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No professional sports organization sells parity in the manner of the NFL: it’s the entire brand. Yet following 10 weeks in this campaign, this isn’t a league that is equally balanced between the good, the bad and the mediocre. It’s one where the majority of teams is simply fine.

NFC Clarity

Looking at the NFC side, at least, we see clearer definition. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both at 7-2) seem like the most well-rounded squads across the league, and achieved decisive victories during Sunday's action. The Eagles with six wins notwithstanding their difficulties still have one of the most talented rosters across the NFL, likewise with Green Bay (five wins, two losses, one tie). Detroit as well (6-3), with their fluctuating form in trench play while managing coaching drama, have proven they can defeat good teams. For each of these squads, you can still easily put together a route to the final game.

AFC Playoff Chaos

In the AFC however, the playoff picture is thoroughly confusing. The four teams leading their divisions at this stage: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) and the Steelers (5-4 record). Consider that carefully. Kansas City isn't there. Not the Bills. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. The usual contenders, supported by the league’s best quarterbacks, possess either glaring roster weaknesses or are dealing with health issues.

League Equality Design

In some ways, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. But watching this season's top AFC teams within the conference still feels strange. Components of every squad pass the championship smell test, though not comprehensively. If you were asked to commit to your AFC Championship game picks today, would you comfortably pick any of the four division leaders?

Franchise Analysis

Indianapolis Colts

Starting in Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn't descended to pumpkin status. But the last two weeks have been worrying. He’s back to committing turnovers and faltering under duress. He was sacked seven times versus Atlanta during Sunday's contest, and endured a short sequence where he delivered an interception and lost three fumbles. This follows he turned the ball over five times against the Steelers.

The Colts’ offense thrived early in the season as Jones prevented catastrophic mistakes. The running back and protection unit make the Colts good enough to survive periodic mistakes, as they did in Berlin. Yet Jones going back to his old blunder-prone days would end postseason aspirations.

New England Patriots

The Patriots seem somewhat similar. A year ago, they were considered jokes. Currently, they represent the NFL's most pleasant shock and the hottest team across the league post seven wins in a row. Had it not been for fumbling away a contest they should have won facing Pittsburgh, they'd possess a 9-1 record with the top standing. Previously, they appeared aged and sluggish. Currently they're youthful, quick and confident. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the weakness of New England's opponents. They have faced the least challenging lineup throughout football, and there have still been cracks. The signal-caller has taken sacks 35 times – the second-most in football – and some of the shots he suffered last weekend proved brutal. Over time, those beatings accumulate.

Broncos Situation

Denver stands at also 8-2, and it still feels as if they’re holding their breath. Bo Nix has been erratic, and the offense plodding, as the defense handles all the heavy lifting. Absent adequate signal-calling, Denver cannot intimidate playoff opponents. The Chargers are also hovering within their division at 7-2, however, health issues within their blocking corps will present challenges to achieve championship contention.

Pittsburgh Situation

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, inexplicably frontrunning the AFC North even after suffering a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers during prime time. They have a negative point differential, their defense too often disappears, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations at this stage of his career regularly manifest. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, yet Baltimore, with Lamar Jackson healthy again with manageable games ahead, have won three consecutive. This development isn't entirely shocking that Baltimore has closed within a game of the Steelers, though the speed of this shift represents criticism toward Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. That the Ravens started the season 1-5 yet still appear capable of division victory speaks volumes regarding the entire AFC.

Traditional Powers

Baltimore constitutes part within a trio of powerhouses – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – driven by elite quarterback play, who would still strike the greatest concern in opposing teams should they reach postseason. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, but the Chiefs and Bills continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Analysis

Last week, Buffalo was celebrating after beating the Chiefs. During Sunday's action they experienced one of the most disappointing losses during the campaign. They didn’t just lose against Miami; they looked terrible, losing 30-13 as visitors. The Dolphins secured their first triumph over the Bills in several seasons.

If you’re looking for an example representing the day, here you go: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt