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No league promotes competitive balance like the NFL: it's their core marketing message. Yet following 10 weeks in this campaign, this is not a competition featuring uniform distribution separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. Instead, it's a scenario where the bulk of franchises are merely adequate.

Clear Picture in NFC

Looking at the NFC side, at least, the picture becomes more distinct. The Rams and Seahawks (both at 7-2) seem like the most complete teams across the league, and secured blowout wins in their weekend matchups. Philadelphia at 6-2 despite their struggles still have among the most gifted lineups across the NFL, comparable to the Packers franchise (5-2-1 record). Even the Lions (6-3), with their fluctuating form on offense and defense and navigating internal staff conflicts, have shown they're capable of dominating strong franchises. For each of these squads, you can still easily envision a route to the final game.

AFC Confusion

Turning to the American Football Conference, the playoff picture remains completely chaotic. The four teams leading their divisions at this stage: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all at 8-2) and the Steelers (5-4 record). Consider that carefully. Kansas City isn't there. No Bills inclusion. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. The traditional powers, backed by elite NFL signal-callers, display either obvious team deficiencies or are dealing with health issues.

League Equality Design

From certain perspectives, it’s the league’s ideal. But watching this season's top AFC teams within the conference continues to seem unusual. Areas of each team pass the championship smell test, though not comprehensively. Were you questioned to commit to your conference championship predictions at this moment, would you comfortably pick any of the current division frontrunners?

Franchise Analysis

Indianapolis Colts

Starting in Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn't yet achieved total collapse. However, recent performances have raised concerns. He's reverting to committing turnovers and struggling against pressure. He suffered seven sacks versus Atlanta on Sunday, and endured a short sequence in which he threw a pick and coughed up the ball thrice. This is a week after he committed turnovers five times versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts’ offense excelled during early games since Jones evaded catastrophic mistakes. Taylor along with the blockers make the Colts good enough to survive periodic mistakes, like their German performance. However, if Jones reverts to his previous error-filled form would terminate any playoff run.

New England Analysis

New England appears fairly alike. Last season, they were a punchline. Today, they stand as the NFL's most pleasant shock and the hottest team in the NFL after seven straight wins. Except for losing due to fumbles a manageable matchup versus the Steelers, they'd possess nine wins, one loss with the best record. In the prior year, they were old and slow. Today they appear youthful, quick and confident. However, we must acknowledge how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They've played against the most manageable schedule across the NFL, yet vulnerabilities remain. Their quarterback has been brought down on 35 occasions – among the highest totals – including particular impacts he suffered last weekend appeared dangerous. Over time, those hits add up.

Denver Analysis

The Broncos hold also 8-2, and the perception remains as if they’re holding their breath. Their quarterback has been erratic, and the offense plodding, as the defense handles the majority of the work. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos won't frighten any playoff team. The Chargers are also contending in the Western division with seven wins, yet medical problems along their offensive line will make it tough to achieve championship contention.

Pittsburgh Steelers

And then there’s Pittsburgh, somehow still leading their division despite being thumped a decisive loss to Los Angeles on Sunday night. They've been outscored overall, their defense too often disappears, with their quarterback's restrictions at this stage of his career regularly manifest. They’re 5–4 and holding on, however, the Ravens, featuring a recovered Jackson and the schedule softening, are on a three-game win streak. We shouldn't be completely astonished that the Ravens have pulled to within one game of Pittsburgh, but how rapidly this occurred is an indictment of Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. The fact Baltimore began with a 1-5 record and currently seem likely to claim the title speaks volumes regarding the complete conference.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens' form part among three elite teams – 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’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, however, both franchises continue to self-destruct.

Bills Struggles

A week ago, the Bills were riding high post Chiefs triumph. This weekend they encountered a particularly discouraging setback this year. They didn't merely fall against Miami; they suffered humiliation, losing 30-13 as visitors. The Dolphins secured their first triumph over the Bills in several seasons.

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