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No major competition markets competitive balance as effectively as the NFL: it's their core marketing message. However, after the first ten matchups of this season, this isn’t a league that is equally balanced between the good, the bad and the mediocre. It’s one where most of the league appear to be sufficient.

Clear Picture in NFC

In the NFC, for the most part, there is some clarity. The Rams and Seahawks (both standing at seven wins, two losses) appear to be the most complete teams across the league, and secured decisive victories in their weekend matchups. The Eagles with six wins notwithstanding their difficulties continue to possess one of the most talented rosters throughout football, likewise with the Packers (5-2-1). The Lions also (6-3 standing), with their fluctuating form along both lines of scrimmage and navigating tension on their coaching staff, have proven they can defeat quality opponents. For all five, it's straightforward to construct a route to the final game.

Muddled AFC Picture

Over in the AFC, postseason landscape is a jumbled mess. Your four division leaders through ten weeks: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) and Steelers (five wins, four losses). Read that again. Kansas City isn't there. Buffalo is missing. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. The usual contenders, backed by premier quarterback talent, possess either obvious team deficiencies or are dealing with health issues.

League Equality Design

In some ways, it’s the league’s ideal. Yet observing the current division frontrunners in the AFC still feels strange. Aspects of each franchise pass the championship smell test, but not in their entirety. Were you questioned to finalize your AFC Championship game picks at this moment, could you assuredly choose any among these four teams?

Squad Examinations

Indianapolis Outlook

Beginning with the Colts, Daniel Jones hasn’t quite reached pumpkin status. But the last two weeks have raised concerns. He has returned to turning over the ball and struggling against pressure. He took seven sacks against the Falcons during Sunday's contest, and experienced a five-minute stretch during which he tossed an interception and fumbled three times. This follows he committed turnovers five separate times against the Steelers.

Indianapolis' offensive unit excelled during early games as Jones prevented game-changing errors. The running back and protection unit make the Colts capable of overcoming some negative plays, like their German performance. However, if Jones reverts to his historically mistake-heavy play would end postseason aspirations.

New England Analysis

The Patriots seem somewhat similar. Previously, they were a punchline. Today, they stand as football's most unexpected success and the hottest team in the NFL post seven wins in a row. Except for losing due to fumbles a contest they should have won facing Pittsburgh, they would currently hold nine wins, one loss with the top standing. Previously, they appeared aged and sluggish. Today they appear inexperienced, speedy and bold. However, we must acknowledge the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They have faced the easiest slate throughout football, and flaws have still emerged. Their quarterback has taken sacks thirty-five times – ranking second league-wide – and some of the shots he endured during the game proved brutal. With continued play, those hits add up.

Denver Analysis

The Broncos hold also 8-2, yet it seems as if they’re holding their breath. Their quarterback has been erratic, and the offensive unit laboring, while the defensive unit provides most of the responsibility. Lacking competent QB performance, the Broncos won't frighten playoff opponents. The Chargers are also hovering in the AFC West at 7-2, but the injuries within their blocking corps will make it tough to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Situation

And then there’s Pittsburgh, inexplicably frontrunning their division despite being thumped a decisive loss to Los Angeles on Sunday night. They have a negative point differential, their defensive unit frequently falters, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations given his veteran status regularly manifest. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, however, the Ravens, with Lamar Jackson healthy again and the schedule softening, have won three consecutive. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that Baltimore has closed within a game of the Steelers, but that it has arrived so quickly highlights deficiencies within the Steelers' uneven performances. Considering the Ravens opened with a 1-5 record and still look like they should win the division speaks volumes regarding the complete conference.

Historical Favorites

Baltimore constitutes part within a trio of powerhouses – together with Bills and Chiefs – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who would still strike the highest anxiety for opponents if they made the playoffs. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, but the Chiefs and Bills persistently undermine themselves.

Buffalo Bills

Previously, Buffalo was celebrating following victory over Kansas City. During Sunday's action they experienced among the season's worst defeats of the season. They didn't merely fall versus the Dolphins; they looked terrible, losing 30-13 as visitors. This represented Miami's initial victory over the Bills in over three years.

For those searching for a perfect summary of Sunday, here you go: Allen transforming {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt