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No major competition sells competitive balance as effectively as the NFL: it's their core marketing message. Yet following 10 weeks in this campaign, this is not a competition featuring uniform distribution between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Rather, we see a situation where the majority of teams appear to be adequate.

NFC Standings Definition

In the NFC, to some degree, there is some clarity. The Rams along with the Seahawks (each holding 7-2 records) seem like the most well-rounded squads across the league, and secured blowout wins during Sunday's action. The 6-2 Eagles notwithstanding their difficulties maintain among the most gifted lineups across the NFL, likewise with the Packers franchise (5-2-1). Detroit as well (6-3), despite their uneven performances in trench play and navigating tension on their coaching staff, have proven they can hammer strong franchises. For each of these squads, one can readily construct a Super Bowl path.

AFC Playoff Chaos

In the AFC however, postseason landscape is a jumbled mess. The four teams leading their divisions after ten games: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all at 8-2) and the Steelers (5-4). Read that again. Kansas City isn't there. Buffalo is missing. Not the Ravens or Bengals. Historically strong franchises, featuring premier quarterback talent, display either obvious team deficiencies or have been hit by injuries.

Competitive Balance System

To some extent, this is exactly what the league wants. But watching this year’s four division leaders in the AFC still feels strange. Aspects of each franchise meet championship standards, but not in their entirety. Were you questioned to lock in your conference championship predictions at this moment, would you comfortably pick any of the current division frontrunners?

Squad Examinations

Colts Situation

First, examining Indianapolis, Daniel Jones hasn't yet achieved total collapse. Yet the past two games have been worrying. He’s back to giving away possessions and faltering under duress. He was sacked seven times against the Falcons on Sunday, and experienced a short sequence during which he tossed a pick and lost three fumbles. This follows he turned the ball over on five occasions against the Steelers.

The Colts attack performed well initially because Jones avoided catastrophic mistakes. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line make the Colts able to withstand occasional setbacks, like their German performance. But Jones returning to his old blunder-prone days would end any playoff run.

Patriots Examination

New England appears relatively comparable. A year ago, they were a punchline. Currently, they represent the NFL's most pleasant shock and the hottest team across the league after seven straight wins. If not for committing turnover errors a winnable game facing Pittsburgh, they'd possess at 9–1 with the top standing. Last season, they seemed veteran and plodding. Now they’re youthful, quick and confident. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They have faced the most manageable schedule in the league, yet vulnerabilities remain. Drake Maye has been brought down on 35 occasions – ranking second league-wide – including particular impacts he suffered last weekend appeared dangerous. As the season progresses, those beatings accumulate.

Denver Analysis

Denver stands at eight wins similarly, and it still feels like they're nervously waiting. Bo Nix has been erratic, with the attack struggling, while the defensive unit provides most of the responsibility. Lacking competent QB performance, the Broncos won't frighten anyone in the postseason. The Chargers are also hovering within their division holding a 7-2 record, but the injuries affecting their protection unit will create difficulties to achieve championship contention.

Steelers Examination

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, surprisingly atop their division even after suffering a decisive loss to Los Angeles in the evening game. They have a negative point differential, their defense regularly vanishes, with their quarterback's restrictions at this stage of his career persistently appear. They’re 5–4 and holding on, but Baltimore, featuring a recovered Jackson with manageable games ahead, are riding a three-game streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that Baltimore has closed within a game of the Steelers, though the speed of this shift represents criticism toward Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. That the Ravens started losing five of six yet still appear they should win the division speaks volumes regarding the conference as a whole.

Traditional Powers

The Ravens' form part within a trio of powerhouses – together with Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, that would continue to generate the most fear among competitors if they made the playoffs. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, however, both franchises cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Bills

Last week, the Bills were riding high post Chiefs triumph. This weekend they encountered a particularly discouraging setback this year. They didn't simply fail to the Dolphins; they suffered humiliation, dropping a 30-13 road game. The Dolphins secured their first triumph versus Buffalo in several seasons.

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