🔗 Share this article

No professional sports organization markets 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 that is equally balanced among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. Rather, we see a situation where the bulk of franchises is simply fine.

Clear Picture in NFC

In the NFC, at least, the picture becomes more distinct. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both at 7-2) appear to be the most complete teams in football, and achieved decisive victories in their weekend matchups. The 6-2 Eagles despite their struggles still have one of the most talented rosters across the NFL, similar to Green Bay (five wins, two losses, one tie). Detroit as well (6-3 standing), despite their uneven performances in trench play while managing coaching drama, have proven they can hammer strong franchises. Regarding these five teams, it's straightforward to envision a Super Bowl path.

Muddled AFC Picture

Over in the AFC, championship race remains completely chaotic. The current division frontrunners after ten games: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all standing at eight wins) and the Steelers (5-4). Consider that carefully. No Chiefs presence. No Bills inclusion. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. Historically strong franchises, backed by the league’s best quarterbacks, possess either glaring roster weaknesses or have suffered medical setbacks.

Parity Mechanics

In some ways, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. However, witnessing the current division frontrunners in the AFC still feels strange. Components of every squad 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 comfortably select any one of the current division frontrunners?

Franchise Analysis

Indianapolis Outlook

Starting in Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn’t quite reached total collapse. However, recent performances have been worrying. He has returned to turning over the ball and faltering under duress. He suffered seven sacks against the Falcons on Sunday, and had a brief period in which he threw a pick and lost three fumbles. This is a week after he committed turnovers five separate times against the Steelers.

The Colts attack performed well initially because Jones avoided game-changing errors. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line ensure Indianapolis remains good enough to survive some negative plays, as demonstrated overseas. Yet Jones going back to his historically mistake-heavy play would terminate championship hopes.

Patriots Examination

New England appears somewhat similar. Last season, they were considered jokes. Today, they stand as the NFL's most pleasant shock and the most successful franchise in football post seven wins in a row. Except for fumbling away a manageable matchup facing Pittsburgh, they would currently hold a 9-1 record as the league's best. Previously, they were old and slow. Currently they're youthful, quick and confident. However, we must acknowledge how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They have faced the least challenging lineup in the league, yet vulnerabilities remain. The signal-caller has been brought down 35 times – ranking second league-wide – and some of the shots he endured during the game were vicious. As the season progresses, that punishment compounds.

Broncos Situation

Denver stands at eight wins similarly, yet it seems as if they’re holding their breath. The Denver signal-caller has shown inconsistency, with the attack struggling, while the defensive unit provides most of the responsibility. Lacking competent QB performance, the Broncos won't frighten any playoff team. The Chargers are also hovering in the AFC West holding a 7-2 record, yet medical problems within their blocking corps will make it tough to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Steelers Examination

And then there’s Pittsburgh, surprisingly atop the Northern division even after suffering a decisive loss to Los Angeles in the evening game. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defense regularly vanishes, with their quarterback's restrictions given his veteran status continue to show up. They’re 5–4 and holding on, but Baltimore, featuring a recovered Jackson and facing easier opponents, are riding a three-game streak. We shouldn't be completely astonished that the Ravens have pulled within a game of the Steelers, but that it has arrived so quickly highlights deficiencies within the Steelers' uneven performances. The fact Baltimore began losing five of six yet still appear capable of division victory reveals much about the complete conference.

Traditional Powers

The Ravens represent a segment among three elite teams – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who would still strike the most fear for opponents if they made the playoffs. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, however, both franchises cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Analysis

Previously, the Bills felt confident following victory over Kansas City. On Sunday they suffered a particularly discouraging setback of the season. They didn’t just lose versus the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, falling 30-13 on the road. It was Miami’s first win versus Buffalo in over three years.

If you’re looking for a microcosm of the day, consider this: the quarterback converting {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt