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No league sells equal footing in the manner of the NFL: it’s the entire brand. But through 10 weeks in this campaign, this doesn't represent a landscape with perfect equilibrium separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. Rather, we see a situation where most of the league is simply sufficient.

NFC Clarity

Looking at the NFC side, at least, the picture becomes more distinct. Los Angeles and Seattle (both at 7-2) seem like the most complete teams across the league, and delivered overwhelming triumphs during Sunday's action. The 6-2 Eagles even with their challenges maintain one of the most talented rosters in the league, similar to Green Bay (5-2-1). Detroit as well (6-3), despite their uneven performances on offense and defense and navigating tension on their coaching staff, have demonstrated they can hammer quality opponents. For each of these squads, it's straightforward to construct a championship trajectory.

Muddled AFC Picture

In the AFC however, postseason landscape is thoroughly confusing. The current division frontrunners after ten games: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all standing at eight wins) and the Steelers (5-4). Read that again. Kansas City isn't there. Not the Bills. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. The traditional powers, supported by the league’s best quarterbacks, possess either significant personnel gaps or have suffered medical setbacks.

Competitive Balance System

In some ways, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. But watching this season's top AFC teams in the AFC continues to seem unusual. Components of every squad pass the championship smell test, yet not completely. If you were asked to finalize your AFC title game selections right now, would you confidently select any one of these four teams?

Franchise Analysis

Colts Situation

Starting in Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn't descended to total collapse. Yet the past two games have caused alarm. He has returned to giving away possessions and struggling against pressure. He suffered seven sacks against the Falcons in the weekend game, and had a short sequence where he delivered an intercepted pass and coughed up the ball thrice. This comes after he gave away possessions on five occasions versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts attack thrived early in the season since Jones evaded game-changing errors. The running back and protection unit make the Colts capable of overcoming occasional setbacks, like their German performance. But Jones returning to his historically mistake-heavy play would terminate any playoff run.

Patriots Examination

The Patriots seem somewhat similar. Previously, they were league laughingstocks. Now, they’re the NFL's most pleasant shock and the most successful franchise across the league following seven consecutive victories. Except for committing turnover errors a winnable game versus the Steelers, they would currently hold nine wins, one loss with the top standing. Last season, they seemed veteran and plodding. Now they’re inexperienced, speedy and bold. However, we must acknowledge the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They've encountered the least challenging lineup across the NFL, and there have still been cracks. The signal-caller has taken sacks 35 times – ranking second league-wide – with several hits he suffered last weekend proved brutal. With continued play, that punishment compounds.

Denver Broncos

Denver stands at eight wins similarly, and it still feels that they're barely surviving. The Denver signal-caller has been erratic, and the offensive unit laboring, with the defense doing most of the responsibility. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos aren’t scaring anyone in the postseason. The Chargers are also hovering in the Western division with seven wins, but the injuries along their offensive line will make it tough to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Situation

And then there’s Pittsburgh, somehow still leading the AFC North notwithstanding receiving 25-10 by the Chargers on Sunday night. They've been outscored overall, their defensive unit frequently falters, with their quarterback's restrictions during his career phase continue to show up. They’re 5–4 and holding on, however, the Ravens, with their QB returning to health and facing easier opponents, have won three consecutive. We shouldn't be completely astonished that the Ravens have narrowed within a game of the Steelers, but that it has arrived so quickly represents criticism toward the Steelers' uneven performances. The fact Baltimore began with a 1-5 record yet still appear likely to claim the title reveals much about the complete conference.

Established Contenders

The Ravens represent a segment within a trio of powerhouses – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – driven by elite quarterback play, that would continue to generate the most fear among competitors if they made the playoffs. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, yet Kansas City and Buffalo continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Analysis

Previously, the Bills were riding high after beating the Chiefs. This weekend they encountered among the season's worst defeats during the campaign. They didn't merely fall versus the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, losing 30-13 as visitors. It was Miami’s first win versus Buffalo in several seasons.

For those searching for a perfect summary of Sunday, look no further: the quarterback converting {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt