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No league markets parity as effectively as the NFL: it’s the entire brand. But through 10 weeks in this campaign, this doesn't represent a landscape featuring uniform distribution between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Instead, it's a scenario where the majority of teams is simply sufficient.

NFC Clarity

Within the National Football Conference, at least, there is some clarity. The Rams and Seahawks (each holding 7-2 records) seem like the most complete teams in the NFL, and secured overwhelming triumphs on Sunday. The Eagles with six wins notwithstanding their difficulties maintain one of the most talented rosters in the league, likewise with Green Bay (5-2-1 record). The Lions also (six and three), despite their uneven performances along both lines of scrimmage while managing coaching drama, have proven they can hammer good teams. For each of these squads, you can still easily put together a route to the final game.

AFC Confusion

In the AFC however, championship race is a jumbled mess. The current division frontrunners at this stage: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all standing at eight wins) and the Steelers (five wins, four losses). Take another look. No Chiefs presence. No Bills inclusion. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. The traditional powers, backed by premier quarterback talent, have either significant personnel gaps or have suffered medical setbacks.

Competitive Balance System

To some extent, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. However, witnessing this season's top AFC teams in the American Football Conference remains somewhat odd. Components of every squad suggest title potential, yet not completely. Were you questioned to commit to your AFC title game selections at this moment, could you assuredly choose any among these four teams?

Franchise Analysis

Colts Situation

Starting in Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn’t quite reached pumpkin status. Yet the past two games have caused alarm. He's reverting to committing turnovers and struggling against pressure. He took seven sacks facing Atlanta during Sunday's contest, and experienced a short sequence during which he tossed a pick and lost three fumbles. This is a week after he turned the ball over five times facing the Steelers.

Indianapolis' offensive unit excelled during early games since Jones evaded game-changing errors. The running back and protection unit mean the Colts are capable of overcoming periodic mistakes, as they did in Berlin. Yet Jones going back to his old blunder-prone days would terminate championship hopes.

New England Patriots

New England appears somewhat similar. A year ago, they were a punchline. Today, they stand as football's most unexpected success and the strongest squad in the NFL post seven wins in a row. If not for losing due to fumbles a winnable game against Pittsburgh, they’d be sitting nine wins, one loss with the best record. In the prior year, they were old and slow. Today they appear youthful, quick and confident. However, we must acknowledge how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They've played against the least challenging lineup across the NFL, and there have still been cracks. Drake Maye has taken sacks 35 times – among the highest totals – with several hits he suffered last weekend were vicious. Over time, those beatings accumulate.

Broncos Situation

Denver stands at also 8-2, and it still feels as if they’re holding their breath. The Denver signal-caller has shown inconsistency, and the offensive unit laboring, with the defense doing all the heavy lifting. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos won't frighten anyone in the postseason. The Chargers are also hovering within their division holding a 7-2 record, yet medical problems along their offensive line will create difficulties to achieve championship contention.

Steelers Examination

Then we have the Steelers, inexplicably frontrunning the AFC North notwithstanding receiving 25-10 by the Chargers on Sunday night. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defensive unit frequently falters, with their quarterback's restrictions at this stage of his career continue to show up. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, but Baltimore, featuring a recovered Jackson and the schedule softening, have won three consecutive. We shouldn't be completely astonished that Baltimore has closed within a game of the Steelers, but how rapidly this occurred represents criticism toward Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. The fact Baltimore began the season 1-5 and currently seem capable of division victory is telling about the conference as a whole.

Traditional Powers

The Ravens represent a segment within a trio of powerhouses – together with Bills and Chiefs – driven by elite quarterback play, that would continue to generate the most fear for opponents if they qualified. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, but the Chiefs and Bills persistently undermine themselves.

Buffalo Analysis

A week ago, Buffalo was celebrating following victory over Kansas City. During Sunday's action they experienced one of the most disappointing losses this year. They didn't simply fail to the Dolphins; they looked terrible, dropping a 30-13 road game. It was Miami’s first win versus Buffalo in several seasons.

Should you seek an example representing the day, look no further: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt