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No major competition promotes equal footing in the manner of the NFL: it’s the entire brand. However, after ten games in this campaign, this doesn't represent a landscape with perfect equilibrium between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Rather, we see a situation where the bulk of franchises appear to be adequate.

NFC Clarity

Within the National Football Conference, for the most part, there is some clarity. The Rams and Seahawks (both at 7-2) look like the most well-rounded squads in the NFL, and achieved blowout wins during Sunday's action. The Eagles with six wins despite their struggles maintain among the most gifted lineups across the NFL, likewise with the Packers (5-2-1 record). Detroit as well (6-3), despite their uneven performances on offense and defense and have been dealing with tension on their coaching staff, have shown they can hammer strong franchises. For all five, one can readily envision a route to the final game.

AFC Playoff Chaos

In the AFC however, the playoff picture is a jumbled mess. Your four division leaders after ten games: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all at 8-2) and the Steelers (five wins, four losses). Read that again. Kansas City isn't there. No Bills inclusion. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. Historically strong franchises, featuring premier quarterback talent, have either glaring roster weaknesses or have suffered medical setbacks.

Competitive Balance System

In some ways, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. Yet observing this year’s four division leaders in the AFC still feels strange. Areas of each team pass the championship smell test, yet not completely. If someone requested to lock in your AFC title game selections today, could you assuredly pick any of the current division frontrunners?

Team Breakdowns

Indianapolis Colts

Starting in Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn't yet achieved pumpkin status. Yet the past two games have been worrying. He's reverting to committing turnovers and struggling against pressure. He was sacked seven times facing Atlanta on Sunday, and had a short sequence during which he tossed an intercepted pass and coughed up the ball thrice. This follows he gave away possessions five times versus Pittsburgh.

Indianapolis' offensive unit excelled during early games because Jones avoided game-changing errors. The running back and protection unit mean the Colts are capable of overcoming occasional setbacks, like their German performance. However, if Jones reverts to his previous error-filled form would end any playoff run.

New England Patriots

The Patriots seem fairly alike. A year ago, they were considered jokes. Now, they’re the NFL's most pleasant shock and the most successful franchise across the league after seven straight wins. Except for fumbling away a winnable game against Pittsburgh, they’d be sitting a 9-1 record with the best record. Previously, they were old and slow. Today they appear youthful, quick and confident. Still, it’s hard to ignore the weakness of New England's opponents. They've played against the easiest slate in the league, and flaws have still emerged. Drake Maye has been sacked on 35 occasions – the second-most in football – including particular impacts he absorbed on Sunday were vicious. With continued play, those beatings accumulate.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos hold 8–2 as well, and it still feels like they're nervously waiting. Their quarterback has performed unevenly, and the offensive unit laboring, while the defensive unit provides most of the responsibility. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos aren’t scaring playoff opponents. Los Angeles remains nearby within their division holding a 7-2 record, but the injuries along their offensive line will present challenges for extended playoff success.

Steelers Examination

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, inexplicably frontrunning the Northern division despite being thumped a decisive loss to Los Angeles in the evening game. They've been outscored overall, their defense regularly vanishes, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations given his veteran status regularly manifest. They’re 5–4 and holding on, however, the Ravens, featuring a recovered Jackson and facing easier opponents, are on a three-game win streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have pulled the gap to just one game, but that it has arrived so quickly is an indictment of Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. That the Ravens started losing five of six and still look like they should win the division reveals much about the conference as a whole.

Established Contenders

Baltimore constitutes part of the Big Three – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who would still strike the highest anxiety in opposing teams if they made the playoffs. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, however, both franchises continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Bills

A week ago, the Bills felt confident following victory over Kansas City. During Sunday's action they experienced a particularly discouraging setback during the campaign. They didn’t just lose against Miami; they suffered humiliation, dropping a 30-13 road game. It was Miami’s first win versus Buffalo in several seasons.

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