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No league promotes parity in the manner of the NFL: it defines their identity. However, after the first ten matchups in this campaign, this isn’t a league that is equally balanced between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Rather, we see a situation where most of the league appear to be fine.

NFC Standings Definition

Within the National Football Conference, to some degree, the picture becomes more distinct. Los Angeles and Seattle (both at 7-2) look like the most well-rounded squads in the NFL, and achieved blowout wins on Sunday. Philadelphia at 6-2 even with their challenges still have a deeply skilled squad in the league, likewise with Green Bay (5-2-1). Even the Lions (6-3 standing), with their fluctuating form in trench play while managing tension on their coaching staff, have shown they can defeat quality opponents. Regarding these five teams, one can readily construct a championship trajectory.

AFC Confusion

Over in the AFC, postseason landscape is a jumbled mess. Your four division leaders through ten weeks: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all at 8-2) and the Steelers (5-4 record). Read that again. No Chiefs presence. Buffalo is missing. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. Historically strong franchises, backed by the league’s best quarterbacks, have either obvious team deficiencies or are dealing with health issues.

League Equality Design

From certain perspectives, this is exactly what the league wants. Yet observing the current division frontrunners within the conference still feels strange. Components of every squad suggest title potential, though not comprehensively. If someone requested to lock in your AFC title game selections at this moment, would you comfortably select any one of the current division frontrunners?

Franchise Analysis

Colts Situation

Beginning with the Colts, the signal-caller hasn't descended to total collapse. But the last two weeks have raised concerns. He's reverting to giving away possessions and struggling against pressure. He suffered seven sacks against the Falcons on Sunday, and experienced a five-minute stretch in which he threw a pick and fumbled three times. This follows he committed turnovers five separate times against the Steelers.

Indianapolis' offensive unit performed well initially because Jones avoided game-changing errors. The running back and protection unit mean the Colts are capable of overcoming occasional setbacks, as they did in Berlin. Yet Jones going back to his historically mistake-heavy play would end any playoff run.

New England Analysis

New England appears fairly alike. A year ago, they were a punchline. Today, they stand as the NFL's most pleasant shock and the most successful franchise in the NFL after seven straight wins. If not for losing due to fumbles a winnable game facing Pittsburgh, they would currently hold a 9-1 record with the top standing. Previously, they seemed veteran and plodding. Currently they're young, fast and unafraid. However, we must acknowledge the weakness of New England's opponents. They've played against the easiest slate across the NFL, and flaws have still emerged. Their quarterback has been sacked on 35 occasions – ranking second league-wide – with several hits he endured during the game appeared dangerous. Over time, that punishment compounds.

Denver Broncos

Denver stands at eight wins similarly, and the perception remains that they're barely surviving. Their quarterback has been erratic, and the offensive unit laboring, as the defense handles the majority of the work. Absent adequate signal-calling, the Broncos aren’t scaring any playoff team. Los Angeles remains nearby in the Western division holding a 7-2 record, however, health issues affecting their protection unit will present challenges to achieve championship contention.

Steelers Examination

Then we have the Steelers, surprisingly atop the Northern division despite being thumped a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers during prime time. They have a negative point differential, their defense too often disappears, and the QB's current constraints at this stage of his career continue to show up. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, however, the Ravens, with Lamar Jackson healthy again with manageable games ahead, are riding a three-game streak. This development isn't entirely shocking that the Ravens have pulled the gap to just one game, though the speed of this shift is an indictment of Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. That the Ravens started the season 1-5 and still look like likely to claim the title is telling about the entire AFC.

Traditional Powers

The Ravens' form part within a trio of powerhouses – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – driven by elite quarterback play, who would still strike the highest anxiety for opponents if they made the playoffs. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, but the Chiefs and Bills continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Bills

Previously, Buffalo was celebrating after beating the Chiefs. During Sunday's action they experienced a particularly discouraging setback this year. They didn't merely fall to the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, falling 30-13 on the road. It was Miami’s first win over the Bills in more than 1,000 days.

If you’re looking for a microcosm of the day, consider this: the quarterback converting {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt