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No professional sports organization sells equal footing as effectively as the NFL: it defines their identity. But through 10 weeks in this campaign, this isn’t a league featuring uniform distribution between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Instead, it's a scenario where the majority of teams are merely adequate.

Clear Picture in NFC

Within the National Football Conference, to some degree, we see clearer definition. The Rams along with the Seahawks (each holding 7-2 records) look like the most complete teams across the league, and achieved blowout wins in their weekend matchups. Philadelphia at 6-2 notwithstanding their difficulties maintain a deeply skilled squad across the NFL, likewise with the Packers franchise (5-2-1 record). Even the Lions (six and three), who have been inconsistent along both lines of scrimmage and have been dealing with internal staff conflicts, have demonstrated they can defeat quality opponents. Regarding these five teams, you can still easily envision a route to the final game.

Muddled AFC Picture

Turning to the American Football Conference, the playoff picture remains completely chaotic. The four teams leading their divisions through ten weeks: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) along with Pittsburgh (five wins, four losses). Take another look. Not the Chiefs. Not the Bills. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. The traditional powers, backed by the league’s best quarterbacks, possess either significant personnel gaps or are dealing with health issues.

Competitive Balance System

To some extent, this is exactly what the league wants. Yet observing this season's top AFC teams in the American Football Conference still feels strange. Areas of each team pass the championship smell test, but not in their entirety. If you were asked to finalize your AFC title game selections right now, would you confidently choose any among the four division leaders?

Franchise Analysis

Indianapolis Outlook

Beginning with the Colts, their quarterback hasn't descended to complete disaster level. However, recent performances have caused alarm. He’s back to committing turnovers and failing against blitzes. He suffered seven sacks facing Atlanta during Sunday's contest, and had a five-minute stretch where he delivered an intercepted pass and fumbled three times. This is a week after he committed turnovers five times versus Pittsburgh.

Indianapolis' offensive unit thrived early in the season because Jones avoided game-changing errors. The running back and protection unit ensure Indianapolis remains good enough to survive occasional setbacks, as they did in Berlin. But Jones returning to his previous error-filled form would terminate postseason aspirations.

New England Analysis

The Patriots seem somewhat similar. Previously, they were league laughingstocks. Currently, they represent the league’s happiest surprise and the hottest team in football after seven straight wins. If not for losing due to fumbles a contest they should have won against Pittsburgh, they'd possess nine wins, one loss with the best record. Last season, they seemed veteran and plodding. Currently they're inexperienced, speedy and bold. However, we must acknowledge the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They have faced the most manageable schedule throughout football, yet vulnerabilities remain. The signal-caller has been sacked thirty-five times – the second-most in football – including particular impacts he absorbed on Sunday proved brutal. Over time, that punishment compounds.

Broncos Situation

Denver stands at eight wins similarly, and it still feels as if they’re holding their breath. Their quarterback has performed unevenly, and the offense plodding, while the defensive unit provides all the heavy lifting. Lacking competent QB performance, the Broncos aren’t scaring any playoff team. The Chargers are also hovering in the AFC West holding a 7-2 record, yet medical problems along their offensive line will create difficulties for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Situation

And then there’s Pittsburgh, somehow still leading the AFC North notwithstanding receiving a decisive loss to Los Angeles in the evening game. They have a negative point differential, their defense too often disappears, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations given his veteran status persistently appear. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, however, the Ravens, featuring a recovered Jackson with manageable games ahead, are on a three-game win streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have pulled to within one game of Pittsburgh, but that it has arrived so quickly highlights deficiencies within Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. Considering the Ravens opened losing five of six and still look like likely to claim the title reveals much about the entire AFC.

Traditional Powers

The Ravens' form part of the Big Three – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – driven by elite quarterback play, who would still strike the greatest concern among competitors if they qualified. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, however, both franchises cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Analysis

Previously, Buffalo was celebrating following victory over Kansas City. On Sunday they suffered one of the most disappointing losses of the season. They didn't merely fall against Miami; they suffered humiliation, falling 30-13 on the road. It was Miami’s first win against Buffalo in several seasons.

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