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No league markets parity like the NFL: it’s the entire brand. However, after the first ten matchups during the current schedule, this isn’t a league with perfect equilibrium separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. Instead, it's a scenario where the majority of teams appear to be sufficient.

NFC Standings Definition

Within the National Football Conference, for the most part, we see clearer definition. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both at 7-2) look like the most balanced franchises in the NFL, and secured overwhelming triumphs in their weekend matchups. The Eagles with six wins even with their challenges maintain a deeply skilled squad across the NFL, similar to Green Bay (five wins, two losses, one tie). Detroit as well (six and three), who have been inconsistent along both lines of scrimmage and navigating coaching drama, have proven they can defeat strong franchises. Regarding these five teams, you can still easily construct a route to the final game.

AFC Confusion

Over in the AFC, the playoff picture is a jumbled mess. The current division frontrunners through ten weeks: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all at 8-2) and Steelers (5-4 record). Take another look. No Chiefs presence. No Bills inclusion. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. The traditional powers, supported by the league’s best quarterbacks, display either significant personnel gaps or have been hit by injuries.

Parity Mechanics

From certain perspectives, this is exactly what the league wants. However, witnessing this season's top AFC teams in the AFC continues to seem unusual. Areas of each team pass the championship smell test, yet not completely. Were you questioned to finalize your AFC Championship game picks at this moment, could you assuredly pick any of the four division leaders?

Franchise Analysis

Indianapolis Outlook

First, examining Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn’t quite reached pumpkin status. However, recent performances have caused alarm. He has returned to committing turnovers and failing against blitzes. He took seven sacks facing Atlanta on Sunday, and experienced a short sequence during which he tossed a pick and fumbled three times. This follows he turned the ball over five times against the Steelers.

The Colts attack excelled during early games as Jones prevented catastrophic mistakes. Taylor along with the blockers make the Colts good enough to survive some negative plays, as they did in Berlin. Yet Jones going back to his previous error-filled form would finish any playoff run.

Patriots Examination

The Patriots feel somewhat similar. Previously, they were league laughingstocks. Today, they stand as the NFL's most pleasant shock and the most successful franchise in the NFL following seven consecutive victories. Except for losing due to fumbles a winnable game facing Pittsburgh, they'd possess a 9-1 record as the league's best. Last season, they were old and slow. Now they’re young, fast and unafraid. Still, it’s hard to ignore how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They've encountered the easiest slate in the league, yet vulnerabilities remain. Their quarterback has taken sacks thirty-five times – ranking second league-wide – including particular impacts he suffered last weekend proved brutal. Over time, that punishment compounds.

Denver Analysis

The Broncos are also 8-2, yet it seems as if they’re holding their breath. The Denver signal-caller has been erratic, and the offense plodding, while the defensive unit provides all the heavy lifting. Lacking competent QB performance, the Broncos won't frighten anyone in the postseason. The Chargers are also hovering within their division with seven wins, yet medical problems along their offensive line will create difficulties to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Situation

And then there’s Pittsburgh, surprisingly atop the Northern division despite being thumped 25-10 by the Chargers during prime time. They have a negative point differential, their defense regularly vanishes, and the QB's current constraints during his career phase continue to show up. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, yet Baltimore, with Lamar Jackson healthy again and the schedule softening, are riding a three-game streak. We shouldn't be completely astonished that Baltimore has closed to within one game of Pittsburgh, but that it has arrived so quickly represents criticism toward Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. Considering the Ravens opened with a 1-5 record yet still appear they should win the division reveals much about the entire AFC.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens represent a segment within a trio of powerhouses – together with Bills and Chiefs – driven by elite quarterback play, who could still create the highest anxiety in opposing teams should they reach postseason. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, but the Chiefs and Bills continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Bills

Previously, the Bills were riding high after beating the Chiefs. During Sunday's action they experienced one of the most disappointing losses during the campaign. They didn’t just lose versus the Dolphins; they looked terrible, dropping a 30-13 road game. This represented Miami's initial victory over the Bills in over three years.

If you’re looking for a perfect summary of Sunday, consider this: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt