their fluctuating form in trench play while managing internal staff conflicts, have demonstrated they're capable of dominating strong franchises. Regarding these five teams, you can still easily construct a championship trajectory.

AFC Confusion

In the AFC however, the playoff picture is thoroughly confusing. The four teams leading their divisions at this stage: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all at 8-2) along with Pittsburgh (five wins, four losses). Read that again. Kansas City isn't there. Buffalo is missing. Not the Ravens or Bengals. The traditional powers, supported by premier quarterback talent, have either obvious team deficiencies or are dealing with health issues.

League Equality Design

In some ways, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. However, witnessing the current division frontrunners within the conference continues to seem unusual. Components of every squad suggest title potential, but not in their entirety. If someone requested to finalize your AFC title game selections today, would you comfortably select any one of these four teams?

Franchise Analysis

Indianapolis Colts

Beginning with the Colts, their quarterback hasn't yet achieved pumpkin status. But the last two weeks have been worrying. He’s back to turning over the ball and faltering under duress. He took seven sacks versus Atlanta during Sunday's contest, and endured a short sequence in which he threw a pick and coughed up the ball thrice. This follows he committed turnovers on five occasions against the Steelers.

The Colts attack thrived early in the season since Jones evaded catastrophic mistakes. Taylor along with the blockers mean the Colts are capable of overcoming occasional setbacks, as they did in Berlin. However, if Jones reverts to his old blunder-prone days would finish postseason aspirations.

New England Analysis

The Patriots seem fairly alike. A year ago, they were a punchline. Currently, they represent football's most unexpected success and the hottest team in the NFL post seven wins in a row. Except for committing turnover errors a manageable matchup versus the Steelers, they would currently hold nine wins, one loss with the top standing. Previously, they were old and slow. Today they appear young, fast and unafraid. Still, it’s hard to ignore how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They've played against the least challenging lineup in the league, yet vulnerabilities remain. Their quarterback has been brought down on 35 occasions – ranking second league-wide – including particular impacts he absorbed on Sunday were vicious. With continued play, that punishment compounds.

Broncos Situation

Denver stands at eight wins similarly, yet it seems as if they’re holding their breath. The Denver signal-caller has shown inconsistency, and the offensive unit laboring, as the defense handles the majority of the work. Absent adequate signal-calling, Denver cannot intimidate any playoff team. The Chargers are also contending in the Western division with seven wins, yet medical problems along their offensive line will make it tough for extended playoff success.

Steelers Examination

Then we have the Steelers, surprisingly atop the Northern division despite being thumped 25-10 by the Chargers in the evening game. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defense too often disappears, with their quarterback's restrictions given his veteran status persistently appear. 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 the gap to just one game, though the speed of this shift represents criticism toward the Steelers' uneven performances. The fact Baltimore began the season 1-5 and currently seem likely to claim the title speaks volumes regarding the complete conference.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens represent a segment within a trio of powerhouses – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, that would continue to generate the greatest concern among competitors if they made the playoffs. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, yet Kansas City and Buffalo persistently undermine themselves.

Buffalo Bills

Last week, Buffalo was celebrating post Chiefs triumph. On Sunday they suffered one of the most disappointing losses this year. They didn’t just lose versus the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, losing 30-13 as visitors. This represented Miami's initial victory over the Bills in over three years.

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