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No professional sports organization promotes competitive balance like the NFL: it’s the entire brand. But through ten games of this season, this doesn't represent a landscape with perfect equilibrium between the good, the bad and the mediocre. It’s one where the majority of teams are merely fine.

Clear Picture in NFC

In the NFC, for the most part, the picture becomes more distinct. Los Angeles and Seattle (each holding 7-2 records) appear to be the most complete teams across the league, and secured decisive victories during Sunday's action. The 6-2 Eagles despite their struggles continue to possess a deeply skilled squad in the league, comparable to Green Bay (5-2-1). The Lions also (6-3), despite their uneven performances in trench play and navigating internal staff conflicts, have demonstrated they're capable of dominating strong franchises. For each of these squads, it's straightforward to put together a route to the final game.

AFC Confusion

Turning to the American Football Conference, postseason landscape is a jumbled mess. Your four division leaders at this stage: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (each with 8-2 records) and the Steelers (five wins, four losses). Consider that carefully. Not the Chiefs. No Bills inclusion. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. The usual contenders, backed by premier quarterback talent, have either glaring roster weaknesses or have been hit by injuries.

League Equality Design

In some ways, this is exactly what the league wants. However, witnessing this year’s four division leaders within the conference still feels strange. Areas of each team suggest title potential, but not in their entirety. Were you questioned 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

First, examining Indianapolis, Daniel Jones hasn't yet achieved complete disaster level. Yet the past two games have raised concerns. He's reverting to giving away possessions and struggling against pressure. He suffered seven sacks facing Atlanta in the weekend game, and endured a five-minute stretch during which he tossed an intercepted pass and coughed up the ball thrice. This follows he gave away possessions five times against the Steelers.

The Colts attack excelled during early games since Jones evaded the disaster plays. The running back and protection unit ensure Indianapolis remains able to withstand occasional setbacks, as demonstrated overseas. Yet Jones going back to his historically mistake-heavy play would terminate any playoff run.

Patriots Examination

The Patriots feel somewhat similar. Last season, they were a punchline. Now, they’re the NFL's most pleasant shock and the most successful franchise in football post seven wins in a row. Except for committing turnover errors a manageable matchup against Pittsburgh, they’d be sitting a 9-1 record with the top standing. Last season, they seemed veteran and plodding. Currently they're youthful, quick and confident. However, we must acknowledge the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They've played against the least challenging lineup across the NFL, and flaws have still emerged. The signal-caller has taken sacks on 35 occasions – among the highest totals – with several hits he endured during the game were vicious. Over time, those hits add up.

Broncos Situation

Denver stands at 8–2 as well, yet it seems like they're nervously waiting. Bo Nix has been erratic, with the attack struggling, with the defense doing most of the responsibility. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos aren’t scaring anyone in the postseason. Los Angeles remains nearby in the Western division with seven wins, but the injuries within their blocking corps will create difficulties for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Situation

Then we have the Steelers, surprisingly atop the Northern division notwithstanding receiving 25-10 by the Chargers on Sunday night. They've been outscored overall, their defensive unit frequently falters, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations at this stage of his career continue to show up. They’re 5–4 and holding on, but Baltimore, with Lamar Jackson healthy again and facing easier opponents, are on a three-game win streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have narrowed to within one game of Pittsburgh, but how rapidly this occurred represents criticism toward Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. The fact Baltimore began losing five of six and still look like likely to claim the title is telling about the conference as a whole.

Traditional Powers

Baltimore constitutes part of the Big Three – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – driven by elite quarterback play, who would still strike the greatest concern among competitors if they qualified. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, yet Kansas City and Buffalo cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Bills

A week ago, the Bills were riding high after beating the Chiefs. During Sunday's action they experienced among the season's worst defeats this year. They didn't simply fail versus the Dolphins; they suffered humiliation, losing 30-13 as visitors. It was Miami’s first win over the Bills in over three years.

Should you seek a microcosm of the day, look no further: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt