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No league markets equal footing as effectively as the NFL: it defines their identity. But through 10 weeks in this campaign, this isn’t a league that is equally balanced between the good, the bad and the mediocre. It’s one where most of the league is simply adequate.

NFC Clarity

Within the National Football Conference, to some degree, the picture becomes more distinct. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both standing at seven wins, two losses) look like the most complete teams in the NFL, and secured blowout wins on Sunday. The Eagles with six wins despite their struggles still have a deeply skilled squad in the league, likewise with the Packers franchise (5-2-1). Even the Lions (6-3), who have been inconsistent along both lines of scrimmage and have been dealing with internal staff conflicts, have proven they can defeat quality opponents. For each of these squads, one can readily construct a Super Bowl path.

AFC Confusion

Over in the AFC, postseason landscape remains completely chaotic. The current division frontrunners through ten weeks: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all standing at eight wins) and Steelers (five wins, four losses). Take another look. No Chiefs presence. Buffalo is missing. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. Historically strong franchises, supported by premier quarterback talent, have either significant personnel gaps or have suffered medical setbacks.

Parity Mechanics

To some extent, it’s the league’s ideal. But watching this season's top AFC teams in the AFC continues to seem unusual. Aspects of each franchise pass the championship smell test, though not comprehensively. If someone requested to lock in your conference championship predictions at this moment, would you comfortably pick any of the current division frontrunners?

Team Breakdowns

Colts Situation

Starting in Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn't descended to total collapse. However, recent performances have caused alarm. He's reverting to turning over the ball and faltering under duress. He took seven sacks against the Falcons in the weekend game, and endured a short sequence during which he tossed an intercepted pass and lost three fumbles. This comes after he gave away possessions five separate times facing the Steelers.

The Colts attack thrived early in the season as Jones prevented game-changing errors. Taylor along with the blockers make the Colts capable of overcoming some negative plays, as they did in Berlin. But Jones returning to his previous error-filled form would end postseason aspirations.

New England Analysis

The Patriots seem relatively comparable. Last season, they were league laughingstocks. Now, they’re football's most unexpected success and the hottest team across the league following seven consecutive victories. Had it not been for fumbling away a manageable matchup against Pittsburgh, they'd possess nine wins, one loss as the league's best. In the prior year, they seemed veteran and plodding. Now they’re youthful, quick and confident. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They have faced the least challenging lineup across the NFL, yet vulnerabilities remain. Their quarterback has been brought down thirty-five times – ranking second league-wide – including particular impacts he suffered last weekend were vicious. As the season progresses, those hits add up.

Denver Analysis

The Broncos hold eight wins similarly, and it still feels like they're nervously waiting. The Denver signal-caller has shown inconsistency, and the offensive unit laboring, while the defensive unit provides the majority of the work. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos aren’t scaring anyone in the postseason. The Chargers are also contending in the Western division holding a 7-2 record, yet medical problems within their blocking corps will make it tough for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, surprisingly atop their division even after suffering a decisive loss to Los Angeles in the evening game. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defensive unit frequently falters, with their quarterback's restrictions at this stage of his career persistently appear. They’re 5–4 and holding on, but Baltimore, with Lamar Jackson healthy again and the schedule softening, have won three consecutive. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have pulled within a game of the Steelers, but how rapidly this occurred highlights deficiencies within Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. The fact Baltimore began the season 1-5 yet still appear capable of division victory speaks volumes regarding the complete conference.

Established Contenders

The Ravens' form part within a trio of powerhouses – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – driven by elite quarterback play, that would continue to generate the most fear among competitors if they made the playoffs. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, however, both franchises continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Analysis

Last week, the Bills were riding high following victory over Kansas City. On Sunday they suffered one of the most disappointing losses of the season. They didn't merely fall versus the Dolphins; they looked terrible, losing 30-13 as visitors. The Dolphins secured their first triumph versus Buffalo in several seasons.

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