🔗 Share this article

No professional sports organization markets competitive balance as effectively as the NFL: it’s the entire brand. However, after the first ten matchups of this season, this is not a competition with perfect equilibrium between the good, the bad and the mediocre. It’s one where the bulk of franchises appear to be sufficient.

NFC Clarity

Within the National Football Conference, at least, there is some clarity. Los Angeles and Seattle (both standing at seven wins, two losses) appear to be the most well-rounded squads in football, and achieved decisive victories on Sunday. The 6-2 Eagles notwithstanding their difficulties continue to possess among the most gifted lineups in the league, comparable to Green Bay (five wins, two losses, one tie). The Lions also (6-3), with their fluctuating form on offense and defense and have been dealing with coaching drama, have demonstrated they can defeat quality opponents. For each of these squads, it's straightforward to envision a route to the final game.

AFC Playoff Chaos

Over in the AFC, the playoff picture remains completely chaotic. Your four division leaders after ten games: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all standing at eight wins) and Steelers (5-4). Read that again. No Chiefs presence. Not the Bills. Not the Ravens or Bengals. The traditional powers, backed by elite NFL signal-callers, possess either significant personnel gaps or have suffered medical setbacks.

Parity Mechanics

In some ways, it’s the league’s ideal. However, witnessing this year’s four division leaders within the conference remains somewhat odd. Aspects of each franchise pass the championship smell test, though not comprehensively. Were you questioned to lock in your AFC title game selections at this moment, would you comfortably select any one of these four teams?

Franchise Analysis

Colts Situation

First, examining Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn't yet achieved complete disaster level. Yet the past two games have raised concerns. He has returned to giving away possessions and faltering under duress. He suffered seven sacks against the Falcons during Sunday's contest, and experienced a brief period where he delivered a pick and fumbled three times. This follows he turned the ball over five times facing the Steelers.

Indianapolis' offensive unit thrived early in the season since Jones evaded game-changing errors. Taylor along with the blockers ensure Indianapolis remains capable of overcoming occasional setbacks, as they did in Berlin. But Jones returning to his old blunder-prone days would finish any playoff run.

New England Analysis

New England appears somewhat similar. Last season, they were considered jokes. Now, they’re the league’s happiest surprise and the most successful franchise in the NFL post seven wins in a row. If not for fumbling away a winnable game facing Pittsburgh, they’d be sitting at 9–1 as the league's best. In the prior year, they appeared aged and sluggish. Now they’re young, fast and unafraid. Still, it’s hard to ignore the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They've played against the easiest slate in the league, and flaws have still emerged. Their quarterback has been sacked thirty-five times – the second-most in football – and some of the shots he endured during the game proved brutal. Over time, those beatings accumulate.

Denver Analysis

The Broncos hold 8–2 as well, and the perception remains as if they’re holding their breath. Bo Nix has performed unevenly, and the offense plodding, with the defense doing most of the responsibility. Absent adequate signal-calling, the Broncos aren’t scaring anyone in the postseason. The Chargers are also hovering in the AFC West at 7-2, yet medical problems within their blocking corps will present challenges for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Then we have the Steelers, surprisingly atop the AFC North even after suffering 25-10 by the Chargers during prime time. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defense too often disappears, with their quarterback's restrictions during his career phase regularly manifest. They’re 5–4 and holding on, but Baltimore, with their QB returning to health and facing easier opponents, are on a three-game win streak. We shouldn't be completely astonished that the Ravens have narrowed to within one game of Pittsburgh, though the speed of this shift represents criticism toward the Steelers' uneven performances. The fact Baltimore began losing five of six and currently seem they should win the division speaks volumes regarding the complete conference.

Traditional Powers

The Ravens' form part within a trio of powerhouses – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who would still strike the highest anxiety in opposing teams if they qualified. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, yet Kansas City and Buffalo persistently undermine themselves.

Buffalo Analysis

Last week, Buffalo was celebrating post Chiefs triumph. During Sunday's action they experienced a particularly discouraging setback this year. They didn’t just lose against Miami; they were embarrassed, losing 30-13 as visitors. It was Miami’s first win versus Buffalo in several seasons.

If you’re looking for an example representing the day, here you go: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt