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No league sells equal footing in the manner of the NFL: it defines their identity. But through the first ten matchups in this campaign, this doesn't represent a landscape with perfect equilibrium among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. Rather, we see a situation where the majority of teams are merely adequate.

Clear Picture in NFC

In the NFC, at least, the picture becomes more distinct. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both standing at seven wins, two losses) appear to be the most balanced franchises in the NFL, and secured overwhelming triumphs during Sunday's action. Philadelphia at 6-2 despite their struggles maintain among the most gifted lineups across the NFL, similar to the Packers franchise (five wins, two losses, one tie). The Lions also (6-3 standing), despite their uneven performances along both lines of scrimmage and have been dealing with tension on their coaching staff, have proven they can hammer strong franchises. For all five, it's straightforward to envision a Super Bowl path.

AFC Confusion

Over in the AFC, championship race is a jumbled mess. The four teams leading their divisions through ten weeks: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all at 8-2) and the Steelers (five wins, four losses). Consider that carefully. Kansas City isn't there. Not the Bills. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. Historically strong franchises, supported by elite NFL signal-callers, possess either obvious team deficiencies or have been hit by injuries.

Parity Mechanics

In some ways, it’s the league’s ideal. However, witnessing this year’s four division leaders in the American Football Conference still feels strange. Components of every squad suggest title potential, but not in their entirety. If someone requested to commit to your AFC Championship game picks right now, would you confidently select any one of these four teams?

Franchise Analysis

Indianapolis Outlook

Beginning with the Colts, Daniel Jones hasn't yet achieved complete disaster level. Yet the past two games have raised concerns. He's reverting to committing turnovers and struggling against pressure. He suffered seven sacks against the Falcons during Sunday's contest, and experienced a brief period in which he threw a pick and coughed up the ball thrice. This is a week after he turned the ball over on five occasions versus Pittsburgh.

Indianapolis' offensive unit performed well initially since Jones evaded the disaster plays. The running back and protection unit mean the Colts are able to withstand periodic mistakes, as demonstrated overseas. Yet Jones going back to his historically mistake-heavy play would terminate any playoff run.

Patriots Examination

The Patriots feel relatively comparable. A year ago, they were league laughingstocks. Now, they’re football's most unexpected success and the strongest squad in the NFL post seven wins in a row. If not for committing turnover errors a manageable matchup facing Pittsburgh, they’d be sitting at 9–1 as the league's best. In the prior year, they seemed veteran and plodding. Currently they're young, fast and unafraid. However, we must acknowledge the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They've played against the least challenging lineup throughout football, and there have still been cracks. Drake Maye has been brought down 35 times – ranking second league-wide – with several hits he endured during the game appeared dangerous. As the season progresses, those hits add up.

Broncos Situation

Denver stands at 8–2 as well, yet it seems as if they’re holding their breath. Their quarterback has been erratic, and the offensive unit laboring, as the defense handles all the heavy lifting. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos won't frighten any playoff team. Los Angeles remains nearby in the Western division holding a 7-2 record, however, health issues affecting their protection unit will make it tough to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Situation

And then there’s Pittsburgh, somehow still leading the Northern division despite being thumped a decisive loss to Los Angeles in the evening game. They have a negative point differential, their defense too often disappears, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations at this stage of his career continue to show up. They’re 5–4 and holding on, yet Baltimore, with their QB returning to health and the schedule softening, are riding a three-game streak. This development isn't entirely shocking that the Ravens have pulled to within one game of Pittsburgh, but that it has arrived so quickly highlights deficiencies within Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. Considering the Ravens opened with a 1-5 record and currently seem likely to claim the title reveals much about the complete conference.

Established Contenders

The Ravens' form part among three elite teams – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who could still create the highest anxiety in opposing teams if they made the playoffs. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, however, both franchises continue to self-destruct.

Bills Struggles

Previously, Buffalo was celebrating post Chiefs triumph. During Sunday's action they experienced a particularly discouraging setback this year. They didn't merely fall versus the Dolphins; they looked terrible, dropping a 30-13 road game. The Dolphins secured their first triumph versus Buffalo in more than 1,000 days.

For those searching for a microcosm of the day, consider this: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt