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No professional sports organization sells equal footing like the NFL: it defines their identity. However, after 10 weeks of this season, this doesn't represent a landscape that is equally balanced between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Instead, it's a scenario where the majority of teams is simply fine.

NFC Standings Definition

Looking at the NFC side, at least, there is some clarity. The Rams and Seahawks (each holding 7-2 records) seem like the most well-rounded squads in the NFL, and delivered overwhelming triumphs in their weekend matchups. The 6-2 Eagles even with their challenges continue to possess among the most gifted lineups throughout football, comparable to the Packers (5-2-1 record). The Lions also (six and three), despite their uneven performances on offense and defense while managing internal staff conflicts, have proven they're capable of dominating strong franchises. Regarding these five teams, you can still easily construct a route to the final game.

Muddled AFC Picture

In the AFC however, championship race remains completely chaotic. Your four division leaders after ten games: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (each with 8-2 records) and the Steelers (5-4). Consider that carefully. Not the Chiefs. Not the Bills. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. Historically strong franchises, backed by the league’s best quarterbacks, display either glaring roster weaknesses or are dealing with health issues.

Parity Mechanics

From certain perspectives, it’s the league’s ideal. Yet observing the current division frontrunners in the AFC remains somewhat odd. Areas of each team suggest title potential, but not in their entirety. If someone requested to lock in your AFC title game selections at this moment, would you comfortably select any one of the current division frontrunners?

Team Breakdowns

Indianapolis Outlook

Starting in Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn't descended to complete disaster level. But the last two weeks have caused alarm. He's reverting to giving away possessions and faltering under duress. He was sacked seven times versus Atlanta on Sunday, and had a brief period where he delivered an intercepted pass and coughed up the ball thrice. This follows he committed turnovers on five occasions facing the Steelers.

The Colts’ offense thrived early in the season since Jones evaded the disaster plays. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line ensure Indianapolis remains capable of overcoming periodic mistakes, as they did in Berlin. However, if Jones reverts to his previous error-filled form would end championship hopes.

Patriots Examination

The Patriots feel fairly alike. Last season, they were league laughingstocks. Now, they’re the league’s happiest surprise and the strongest squad in football after seven straight wins. Had it not been for losing due to fumbles a manageable matchup against Pittsburgh, they would currently hold at 9–1 as the league's best. In the prior year, they were old and slow. Today they appear youthful, quick and confident. Still, it’s hard to ignore the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They have faced the least challenging lineup in the league, and there have still been cracks. The signal-caller has been sacked on 35 occasions – among the highest totals – including particular impacts he suffered last weekend were vicious. As the season progresses, those beatings accumulate.

Denver Analysis

The Broncos are 8–2 as well, yet it seems as if they’re holding their breath. Their quarterback has been erratic, and the offense plodding, as the defense handles the majority of the work. Lacking competent QB performance, Denver cannot intimidate any playoff team. The Chargers are also contending within their division at 7-2, yet medical problems along their offensive line will make it tough to achieve championship contention.

Pittsburgh Situation

Then we have the Steelers, surprisingly atop the AFC North despite being thumped 25-10 by the Chargers during prime time. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defensive unit frequently falters, with their quarterback's restrictions at this stage of his career persistently appear. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, however, the Ravens, with their QB returning to health and the schedule softening, have won three consecutive. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that Baltimore has closed within a game of the Steelers, but how rapidly this occurred is an indictment of Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. That the Ravens started the season 1-5 yet still appear capable of division victory reveals much about the entire AFC.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens represent a segment within a trio of powerhouses – together with Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, that would continue to generate the highest anxiety for opponents should they reach postseason. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, however, both franchises persistently undermine themselves.

Buffalo Bills

Previously, the Bills were riding high post Chiefs triumph. During Sunday's action they experienced one of the most disappointing losses this year. They didn't merely fall against Miami; they were embarrassed, dropping a 30-13 road game. It was Miami’s first win against Buffalo in several seasons.

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