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No major competition promotes equal footing like the NFL: it's their core marketing message. However, after the first ten matchups of this season, this is not a competition that is equally balanced among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. Rather, we see a situation where the majority of teams appear to be adequate.

NFC Clarity

Looking at the NFC side, at least, we see clearer definition. The Rams and Seahawks (both standing at seven wins, two losses) look like the most well-rounded squads in the NFL, and secured decisive victories in their weekend matchups. The Eagles with six wins even with their challenges still have among the most gifted lineups in the league, similar to Green Bay (five wins, two losses, one tie). Detroit as well (six and three), who have been inconsistent along both lines of scrimmage while managing internal staff conflicts, have demonstrated they can defeat good teams. For all five, it's straightforward to envision a Super Bowl path.

AFC Confusion

In the AFC however, the playoff picture is a jumbled mess. Your four division leaders at this stage: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) and the Steelers (5-4). Read that again. Not the Chiefs. Buffalo is missing. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. The traditional powers, backed by the league’s best quarterbacks, display either glaring roster weaknesses or are dealing with health issues.

Parity Mechanics

In some ways, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. However, witnessing this year’s four division leaders in the AFC still feels strange. Components of every squad pass the championship smell test, but not in their entirety. If someone requested to finalize your conference championship predictions today, would you comfortably choose any among the current division frontrunners?

Team Breakdowns

Colts Situation

First, examining Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn’t quite reached complete disaster level. Yet the past two games have raised concerns. He’s back to committing turnovers and struggling against pressure. He took seven sacks against the Falcons on Sunday, and endured a short sequence during which he tossed an intercepted pass and fumbled three times. This follows he gave away possessions on five occasions versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts attack performed well initially since Jones evaded game-changing errors. The running back and protection unit make the Colts capable of overcoming occasional setbacks, as demonstrated overseas. Yet Jones going back to his old blunder-prone days would end championship hopes.

New England Patriots

The Patriots feel fairly alike. Previously, they were considered jokes. Now, they’re the NFL's most pleasant shock and the most successful franchise across the league post seven wins in a row. If not for committing turnover errors a manageable matchup versus the Steelers, they'd possess a 9-1 record with the best record. Previously, they appeared aged and sluggish. Now they’re inexperienced, speedy and bold. Still, it’s hard to ignore the weakness of New England's opponents. They've played against the easiest slate across the NFL, yet vulnerabilities remain. The signal-caller has been sacked on 35 occasions – ranking second league-wide – and some of the shots he absorbed on Sunday were vicious. As the season progresses, those beatings accumulate.

Denver Analysis

The Broncos hold also 8-2, and it still feels that they're barely surviving. The Denver signal-caller has performed unevenly, with the attack struggling, while the defensive unit provides the majority of the work. Absent adequate signal-calling, the Broncos aren’t scaring playoff opponents. Los Angeles remains nearby in the AFC West at 7-2, yet medical problems within their blocking corps will make it tough for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Situation

Then we have the Steelers, surprisingly atop the AFC North despite being thumped a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers during prime time. They've been outscored overall, their defensive unit frequently falters, with their quarterback's restrictions at this stage of his career persistently appear. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, but Baltimore, with their QB returning to health with manageable games ahead, have won three consecutive. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have narrowed to within one game of Pittsburgh, but how rapidly this occurred is an indictment of the Steelers' uneven performances. The fact Baltimore began losing five of six and currently seem likely to claim the title reveals much about the conference as a whole.

Historical Favorites

Baltimore constitutes part within a trio of powerhouses – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who could still create the highest anxiety for opponents if they qualified. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, yet Kansas City and Buffalo continue to self-destruct.

Bills Struggles

Previously, the Bills were riding high after beating the Chiefs. During Sunday's action they experienced among the season's worst defeats this year. They didn't simply fail to the Dolphins; they looked terrible, dropping a 30-13 road game. This represented Miami's initial victory against Buffalo in over three years.

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