No major competition promotes equal footing in the manner of the NFL: it’s the entire brand. However, after ten games in this campaign, this doesn't represent a landscape with perfect equilibrium separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. Instead, it's a scenario where the majority of teams is simply adequate.
Clear Picture in NFC
Looking at the NFC side, for the most part, there is some clarity. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both standing at seven wins, two losses) look like the most complete teams across the league, and secured overwhelming triumphs in their weekend matchups. The Eagles with six wins notwithstanding their difficulties continue to possess one of the most talented rosters across the NFL, likewise with Green Bay (5-2-1 record). Even the Lions (6-3 standing), who have been inconsistent on offense and defense and have been dealing with internal staff conflicts, have demonstrated they're capable of dominating good teams. Regarding these five teams, one can readily construct a championship trajectory.
AFC Confusion
Turning to the American Football Conference, the playoff picture is a jumbled mess. The current division frontrunners at this stage: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all at 8-2) and Steelers (5-4). Take another look. Kansas City isn't there. Not the Bills. Not the Ravens or Bengals. Historically strong franchises, featuring elite NFL signal-callers, have either significant personnel gaps or are dealing with health issues.
Competitive Balance System
In some ways, this is exactly what the league wants. Yet observing this season's top AFC teams within the conference continues to seem unusual. Components of every squad meet championship standards, though not comprehensively. If you were asked to lock in your AFC Championship game picks at this moment, would you confidently choose any among the current division frontrunners?
Squad Examinations
Indianapolis Colts
Beginning with the Colts, their quarterback hasn't descended to total collapse. Yet the past two games have been worrying. He has returned to turning over the ball and struggling against pressure. He took seven sacks facing Atlanta during Sunday's contest, and had a short sequence during which he tossed an intercepted pass and lost three fumbles. This comes after he turned the ball over five times against the Steelers.
Indianapolis' offensive unit performed well initially because Jones avoided the disaster plays. The running back and protection unit make the Colts able to withstand some negative plays, as they did in Berlin. But Jones returning to his old blunder-prone days would finish championship hopes.
New England Analysis
The Patriots feel fairly alike. Last season, they were league laughingstocks. Now, they’re the league’s happiest surprise and the strongest squad in the NFL post seven wins in a row. Had it not been for committing turnover errors a winnable game versus the Steelers, they'd possess at 9–1 with the best record. Last season, they seemed veteran and plodding. Now they’re inexperienced, speedy and bold. Still, it’s hard to ignore the weakness of New England's opponents. They have faced the most manageable schedule across the NFL, and flaws have still emerged. Their quarterback has been sacked 35 times – among the highest totals – including particular impacts he suffered last weekend appeared dangerous. With continued play, those beatings accumulate.
Denver Analysis
The Broncos hold 8–2 as well, and it still feels as if they’re holding their breath. The Denver signal-caller has performed unevenly, with the attack struggling, as the defense handles most of the responsibility. Without serviceable quarterback play, Denver cannot intimidate playoff opponents. Los Angeles remains nearby in the AFC West with seven wins, yet medical problems within their blocking corps will make it tough to mount a deep postseason tilt.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Then we have the Steelers, somehow still leading the AFC North notwithstanding receiving a decisive loss to Los Angeles on Sunday night. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defense too often disappears, with their quarterback's restrictions at this stage of his career continue to show up. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, however, the Ravens, with their QB returning to health with manageable games ahead, are riding a three-game streak. We shouldn't be completely astonished that Baltimore has closed to within one game of Pittsburgh, but that it has arrived so quickly is an indictment of Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. The fact Baltimore began the season 1-5 and still look like capable of division victory reveals much about the complete conference.
Traditional Powers
The Ravens' form part among three elite teams – together with Bills and Chiefs – driven by elite quarterback play, who would still strike the most fear in opposing teams if they made the playoffs. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, yet Kansas City and Buffalo persistently undermine themselves.
Bills Struggles
Previously, the Bills were riding high following victory over Kansas City. This weekend they encountered one of the most disappointing losses during the campaign. They didn't merely fall versus the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, losing 30-13 as visitors. It was Miami’s first win versus Buffalo in over three years.
For those searching for a microcosm of the day, consider this: the quarterback converting {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt
