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No league promotes equal footing in the manner of the NFL: it’s the entire brand. But through the first ten matchups in this campaign, this doesn't represent a landscape featuring uniform distribution separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. Instead, it's a scenario where the bulk of franchises appear to be adequate.

Clear Picture in NFC

Looking at the NFC side, at least, the picture becomes more distinct. Los Angeles and Seattle (each holding 7-2 records) appear to be the most complete teams across the league, and achieved decisive victories in their weekend matchups. The Eagles with six wins despite their struggles maintain a deeply skilled squad across the NFL, similar to the Packers (5-2-1). The Lions also (6-3), with their fluctuating form along both lines of scrimmage while managing tension on their coaching staff, have demonstrated they're capable of dominating good teams. Regarding these five teams, you can still easily put together a Super Bowl path.

Muddled AFC Picture

Over in the AFC, championship race is thoroughly confusing. The four teams leading their divisions after ten games: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all standing at eight wins) and the Steelers (five wins, four losses). Read that again. Kansas City isn't there. Buffalo is missing. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. The traditional powers, supported by premier quarterback talent, have either obvious team deficiencies or have been hit by injuries.

Parity Mechanics

To some extent, this is exactly what the league wants. But watching this season's top AFC teams in the American Football Conference remains somewhat odd. Areas of each team meet championship standards, but not in their entirety. If you were asked to finalize your AFC title game selections today, could you assuredly pick any of these four teams?

Team Breakdowns

Indianapolis Colts

First, examining Indianapolis, Daniel Jones hasn’t quite reached complete disaster level. Yet the past two games have been worrying. He’s back to turning over the ball and failing against blitzes. He took seven sacks against the Falcons on Sunday, and experienced a brief period during which he tossed an interception and fumbled three times. This is a week after he turned the ball over on five occasions versus Pittsburgh.

Indianapolis' offensive unit thrived early in the season as Jones prevented catastrophic mistakes. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line make the Colts able to withstand occasional setbacks, as demonstrated overseas. But Jones returning to his previous error-filled form would terminate championship hopes.

New England Analysis

The Patriots seem somewhat similar. A year ago, they were a punchline. Now, they’re the NFL's most pleasant shock and the hottest team across the league following seven consecutive victories. Except for losing due to fumbles a contest they should have won versus the Steelers, they would currently hold a 9-1 record as the league's best. Last season, they were old and slow. Today they appear youthful, quick and confident. Still, it’s hard to ignore the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They've encountered the easiest slate throughout football, yet vulnerabilities remain. Their quarterback has been sacked thirty-five times – among the highest totals – with several hits he suffered last weekend proved brutal. As the season progresses, that punishment compounds.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos are 8–2 as well, and the perception remains as if they’re holding their breath. Bo Nix has shown inconsistency, and the offensive unit laboring, as the defense handles all the heavy lifting. Lacking competent QB performance, the Broncos won't frighten playoff opponents. The Chargers are also hovering within their division holding a 7-2 record, but the injuries affecting their protection unit will make it tough for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Situation

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, somehow still leading the Northern division despite being thumped 25-10 by the Chargers during prime time. They've been outscored overall, their defense regularly vanishes, with their quarterback's restrictions 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 with manageable games ahead, are on a three-game win streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have pulled within a game of the Steelers, but that it has arrived so quickly represents criticism toward Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. Considering the Ravens opened losing five of six and currently seem they should win the division reveals much about the entire AFC.

Traditional Powers

Baltimore constitutes part among three elite teams – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who would still strike the most fear among competitors if they made the playoffs. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, however, both franchises persistently undermine themselves.

Buffalo Bills

Last week, Buffalo was celebrating post Chiefs triumph. During Sunday's action they experienced one of the most disappointing losses this year. They didn't merely fall to the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, dropping a 30-13 road game. The Dolphins secured their first triumph over the Bills in more than 1,000 days.

Should you seek a perfect summary of Sunday, look no further: the quarterback converting {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt