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No major competition sells equal footing in the manner of the NFL: it defines their identity. But through the first ten matchups of this season, this is not a competition that is equally balanced between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Rather, we see a situation where the bulk of franchises is simply sufficient.

NFC Standings Definition

Within the National Football Conference, to some degree, there is some clarity. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both at 7-2) look like the most well-rounded squads in football, and secured overwhelming triumphs during Sunday's action. The Eagles with six wins notwithstanding their difficulties still have one of the most talented rosters throughout football, similar to Green Bay (5-2-1 record). The Lions also (6-3 standing), despite their uneven performances along both lines of scrimmage and have been dealing with internal staff conflicts, have demonstrated they're capable of dominating good teams. For each of these squads, you can still easily put together a Super Bowl path.

AFC Playoff Chaos

In the AFC however, championship race is thoroughly confusing. The four teams leading their divisions through ten weeks: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all at 8-2) and Steelers (5-4 record). Read that again. Kansas City isn't there. Not the Bills. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. The usual contenders, supported by premier quarterback talent, possess either significant personnel gaps or have suffered medical setbacks.

Competitive Balance System

To some extent, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. But watching the current division frontrunners in the American Football Conference continues to seem unusual. Components of every squad pass the championship smell test, though not comprehensively. If someone requested to finalize your AFC title game selections at this moment, would you comfortably select any one of the current division frontrunners?

Team Breakdowns

Indianapolis Colts

First, examining Indianapolis, Daniel Jones hasn't yet achieved pumpkin status. Yet the past two games have raised concerns. He's reverting to giving away possessions and faltering under duress. He took seven sacks against the Falcons during Sunday's contest, and endured a brief period where he delivered an interception and lost three fumbles. This follows he committed turnovers five separate times facing the Steelers.

The Colts attack performed well initially because Jones avoided game-changing errors. Taylor along with the blockers make the Colts able to withstand periodic mistakes, as they did in Berlin. Yet Jones going back to his historically mistake-heavy play would end any playoff run.

New England Analysis

The Patriots seem relatively comparable. A year ago, they were league laughingstocks. Today, they stand as football's most unexpected success and the strongest squad in the NFL after seven straight wins. If not for fumbling away a winnable game against Pittsburgh, they would currently hold a 9-1 record with the top standing. Last season, they were old and slow. Today they appear youthful, quick and confident. However, we must acknowledge the weakness of New England's opponents. They've encountered the most manageable schedule throughout football, and flaws have still emerged. The signal-caller has been sacked 35 times – the second-most in football – with several hits he suffered last weekend appeared dangerous. As the season progresses, those hits add up.

Denver Analysis

The Broncos hold also 8-2, and it still feels like they're nervously waiting. Bo Nix has been erratic, and the offense plodding, as the defense handles all the heavy lifting. Absent adequate signal-calling, the Broncos aren’t scaring playoff opponents. The Chargers are also hovering in the Western division holding a 7-2 record, but the injuries affecting their protection unit will present challenges for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Steelers

And then there’s Pittsburgh, somehow still leading the Northern division even after suffering a decisive loss to Los Angeles on Sunday night. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defense too often disappears, with their quarterback's restrictions given his veteran status persistently appear. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, however, the Ravens, featuring a recovered Jackson and the schedule softening, are on a three-game win 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 is an indictment of Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. Considering the Ravens opened with a 1-5 record and still look like they should win the division speaks volumes regarding the entire AFC.

Traditional Powers

Baltimore constitutes part among three elite teams – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, that would continue to generate the most fear for opponents should they reach postseason. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, but the Chiefs and Bills persistently undermine themselves.

Bills Struggles

Last week, the Bills were riding high post Chiefs triumph. During Sunday's action they experienced a particularly discouraging setback during the campaign. They didn’t just lose to the Dolphins; they suffered humiliation, dropping a 30-13 road game. The Dolphins secured their first triumph against Buffalo in several seasons.

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