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No league promotes competitive balance in the manner of the NFL: it's their core marketing message. However, after ten games of this season, this isn’t a league that is equally balanced between the good, the bad and the mediocre. It’s one where most of the league appear to be adequate.

NFC Clarity

Looking at the NFC side, at least, we see clearer definition. Los Angeles and Seattle (both at 7-2) look like the most balanced franchises across the league, and secured decisive victories in their weekend matchups. The 6-2 Eagles even with their challenges still have among the most gifted lineups across the NFL, comparable to the Packers franchise (5-2-1 record). Detroit as well (6-3), with their fluctuating form along both lines of scrimmage and have been dealing with internal staff conflicts, have shown they can hammer good teams. For each of these squads, one can readily put together a Super Bowl path.

AFC Confusion

In the AFC however, postseason landscape is thoroughly confusing. Your four division leaders through ten weeks: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all at 8-2) and Steelers (5-4 record). Consider that carefully. Kansas City isn't there. Buffalo is missing. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. The traditional powers, backed by elite NFL signal-callers, have either obvious team deficiencies or have suffered medical setbacks.

Parity Mechanics

From certain perspectives, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. However, witnessing the current division frontrunners within the conference remains somewhat odd. Areas of each team suggest title potential, though not comprehensively. Were you questioned to finalize your conference championship predictions at this moment, would you confidently select any one of the current division frontrunners?

Franchise Analysis

Indianapolis Outlook

Beginning with the Colts, the signal-caller hasn’t quite reached total collapse. However, recent performances have been worrying. He's reverting to giving away possessions and struggling against pressure. He was sacked seven times facing Atlanta in the weekend game, and experienced a short sequence during which he tossed a pick and coughed up the ball thrice. This follows he turned the ball over five separate times against the Steelers.

The Colts’ offense thrived early in the season since Jones evaded game-changing errors. The running back and protection unit ensure Indianapolis remains good enough to survive some negative plays, like their German performance. Yet Jones going back to his historically mistake-heavy play would finish postseason aspirations.

New England Analysis

New England appears fairly alike. A year ago, they were considered jokes. Now, they’re football's most unexpected success and the hottest team in the NFL after seven straight wins. If not for losing due to fumbles a manageable matchup versus the Steelers, they would currently hold nine wins, one loss with the best record. Last season, they were old and slow. Today they appear inexperienced, speedy and bold. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They've encountered the most manageable schedule across the NFL, and flaws have still emerged. Their quarterback has been brought down thirty-five times – among the highest totals – including particular impacts he endured during the game were vicious. As the season progresses, those beatings accumulate.

Denver Analysis

The Broncos are eight wins similarly, and the perception remains like they're nervously waiting. The Denver signal-caller has been erratic, and the offensive unit laboring, while the defensive unit provides most of the responsibility. Absent adequate signal-calling, Denver cannot intimidate playoff opponents. The Chargers are also contending in the AFC West at 7-2, however, health issues within their blocking corps will present challenges to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Then we have the Steelers, surprisingly atop the AFC North even after suffering 25-10 by the Chargers during prime time. They have a negative point differential, their defense regularly vanishes, and the QB's current constraints at this stage of his career persistently appear. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, however, the Ravens, with Lamar Jackson healthy again and the schedule softening, have won three consecutive. This development isn't entirely shocking that Baltimore has closed to within one game of Pittsburgh, though the speed of this shift represents criticism toward the Steelers' uneven performances. The fact Baltimore began losing five of six and currently seem they should win the division is telling about the conference as a whole.

Established Contenders

The Ravens represent a segment of the Big Three – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – driven by elite quarterback play, that would continue to generate the most fear in opposing teams should they reach postseason. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, however, both franchises persistently undermine themselves.

Buffalo Bills

A week ago, Buffalo was celebrating 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. The Dolphins secured their first triumph against Buffalo in more than 1,000 days.

Should you seek a perfect summary of Sunday, here you go: the quarterback converting {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt