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No major competition promotes competitive balance in the manner of the NFL: it defines their identity. However, after 10 weeks in this campaign, this is not a competition featuring uniform distribution separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. It’s one where most of the league are merely adequate.

NFC Clarity

Looking at the NFC side, at least, the picture becomes more distinct. The Rams and Seahawks (both at 7-2) appear to be the most well-rounded squads in the NFL, and delivered decisive victories during Sunday's action. Philadelphia at 6-2 notwithstanding their difficulties maintain a deeply skilled squad across the NFL, comparable to the Packers (5-2-1 record). Detroit as well (6-3), with their fluctuating form in trench play and have been dealing with tension on their coaching staff, have shown they can defeat quality opponents. For all five, one can readily put together a route to the final game.

Muddled AFC Picture

In the AFC however, postseason landscape is a jumbled mess. The four teams leading their divisions through ten weeks: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (each with 8-2 records) and the Steelers (5-4). Consider that carefully. No Chiefs presence. Buffalo is missing. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. The usual contenders, supported by the league’s best quarterbacks, possess either significant personnel gaps or have suffered medical setbacks.

League Equality Design

From certain perspectives, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. Yet observing the current division frontrunners in the American Football Conference remains somewhat odd. Components of every squad pass the championship smell test, but not in their entirety. Were you questioned to finalize your conference championship predictions today, would you confidently choose any among the current division frontrunners?

Squad Examinations

Colts Situation

Starting in Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn't descended to complete disaster level. Yet the past two games have raised concerns. He's reverting to giving away possessions and faltering under duress. He suffered seven sacks against the Falcons during Sunday's contest, and experienced a five-minute stretch during which he tossed an interception and fumbled three times. This is a week after he gave away possessions five times against the Steelers.

The Colts attack excelled during early games because Jones avoided the disaster plays. Taylor along with the blockers ensure Indianapolis remains good enough to survive some negative plays, as they did in Berlin. Yet Jones going back to his previous error-filled form would finish postseason aspirations.

Patriots Examination

The Patriots seem fairly alike. Previously, they were considered jokes. Now, they’re football's most unexpected success and the hottest team in football following seven consecutive victories. Had it not been for committing turnover errors a manageable matchup facing Pittsburgh, they'd possess nine wins, one loss with the best record. Previously, they were old and slow. Currently they're youthful, quick and confident. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They have faced the easiest slate throughout football, and flaws have still emerged. Drake Maye has been sacked thirty-five times – among the highest totals – with several hits he endured during the game proved brutal. With continued play, those hits add up.

Broncos Situation

The Broncos hold also 8-2, and it still feels as if they’re holding their breath. Their quarterback has shown inconsistency, and the offensive unit laboring, as the defense handles the majority of the work. Without serviceable quarterback play, Denver cannot intimidate playoff opponents. Los Angeles remains nearby in the AFC West with seven wins, however, health issues affecting their protection unit will create difficulties to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Situation

And then there’s Pittsburgh, somehow still leading the Northern division even after suffering a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers during prime time. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defense too often disappears, and the QB's current constraints given his veteran status continue to show up. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, however, the Ravens, with their QB returning to health and facing easier opponents, have won three consecutive. We shouldn't be completely astonished that the Ravens have narrowed the gap to just one game, but that it has arrived so quickly is an indictment of the Steelers' uneven performances. Considering the Ravens opened with a 1-5 record and currently seem they should win the division is telling about the entire AFC.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens' form part among three elite teams – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – driven by elite quarterback play, that would continue to generate the most fear for opponents if they qualified. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, yet Kansas City and Buffalo cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Analysis

A week ago, the Bills were riding high post Chiefs triumph. This weekend they encountered one of the most disappointing losses during the campaign. They didn't simply fail against Miami; they looked terrible, losing 30-13 as visitors. The Dolphins secured their first triumph versus Buffalo in several seasons.

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