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No major competition markets equal footing like the NFL: it’s the entire brand. Yet following the first ten matchups during the current schedule, this doesn't represent a landscape featuring uniform distribution between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Rather, we see a situation 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 at 7-2) seem like the most complete teams in the NFL, and delivered decisive victories in their weekend matchups. Philadelphia at 6-2 even with their challenges continue to possess among the most gifted lineups in the league, likewise with the Packers (five wins, two losses, one tie). The Lions also (six and three), despite their uneven performances in trench play and have been dealing with coaching drama, have proven they can hammer quality opponents. For each of these squads, you can still easily put together a Super Bowl path.

AFC Playoff Chaos

Over in the AFC, the playoff picture remains completely chaotic. The four teams leading their divisions after ten games: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all standing at eight wins) along with Pittsburgh (five wins, four losses). Read that again. Not the Chiefs. No Bills inclusion. Not the Ravens or Bengals. Historically strong franchises, featuring premier quarterback talent, display either obvious team deficiencies or have been hit by injuries.

Competitive Balance System

From certain perspectives, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. But watching this year’s four division leaders in the AFC still feels strange. Components of every squad meet championship standards, though not comprehensively. Were you questioned to finalize your conference championship predictions right now, would you confidently choose any among these four teams?

Squad Examinations

Colts Situation

Beginning with the Colts, the signal-caller hasn't yet achieved complete disaster level. But the last two weeks have raised concerns. He has returned to giving away possessions and faltering under duress. He took seven sacks versus Atlanta in the weekend game, and experienced a short sequence where he delivered a pick and lost three fumbles. This follows he turned the ball over five separate times versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts attack thrived early in the season as Jones prevented the disaster plays. The running back and protection unit make the Colts able to withstand periodic mistakes, as they did in Berlin. However, if Jones reverts to his old blunder-prone days would finish championship hopes.

New England Patriots

New England appears somewhat similar. A year ago, they were league laughingstocks. Currently, they represent the NFL's most pleasant shock and the most successful franchise across the league post seven wins in a row. If not for losing due to fumbles a manageable matchup facing Pittsburgh, they’d be sitting a 9-1 record as the league's best. Previously, they seemed veteran and plodding. Currently they're young, fast and unafraid. Still, it’s hard to ignore how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They've played against the most manageable schedule in the league, and there have still been cracks. The signal-caller has been sacked 35 times – ranking second league-wide – including particular impacts he absorbed on Sunday were vicious. Over time, those hits add up.

Denver Broncos

Denver stands at eight wins similarly, and it still feels like they're nervously waiting. The Denver signal-caller has performed unevenly, with the attack struggling, as the defense handles all the heavy lifting. Absent adequate signal-calling, Denver cannot intimidate playoff opponents. The Chargers are also hovering in the AFC West at 7-2, but the injuries within their blocking corps will create difficulties to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, surprisingly atop their division despite being thumped 25-10 by the Chargers on Sunday night. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defensive unit frequently falters, with their quarterback's restrictions at this stage of his career continue to show up. They’re 5–4 and holding on, but Baltimore, featuring a recovered Jackson with manageable games ahead, have won three consecutive. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have narrowed the gap to just one game, but how rapidly this occurred represents criticism toward Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. Considering the Ravens opened losing five of six yet still appear capable of division victory speaks volumes regarding the complete conference.

Established Contenders

Baltimore constitutes part of the Big Three – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who would still strike the highest anxiety among competitors if they qualified. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, but the Chiefs and Bills cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Analysis

Last week, the Bills were riding high following victory over Kansas City. During Sunday's action they experienced one of the most disappointing losses this year. They didn't merely fall against Miami; they looked terrible, losing 30-13 as visitors. This represented Miami's initial victory over the Bills in more than 1,000 days.

If you’re looking for a perfect summary of Sunday, consider this: Allen transforming {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt