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No major competition sells equal footing like the NFL: it's their core marketing message. However, after 10 weeks in this campaign, this is not a competition featuring uniform distribution among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. Rather, we see a situation where the bulk of franchises appear to be sufficient.

Clear Picture in NFC

Looking at the NFC side, to some degree, the picture becomes more distinct. Los Angeles and Seattle (both at 7-2) look like the most balanced franchises across the league, and delivered overwhelming triumphs during Sunday's action. The Eagles with six wins despite their struggles maintain among the most gifted lineups throughout football, similar to the Packers (5-2-1). Even the Lions (6-3), with their fluctuating form on offense and defense and have been dealing with internal staff conflicts, have proven they're capable of dominating quality opponents. Regarding these five teams, one can readily envision a championship trajectory.

AFC Confusion

Over in the AFC, championship race is thoroughly confusing. The current division frontrunners after ten games: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all standing at eight wins) and the Steelers (5-4 record). Take another look. No Chiefs presence. Not the Bills. Not the Ravens or Bengals. The usual contenders, featuring premier quarterback talent, display either glaring roster weaknesses or have been hit by injuries.

League Equality Design

From certain perspectives, this is exactly what the league wants. But watching this year’s four division leaders in the AFC still feels strange. Components of every squad pass the championship smell test, yet not completely. If someone requested to commit to your conference championship predictions right now, could you assuredly choose any among the current division frontrunners?

Franchise Analysis

Indianapolis Outlook

Starting in Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn't yet achieved total collapse. However, recent performances have caused alarm. He has returned to giving away possessions and failing against blitzes. He took seven sacks against the Falcons on Sunday, and had a brief period during which he tossed a pick and fumbled three times. This follows he turned the ball over five separate times against the Steelers.

Indianapolis' offensive unit thrived early in the season as Jones prevented the disaster plays. Taylor along with the blockers make the Colts good enough to survive periodic mistakes, as they did in Berlin. Yet Jones going back to his historically mistake-heavy play would finish championship hopes.

New England Analysis

New England appears fairly alike. Last season, they were considered jokes. Today, they stand as football's most unexpected success and the hottest team in football after seven straight wins. Except for losing due to fumbles a manageable matchup facing Pittsburgh, they'd possess at 9–1 with the top standing. In the prior year, they appeared aged and sluggish. 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 there have still been cracks. The signal-caller has been sacked 35 times – among the highest totals – and some of the shots he suffered last weekend were vicious. Over time, those beatings accumulate.

Denver Broncos

Denver stands at 8–2 as well, yet it seems as if they’re holding their breath. Bo Nix has shown inconsistency, and the offensive unit laboring, as the defense handles the majority of the work. Absent adequate signal-calling, Denver cannot intimidate anyone in the postseason. Los Angeles remains nearby in the Western division at 7-2, yet medical problems affecting their protection unit will create difficulties to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Situation

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, inexplicably frontrunning their division despite being thumped 25-10 by the Chargers in the evening game. They have a negative point differential, their defense too often disappears, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations at this stage of his career persistently appear. 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 the gap to just one game, though the speed of this shift represents criticism toward Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. Considering the Ravens opened the season 1-5 yet still appear they should win the division speaks volumes regarding the conference as a whole.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens represent a segment among three elite teams – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, that would continue to generate the most fear for opponents if they qualified. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, but the Chiefs and Bills continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Bills

Previously, the Bills felt confident following victory over Kansas City. During Sunday's action they experienced among the season's worst defeats this year. They didn’t just lose against Miami; they looked terrible, dropping a 30-13 road game. The Dolphins secured their first triumph over the Bills in several seasons.

Should you seek a microcosm of the day, here you go: Allen transforming {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt