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No league sells equal footing like the NFL: it's their core marketing message. Yet following 10 weeks during the current schedule, this is not a competition featuring uniform distribution between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Instead, it's a scenario where the majority of teams appear to be fine.

Clear Picture in NFC

In the NFC, for the most part, there is some clarity. Los Angeles and Seattle (both at 7-2) look like the most complete teams in football, and achieved decisive victories during Sunday's action. The 6-2 Eagles despite their struggles continue to possess among the most gifted lineups throughout football, comparable to Green Bay (5-2-1 record). The Lions also (six and three), who have been inconsistent in trench play and have been dealing with tension on their coaching staff, have shown they're capable of dominating strong franchises. For all five, one can readily put together a championship trajectory.

AFC Playoff Chaos

Turning to the American Football Conference, championship race is a jumbled mess. Your four division leaders through ten weeks: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) along with Pittsburgh (5-4 record). Read that again. Not the Chiefs. Buffalo is missing. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. The traditional powers, backed by elite NFL signal-callers, have either significant personnel gaps or are dealing with health issues.

Competitive Balance System

From certain perspectives, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. However, witnessing this season's top AFC teams in the American Football Conference continues to seem unusual. Aspects of each franchise meet championship standards, yet not completely. If you were asked to commit to your AFC title game selections right now, would you confidently choose any among the four division leaders?

Team Breakdowns

Indianapolis Outlook

First, examining Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn't descended to complete disaster level. But the last two weeks have raised concerns. He’s back to giving away possessions and faltering under duress. He suffered seven sacks against the Falcons on Sunday, and endured a brief period where he delivered an interception and fumbled three times. This follows he turned the ball over five times facing the Steelers.

The Colts attack thrived early in the season 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. But Jones returning to his historically mistake-heavy play would terminate postseason aspirations.

New England Patriots

New England appears fairly alike. Last season, they were league laughingstocks. Now, they’re the league’s happiest surprise and the strongest squad across the league after seven straight wins. Except for committing turnover errors a manageable matchup against Pittsburgh, they would currently hold nine wins, one loss with the top standing. In the prior year, they seemed veteran and plodding. Currently they're inexperienced, speedy and bold. Still, it’s hard to ignore the weakness of New England's opponents. They've played against the easiest slate throughout football, yet vulnerabilities remain. Their quarterback has taken sacks 35 times – among the highest totals – and some of the shots he absorbed on Sunday proved brutal. Over time, those hits add up.

Broncos Situation

Denver stands at also 8-2, and it still feels like they're nervously waiting. Their quarterback has shown inconsistency, and the offensive unit laboring, as the defense handles most of the responsibility. Absent adequate signal-calling, Denver cannot intimidate anyone in the postseason. The Chargers are also contending within their division holding a 7-2 record, however, health issues along their offensive line will create difficulties to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Situation

Then we have the Steelers, inexplicably frontrunning their division notwithstanding receiving a decisive loss to Los Angeles on Sunday night. They have a negative point differential, their defense too often disappears, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations during his career phase 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. This development isn't entirely shocking that Baltimore has closed the gap to just one game, but that it has arrived so quickly represents criticism toward Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. Considering the Ravens opened with a 1-5 record and still look like they should win the division is telling about the entire AFC.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens' form part of the Big Three – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – driven by elite quarterback play, who would still strike the most fear among competitors should they reach postseason. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, however, both franchises cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Bills

Last week, the Bills felt confident after beating the Chiefs. On Sunday they suffered a particularly discouraging setback of the season. They didn’t just lose to the Dolphins; they looked terrible, losing 30-13 as visitors. This represented Miami's initial victory versus Buffalo in over three years.

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