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No league promotes competitive balance as effectively as the NFL: it's their core marketing message. But through 10 weeks in this campaign, this is not a competition that is equally balanced among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. Instead, it's a scenario where the bulk of franchises are merely sufficient.

Clear Picture in NFC

Looking at the NFC side, to some degree, there is some clarity. The Rams and Seahawks (both standing at seven wins, two losses) seem like the most complete teams in football, and achieved overwhelming triumphs on Sunday. The Eagles with six wins notwithstanding their difficulties maintain one of the most talented rosters in the league, similar to the Packers (five wins, two losses, one tie). Detroit as well (6-3 standing), who have been inconsistent on offense and defense while managing internal staff conflicts, have shown they can hammer strong franchises. For all five, it's straightforward to construct a championship trajectory.

AFC Playoff Chaos

In the AFC however, the playoff picture is a jumbled mess. The four teams leading their divisions after ten games: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (each with 8-2 records) and the Steelers (5-4 record). Take another look. No Chiefs presence. Not the Bills. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. Historically strong franchises, backed by premier quarterback talent, possess either glaring roster weaknesses or have suffered medical setbacks.

Competitive Balance System

To some extent, this is exactly what the league wants. But watching this year’s four division leaders in the AFC remains somewhat odd. Areas of each team meet championship standards, yet not completely. If you were asked to commit to your AFC title game selections today, would you comfortably select any one of the four division leaders?

Franchise Analysis

Indianapolis Colts

Beginning with the Colts, their quarterback hasn't yet achieved total collapse. But the last two weeks have raised concerns. He’s back to turning over the ball and faltering under duress. He took seven sacks versus Atlanta during Sunday's contest, and had a short sequence in which he threw a pick and lost three fumbles. This follows he gave away possessions five times versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts’ offense excelled during early games since Jones evaded game-changing errors. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line mean the Colts are good enough to survive periodic mistakes, as demonstrated overseas. However, if Jones reverts to his historically mistake-heavy play would finish any playoff run.

New England Analysis

The Patriots seem relatively comparable. Previously, they were considered jokes. Currently, they represent football's most unexpected success and the most successful franchise across the league post seven wins in a row. Except for fumbling away a winnable game versus the Steelers, they’d be sitting a 9-1 record as the league's best. Previously, they appeared aged and sluggish. Today they appear youthful, quick and confident. Still, it’s hard to ignore the weakness of New England's opponents. They've encountered the most manageable schedule throughout football, and there have still been cracks. The signal-caller has been brought down 35 times – the second-most in football – with several hits he suffered last weekend were vicious. As the season progresses, those hits add up.

Denver Analysis

The Broncos are 8–2 as well, and it still feels as if they’re holding their breath. Bo Nix has shown inconsistency, with the attack struggling, while the defensive unit provides most of the responsibility. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos won't frighten playoff opponents. The Chargers are also contending in the Western division at 7-2, yet medical problems within their blocking corps will create difficulties to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Steelers Examination

Then we have the Steelers, somehow still leading the AFC North even after suffering a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers in the evening game. They've been outscored overall, their defense too often disappears, with their quarterback's restrictions given his veteran status persistently appear. They’re 5–4 and holding on, yet Baltimore, with Lamar Jackson healthy again and facing easier opponents, are on a three-game win streak. We shouldn't be completely astonished that the Ravens have narrowed the gap to just one game, but that it has arrived so quickly highlights deficiencies within Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. Considering the Ravens opened losing five of six yet still appear they should win the division reveals much about the entire AFC.

Historical Favorites

Baltimore constitutes part within a trio of powerhouses – together with Bills and Chiefs – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who would still strike the most fear in opposing teams should they reach postseason. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, but the Chiefs and Bills continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Bills

A week ago, the Bills were riding high post Chiefs triumph. This weekend they encountered a particularly discouraging setback during the campaign. They didn't merely fall to the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, falling 30-13 on the road. The Dolphins secured their first triumph versus Buffalo in over three years.

If you’re looking for a perfect summary of Sunday, look no further: the quarterback converting {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt