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No major competition promotes equal footing like the NFL: it defines their identity. Yet following the first ten matchups in this campaign, this doesn't represent a landscape with perfect equilibrium between the good, the bad and the mediocre. It’s one where the majority of teams are merely sufficient.

Clear Picture in NFC

Looking at the NFC side, for the most part, the picture becomes more distinct. Los Angeles and Seattle (each holding 7-2 records) seem like the most complete teams across the league, and achieved decisive victories on Sunday. The Eagles with six wins notwithstanding their difficulties maintain one of the most talented rosters in the league, comparable to the Packers franchise (5-2-1). Detroit as well (6-3), with their fluctuating form in trench play and have been dealing with tension on their coaching staff, have demonstrated they're capable of dominating good teams. For each of these squads, you can still easily construct a route to the final game.

Muddled AFC Picture

In the AFC however, postseason landscape is thoroughly confusing. Your four division leaders through ten weeks: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all at 8-2) and Steelers (five wins, four losses). Read that again. Kansas City isn't there. Buffalo is missing. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. Historically strong franchises, featuring premier quarterback talent, have either glaring roster weaknesses or have suffered medical setbacks.

Competitive Balance System

From certain perspectives, this is exactly what the league wants. But watching the current division frontrunners within the conference continues to seem unusual. Components of every squad meet championship standards, though not comprehensively. Were you questioned to lock in your AFC title game selections today, could you assuredly pick any of the current division frontrunners?

Team Breakdowns

Indianapolis Colts

Beginning with the Colts, their quarterback hasn’t quite reached complete disaster level. However, recent performances have raised concerns. He's reverting to giving away possessions and failing against blitzes. He was sacked seven times against the Falcons on Sunday, and endured a short sequence during which he tossed an interception and fumbled three times. This comes after he gave away possessions five separate times against the Steelers.

Indianapolis' offensive unit thrived early in the season as Jones prevented catastrophic mistakes. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line mean the Colts are capable of overcoming some negative plays, as they did in Berlin. However, if Jones reverts to his historically mistake-heavy play would finish any playoff run.

Patriots Examination

New England appears fairly alike. A year ago, they were considered jokes. Now, they’re the league’s happiest surprise and the hottest team across the league post seven wins in a row. If not for losing due to fumbles a winnable game versus the Steelers, they would currently hold at 9–1 with the best record. Last season, they seemed veteran and plodding. Today they appear inexperienced, speedy and bold. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They have faced the least challenging lineup across the NFL, and there have still been cracks. Their quarterback has been brought down on 35 occasions – among the highest totals – with several hits he endured during the game appeared dangerous. With continued play, that punishment compounds.

Broncos Situation

Denver stands at also 8-2, yet it seems like they're nervously waiting. The Denver signal-caller has shown inconsistency, with the attack struggling, as the defense handles all the heavy lifting. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos aren’t scaring anyone in the postseason. Los Angeles remains nearby within their division with seven wins, yet medical problems along their offensive line will make it tough to achieve championship contention.

Steelers Examination

And then there’s Pittsburgh, surprisingly atop their division even after suffering 25-10 by the Chargers in the evening game. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defense too often disappears, with their quarterback's restrictions during his career phase continue to show up. They’re 5–4 and holding on, but Baltimore, featuring a recovered Jackson and the schedule softening, have won three consecutive. 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 inconsistencies. That the Ravens started the season 1-5 and still look like likely to claim the title speaks volumes regarding the conference as a whole.

Established Contenders

Baltimore constitutes part within a trio of powerhouses – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, that would continue to generate the most fear in opposing teams should they reach postseason. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, but the Chiefs and Bills continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Bills

Last week, Buffalo was celebrating post Chiefs triumph. This weekend they encountered a particularly discouraging setback this year. They didn't merely fall versus the Dolphins; they looked terrible, falling 30-13 on the road. The Dolphins secured their first triumph against Buffalo in more than 1,000 days.

Should you seek a perfect summary of Sunday, look no further: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt