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No league sells parity as effectively as the NFL: it defines their identity. But through ten games of this season, this is not a competition that is equally balanced between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Rather, we see a situation where the bulk of franchises is simply fine.

Clear Picture in NFC

Looking at the NFC side, for the most part, the picture becomes more distinct. The Rams along with the Seahawks (each holding 7-2 records) look like the most complete teams in football, and achieved blowout wins on Sunday. The 6-2 Eagles despite their struggles maintain one of the most talented rosters throughout football, similar to Green Bay (5-2-1). The Lions also (6-3 standing), with their fluctuating form on offense and defense and navigating tension on their coaching staff, have demonstrated they can defeat quality opponents. Regarding these five teams, you can still easily put together a championship trajectory.

Muddled AFC Picture

Over in the AFC, championship race is a jumbled mess. Your four division leaders at this stage: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) and Steelers (5-4 record). Take another look. No Chiefs presence. No Bills inclusion. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. Historically strong franchises, featuring elite NFL signal-callers, display either obvious team deficiencies or have been hit by injuries.

League Equality Design

From certain perspectives, this is exactly what the league wants. However, witnessing this year’s four division leaders in the AFC remains somewhat odd. Aspects of each franchise suggest title potential, yet not completely. If someone requested to lock in your AFC Championship game picks right now, would you comfortably select any one of the four division leaders?

Franchise Analysis

Indianapolis Colts

Starting in Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn't descended to total collapse. But the last two weeks have raised concerns. He's reverting to turning over the ball and struggling against pressure. He took seven sacks versus Atlanta in the weekend game, and experienced a short sequence where he delivered an interception and fumbled three times. This follows he committed turnovers five times facing the Steelers.

The Colts’ offense excelled during early games because Jones avoided the disaster plays. The running back and protection unit mean the Colts are good enough to survive periodic mistakes, as demonstrated overseas. However, if Jones reverts to his previous error-filled form would terminate championship hopes.

New England Analysis

New England appears relatively comparable. A year ago, they were league laughingstocks. Now, they’re football's most unexpected success and the hottest team in the NFL post seven wins in a row. If not for committing turnover errors a winnable game against Pittsburgh, they'd possess at 9–1 as the league's best. In the prior year, they were old and slow. Now they’re youthful, quick and confident. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They've encountered the least challenging lineup throughout football, yet vulnerabilities remain. The signal-caller has been brought down thirty-five times – the second-most in football – including particular impacts he absorbed on Sunday appeared dangerous. With continued play, that punishment compounds.

Denver Analysis

The Broncos are 8–2 as well, and the perception remains 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. Absent adequate signal-calling, the Broncos won't frighten any playoff team. The Chargers are also hovering in the Western division with seven wins, yet medical problems affecting their protection unit will make it tough for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Situation

And then there’s Pittsburgh, somehow still leading the AFC North notwithstanding receiving a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers on Sunday night. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defense too often disappears, with their quarterback's restrictions during his career phase persistently appear. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, but Baltimore, with their QB returning to health and facing easier opponents, are riding a three-game streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have narrowed to within one game of Pittsburgh, though the speed of this shift highlights deficiencies within Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. That the Ravens started with a 1-5 record and currently seem capable of division victory is telling about the complete conference.

Established Contenders

The Ravens represent a segment within a trio of powerhouses – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – driven by elite quarterback play, that would continue to generate the greatest concern among competitors should they reach postseason. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, however, both franchises continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Bills

Previously, the Bills felt confident following victory over Kansas City. During Sunday's action they experienced a particularly discouraging setback of the season. They didn't simply fail against Miami; they were embarrassed, dropping a 30-13 road game. It was Miami’s first win against Buffalo in more than 1,000 days.

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