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No major competition sells competitive balance like the NFL: it defines their identity. However, after the first ten matchups during the current schedule, this is not a competition with perfect equilibrium between the good, the bad and the mediocre. It’s one where the bulk of franchises appear to be sufficient.

Clear Picture in NFC

In the NFC, at least, there is some clarity. The Rams along with the Seahawks (each holding 7-2 records) look like the most balanced franchises in the NFL, and achieved blowout wins on Sunday. The 6-2 Eagles despite their struggles continue to possess among the most gifted lineups across the NFL, comparable to the Packers franchise (five wins, two losses, one tie). The Lions also (6-3 standing), with their fluctuating form in trench play and have been dealing with tension on their coaching staff, have demonstrated they can defeat quality opponents. For each of these squads, you can still easily put together a route to the final game.

Muddled AFC Picture

Turning to the American Football Conference, the playoff picture remains completely chaotic. Your four division leaders after ten games: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all at 8-2) along with Pittsburgh (5-4 record). Read that again. No Chiefs presence. Not the Bills. Not the Ravens or Bengals. Historically strong franchises, featuring premier quarterback talent, possess either glaring roster weaknesses or have suffered medical setbacks.

Parity Mechanics

To some extent, it’s the league’s ideal. But watching this year’s four division leaders in the American Football Conference remains somewhat odd. Aspects of each franchise meet championship standards, but not in their entirety. If you were asked to commit to your AFC Championship game picks today, could you assuredly choose any among the current division frontrunners?

Team Breakdowns

Indianapolis Outlook

Starting in Indianapolis, Daniel Jones hasn’t quite reached pumpkin status. But the last two weeks have caused alarm. He has returned to turning over the ball and failing against blitzes. He took seven sacks against the Falcons on Sunday, and had a five-minute stretch during which he tossed an interception and fumbled three times. This comes after he committed turnovers five times versus Pittsburgh.

Indianapolis' offensive unit excelled during early games since Jones evaded the disaster plays. The running back and protection unit mean the Colts are able to withstand occasional setbacks, as they did in Berlin. However, if Jones reverts to his old blunder-prone days would end postseason aspirations.

New England Patriots

The Patriots seem fairly alike. Previously, they were considered jokes. Today, they stand as the league’s happiest surprise and the strongest squad in the NFL following seven consecutive victories. If not for committing turnover errors a manageable matchup facing Pittsburgh, they would currently hold nine wins, one loss as the league's best. Last season, they were old and slow. Now they’re inexperienced, speedy and bold. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They have faced the easiest slate in the league, and there have still been cracks. Their quarterback has been sacked thirty-five times – the second-most in football – and some of the shots he endured during the game proved brutal. Over time, those beatings accumulate.

Broncos Situation

The Broncos hold 8–2 as well, and the perception remains as if they’re holding their breath. Bo Nix has performed unevenly, and the offensive unit laboring, as the defense handles most of the responsibility. Lacking competent QB performance, the Broncos aren’t scaring playoff opponents. The Chargers are also contending in the Western division with seven wins, but the injuries within their blocking corps will present challenges to achieve championship contention.

Pittsburgh Situation

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, surprisingly atop their division notwithstanding receiving 25-10 by the Chargers in the evening game. They've been outscored overall, their defense regularly vanishes, with their quarterback's restrictions at this stage of his career regularly manifest. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, however, the Ravens, featuring a recovered Jackson and the schedule softening, are riding a three-game streak. We shouldn't be completely astonished that the Ravens have pulled within a game of the Steelers, though the speed of this shift highlights deficiencies within the Steelers' uneven performances. Considering the Ravens opened with a 1-5 record and currently seem they should win the division is telling about the entire AFC.

Established Contenders

The Ravens represent a segment of the Big Three – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – driven by elite quarterback play, that would continue to generate the highest anxiety for opponents if they qualified. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, but the Chiefs and Bills persistently undermine themselves.

Bills Struggles

A week ago, the Bills felt confident after beating the Chiefs. During Sunday's action they experienced one of the most disappointing losses this year. They didn't merely fall to the Dolphins; they suffered humiliation, dropping a 30-13 road game. This represented Miami's initial victory over the Bills in more than 1,000 days.

If you’re looking for a microcosm of the day, look no further: the quarterback converting {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt