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No league promotes parity like the NFL: it’s the entire brand. But through 10 weeks in this campaign, this is not a competition featuring uniform distribution among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. Rather, we see a situation where the majority of teams is simply sufficient.

NFC Standings Definition

In the NFC, at least, we see clearer definition. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both at 7-2) seem like the most balanced franchises in the NFL, and delivered decisive victories in their weekend matchups. The 6-2 Eagles despite their struggles maintain a deeply skilled squad across the NFL, similar to the Packers (5-2-1). Detroit as well (6-3), with their fluctuating form in trench play and have been dealing with internal staff conflicts, have shown they're capable of dominating quality opponents. Regarding these five teams, one can readily envision a Super Bowl path.

Muddled AFC Picture

In the AFC however, championship race remains completely chaotic. The current division frontrunners at this stage: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all at 8-2) and Steelers (five wins, four losses). Read that again. No Chiefs presence. No Bills inclusion. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. The traditional powers, supported by elite NFL signal-callers, have either obvious team deficiencies or have been hit by injuries.

Parity Mechanics

To some extent, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. Yet observing the current division frontrunners in the American Football Conference still feels strange. Areas of each team meet championship standards, but not in their entirety. Were you questioned to lock in your AFC Championship game picks at this moment, would you confidently select any one of the current division frontrunners?

Team Breakdowns

Indianapolis Outlook

Beginning with the Colts, the signal-caller hasn't descended to complete disaster level. However, recent performances have raised concerns. He has returned to turning over the ball and failing against blitzes. He suffered seven sacks against the Falcons in the weekend game, and had a short sequence during which he tossed a pick and coughed up the ball thrice. This is a week after he turned the ball over five separate times against the Steelers.

The Colts attack excelled during early games because Jones avoided catastrophic mistakes. The running back and protection unit ensure Indianapolis remains good enough to survive occasional setbacks, as demonstrated overseas. Yet Jones going back to his previous error-filled form would end any playoff run.

New England Analysis

The Patriots feel fairly alike. A year ago, they were league laughingstocks. Now, they’re the NFL's most pleasant shock and the strongest squad in the NFL after seven straight wins. Had it not been for fumbling away a contest they should have won facing Pittsburgh, they'd possess a 9-1 record as the league's best. In the prior year, they seemed veteran and plodding. Now they’re youthful, quick and confident. Still, it’s hard to ignore the weakness of New England's opponents. They have faced the easiest slate across the NFL, and flaws have still emerged. Their quarterback has been sacked thirty-five times – ranking second league-wide – including particular impacts he endured during the game proved brutal. With continued play, that punishment compounds.

Denver Analysis

The Broncos are eight wins similarly, and the perception remains that they're barely surviving. Their quarterback has performed unevenly, and the offense plodding, with the defense doing most of the responsibility. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos aren’t scaring playoff opponents. The Chargers are also contending within their division holding a 7-2 record, however, health issues within their blocking corps will create difficulties to achieve championship contention.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, surprisingly atop the Northern division despite being thumped a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers on Sunday night. They've been outscored overall, their defensive unit frequently falters, and the QB's current constraints at this stage of his career continue to show up. They’re 5–4 and holding on, but Baltimore, with their QB returning to health and the schedule softening, are on a three-game win streak. We shouldn't be completely astonished that Baltimore has closed within a game of the Steelers, but that it has arrived so quickly highlights deficiencies within the Steelers' uneven performances. That the Ravens started losing five of six and currently seem capable of division victory reveals much about the complete conference.

Established Contenders

Baltimore constitutes part of the Big Three – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who would still strike the most fear for opponents if they qualified. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, yet Kansas City and Buffalo cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Analysis

Previously, the Bills felt confident after beating the Chiefs. During Sunday's action they experienced among the season's worst defeats during the campaign. They didn’t just lose against Miami; they were embarrassed, dropping a 30-13 road game. This represented Miami's initial victory over the Bills in more than 1,000 days.

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