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No league promotes competitive balance in the manner of the NFL: it defines their identity. However, after ten games of this season, this doesn't represent a landscape with perfect equilibrium between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Rather, we see a situation where most of the league is simply fine.

NFC Standings Definition

Looking at the NFC side, for the most part, we see clearer definition. The Rams and Seahawks (both at 7-2) seem like the most complete teams in the NFL, and delivered blowout wins on Sunday. The Eagles with six wins notwithstanding their difficulties still have one of the most talented rosters across the NFL, likewise with the Packers franchise (5-2-1 record). Even the Lions (six and three), who have been inconsistent in trench play while managing internal staff conflicts, have shown they can hammer strong franchises. For all five, it's straightforward to envision a championship trajectory.

AFC Confusion

In the AFC however, the playoff picture is thoroughly confusing. Your four division leaders at this stage: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all standing at eight wins) along with Pittsburgh (5-4 record). Consider that carefully. Kansas City isn't there. No Bills inclusion. Not the Ravens or Bengals. The traditional powers, backed by the league’s best quarterbacks, possess either obvious team deficiencies or are dealing with health issues.

League Equality Design

In some ways, it’s the league’s ideal. But watching this season's top AFC teams in the AFC continues to seem unusual. Areas of each team pass the championship smell test, though not comprehensively. Were you questioned to commit to your AFC title game selections today, would you comfortably select any one of the four division leaders?

Franchise Analysis

Indianapolis Colts

Starting in Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn't descended to total collapse. However, recent performances have caused alarm. He has returned to giving away possessions and struggling against pressure. He suffered seven sacks against the Falcons on Sunday, and experienced a brief period where he delivered an intercepted pass and coughed up the ball thrice. This follows he committed turnovers five separate times versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts’ offense performed well initially since Jones evaded the disaster plays. The running back and protection unit ensure Indianapolis remains capable of overcoming periodic mistakes, as they did in Berlin. Yet Jones going back to his historically mistake-heavy play would terminate championship hopes.

New England Patriots

The Patriots seem relatively comparable. A year ago, they were league laughingstocks. Currently, they represent the league’s happiest surprise and the most successful franchise in the NFL after seven straight wins. Had it not been for committing turnover errors a contest they should have won against Pittsburgh, they would currently hold a 9-1 record as the league's best. Previously, they appeared aged and sluggish. Now they’re inexperienced, speedy and bold. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They have faced the easiest slate throughout football, yet vulnerabilities remain. Their quarterback has taken sacks on 35 occasions – ranking second league-wide – and some of the shots he endured during the game proved brutal. With continued play, that punishment compounds.

Broncos Situation

The Broncos hold eight wins similarly, and the perception remains that they're barely surviving. The Denver signal-caller has performed unevenly, and the offense plodding, while the defensive unit provides most of the responsibility. Lacking competent QB performance, the Broncos won't frighten any playoff team. The Chargers are also contending within their division with seven wins, yet medical problems affecting their protection unit will make it tough to achieve championship contention.

Steelers Examination

And then there’s Pittsburgh, inexplicably frontrunning their division even after suffering a decisive loss to Los Angeles in the evening game. They have a negative point differential, their defense too often disappears, and the QB's current constraints during his career phase continue to show up. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, however, the Ravens, with their QB returning to health and the schedule softening, 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, though the speed of this shift is an indictment of Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. Considering the Ravens opened the season 1-5 yet still appear capable of division victory is telling about the complete conference.

Traditional Powers

The Ravens' form part among three elite teams – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – driven by elite quarterback play, who would still strike the most fear for opponents if they made the playoffs. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, but the Chiefs and Bills continue to self-destruct.

Bills Struggles

A week ago, the Bills were riding high post Chiefs triumph. During Sunday's action they experienced among the season's worst defeats during the campaign. They didn’t just lose to the Dolphins; they suffered humiliation, falling 30-13 on the road. The Dolphins secured their first triumph over the Bills in more than 1,000 days.

For those searching for a microcosm of the day, consider this: the quarterback converting {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt