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No major competition sells equal footing as effectively as the NFL: it’s the entire brand. Yet following ten games of this season, this is not a competition that is equally balanced separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. Instead, it's a scenario where the majority of teams is simply adequate.

Clear Picture in NFC

Within the National Football Conference, at least, there is some clarity. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both standing at seven wins, two losses) look like the most well-rounded squads in the NFL, and achieved decisive victories during Sunday's action. The Eagles with six wins despite their struggles still have among the most gifted lineups across the NFL, comparable to the Packers (5-2-1). Even the Lions (six and three), with their fluctuating form along both lines of scrimmage and have been dealing with tension on their coaching staff, have proven they can hammer strong franchises. For all five, you can still easily envision a Super Bowl path.

Muddled AFC Picture

Over in the AFC, the playoff picture remains completely chaotic. The current division frontrunners after ten games: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (each with 8-2 records) and Steelers (5-4 record). Consider that carefully. No Chiefs presence. No Bills inclusion. Not the Ravens or Bengals. Historically strong franchises, supported by premier quarterback talent, have either obvious team deficiencies or are dealing with health issues.

League Equality Design

From certain perspectives, this is exactly what the league wants. But watching this season's top AFC teams within the conference still feels strange. Components of every squad suggest title potential, but not in their entirety. If someone requested to finalize your conference championship predictions at this moment, could you assuredly pick any of the current division frontrunners?

Squad Examinations

Indianapolis Colts

First, examining Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn't yet achieved pumpkin status. However, recent performances have caused alarm. He’s back to turning over the ball and struggling against pressure. He suffered seven sacks facing Atlanta in the weekend game, and experienced a five-minute stretch where he delivered a pick and coughed up the ball thrice. This comes after he gave away possessions on five occasions against the Steelers.

The Colts attack excelled during early games as Jones prevented the disaster plays. Taylor along with the blockers mean the Colts are good enough to survive some negative plays, as demonstrated overseas. However, if Jones reverts to his previous error-filled form would end postseason aspirations.

New England Patriots

The Patriots feel somewhat similar. Last season, they were considered jokes. Now, they’re the league’s happiest surprise and the most successful franchise in football after seven straight wins. Had it not been for committing turnover errors a manageable matchup versus the Steelers, they'd possess nine wins, one loss with the best record. In the prior year, they appeared aged and sluggish. Currently they're youthful, quick and confident. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They've played against the most manageable schedule in the league, and there have still been cracks. Their quarterback has taken sacks thirty-five times – among the highest totals – and some of the shots he suffered last weekend were vicious. Over time, those beatings accumulate.

Broncos Situation

The Broncos are 8–2 as well, and the perception remains like they're nervously waiting. Their quarterback has shown inconsistency, and the offensive unit laboring, while the defensive unit provides the majority of the work. Lacking competent QB performance, Denver cannot intimidate anyone in the postseason. The Chargers are also hovering within their division with seven wins, but the injuries affecting their protection unit will make it tough to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Situation

Then we have the Steelers, surprisingly atop their division notwithstanding receiving a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers on Sunday night. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defensive unit frequently falters, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations at this stage of his career persistently appear. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, but Baltimore, with Lamar Jackson healthy again and facing easier opponents, have won three consecutive. We shouldn't be completely astonished that Baltimore has closed within a game of the Steelers, but that it has arrived so quickly is an indictment of the Steelers' uneven performances. The fact Baltimore began losing five of six and still look like capable of division victory reveals much about the entire AFC.

Established Contenders

The Ravens' form part of the Big Three – together with Bills and Chiefs – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who would still strike the most fear in opposing teams if they qualified. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, yet Kansas City and Buffalo persistently undermine themselves.

Bills Struggles

A week ago, Buffalo was celebrating following victory over Kansas City. On Sunday they suffered among the season's worst defeats this year. They didn't merely fall versus the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, dropping a 30-13 road game. The Dolphins secured their first triumph versus Buffalo in several seasons.

For those searching for a perfect summary of Sunday, here you go: the quarterback converting {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt