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No league markets parity like the NFL: it defines their identity. Yet following the first ten matchups in this campaign, this is not a competition with perfect equilibrium between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Instead, it's a scenario where the majority of teams is simply adequate.

NFC Clarity

In the NFC, for the most part, we see clearer definition. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both at 7-2) seem like the most well-rounded squads in the NFL, and achieved overwhelming triumphs during Sunday's action. Philadelphia at 6-2 even with their challenges maintain one of the most talented rosters in the league, likewise with Green Bay (5-2-1). Even the Lions (6-3 standing), with their fluctuating form on offense and defense while managing coaching drama, have shown they can hammer good teams. For each of these squads, one can readily envision a championship trajectory.

Muddled AFC Picture

Turning to the American Football Conference, the playoff picture is thoroughly confusing. Your four division leaders after ten games: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all at 8-2) and Steelers (5-4). Read that again. Not the Chiefs. Buffalo is missing. Not the Ravens or Bengals. Historically strong franchises, featuring elite NFL signal-callers, have either glaring roster weaknesses or are dealing with health issues.

Parity Mechanics

In some ways, this is exactly what the league wants. However, witnessing this season's top AFC teams in the American Football Conference continues to seem unusual. Components of every squad pass the championship smell test, yet not completely. Were you questioned to lock in your conference championship predictions today, would you comfortably pick any of these four teams?

Team Breakdowns

Indianapolis Outlook

Beginning with the Colts, the signal-caller hasn't yet achieved pumpkin status. But the last two weeks have caused alarm. He’s back to turning over the ball and faltering under duress. He suffered seven sacks versus Atlanta during Sunday's contest, and endured a brief period in which he threw an interception and coughed up the ball thrice. This comes after he gave away possessions five times against the Steelers.

Indianapolis' offensive unit excelled during early games since Jones evaded game-changing errors. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line mean the Colts are capable of overcoming occasional setbacks, as they did in Berlin. But Jones returning to his historically mistake-heavy play would end postseason aspirations.

Patriots Examination

The Patriots feel fairly alike. A year ago, they were considered jokes. Now, they’re football's most unexpected success and the strongest squad in the NFL post seven wins in a row. Except for losing due to fumbles a winnable game facing Pittsburgh, they’d be sitting at 9–1 with the best record. Last season, they were old and slow. Now they’re young, fast and unafraid. However, we must acknowledge how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They've played against the least challenging lineup across the NFL, and there have still been cracks. Their quarterback has been brought down 35 times – among the highest totals – with several hits he suffered last weekend appeared dangerous. As the season progresses, those hits add up.

Denver Analysis

The Broncos are eight wins similarly, yet it seems that they're barely surviving. The Denver signal-caller has been erratic, and the offense plodding, while the defensive unit provides most of the responsibility. Lacking competent QB performance, Denver cannot intimidate any playoff team. Los Angeles remains nearby in the AFC West with seven wins, but the injuries affecting their protection unit will present challenges for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Then we have the Steelers, somehow still leading the AFC North notwithstanding receiving a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers in the evening game. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defense regularly vanishes, and the QB's current constraints given his veteran status persistently appear. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, but Baltimore, with Lamar Jackson healthy again and facing easier opponents, are on a three-game win streak. We shouldn't be completely astonished that Baltimore has closed the gap to just one game, but that it has arrived so quickly is an indictment of Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. The fact Baltimore began losing five of six and currently seem likely to claim the title reveals much about the conference as a whole.

Traditional Powers

The Ravens represent a segment of the Big Three – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who would still strike the most fear for opponents should they reach postseason. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, however, both franchises continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Analysis

Last week, Buffalo was celebrating post Chiefs triumph. During Sunday's action they experienced among the season's worst defeats this year. They didn’t just lose to the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, losing 30-13 as visitors. This represented Miami's initial victory against Buffalo 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