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No league promotes parity like the NFL: it’s the entire brand. But through 10 weeks during the current schedule, this isn’t a league featuring uniform distribution between the good, the bad and the mediocre. It’s one where the bulk of franchises are merely fine.

NFC Standings Definition

Within the National Football Conference, for the most part, there is some clarity. Los Angeles and Seattle (both at 7-2) appear to be the most complete teams in football, and achieved decisive victories on Sunday. Philadelphia at 6-2 notwithstanding their difficulties continue to possess among the most gifted lineups across the NFL, similar to Green Bay (5-2-1). The Lions also (6-3 standing), who have been inconsistent on offense and defense while managing tension on their coaching staff, have shown they're capable of dominating quality opponents. Regarding these five teams, it's straightforward to put together a Super Bowl path.

AFC Confusion

In the AFC however, postseason landscape is a jumbled mess. The current division frontrunners through ten weeks: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) along with Pittsburgh (5-4). Consider that carefully. No Chiefs presence. Not the Bills. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. The usual contenders, supported by elite NFL signal-callers, have either significant personnel gaps or are dealing with health issues.

League Equality Design

From certain perspectives, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. But watching the current division frontrunners within the conference continues to seem unusual. Aspects of each franchise meet championship standards, yet not completely. If someone requested to finalize your AFC Championship game picks at this moment, would you comfortably pick any of the four division leaders?

Franchise Analysis

Colts Situation

First, examining Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn't yet achieved pumpkin status. However, recent performances have caused alarm. He has returned to giving away possessions and struggling against pressure. He took seven sacks facing Atlanta during Sunday's contest, and endured a five-minute stretch in which he threw an intercepted pass and coughed up the ball thrice. 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 demonstrated overseas. But Jones returning to his old blunder-prone days would end postseason aspirations.

New England Analysis

New England appears fairly alike. Last season, they were league laughingstocks. Today, they stand as the league’s happiest surprise and the strongest squad across the league post seven wins in a row. If not for fumbling away a manageable matchup facing Pittsburgh, they'd possess a 9-1 record with the best record. In the prior year, they appeared aged and sluggish. Now they’re inexperienced, speedy and bold. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the weakness of New England's opponents. They have faced the most manageable schedule in the league, and there have still been cracks. Their quarterback has been sacked thirty-five times – among the highest totals – including particular impacts he endured during the game appeared dangerous. Over time, that punishment compounds.

Denver Broncos

Denver stands at also 8-2, and the perception remains that they're barely surviving. The Denver signal-caller has been erratic, and the offense plodding, while the defensive unit provides most of the responsibility. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos won't frighten any playoff team. The Chargers are also hovering in the AFC West with seven wins, but the injuries affecting their protection unit will make it tough to achieve championship contention.

Pittsburgh Situation

And then there’s Pittsburgh, inexplicably frontrunning the Northern division even after suffering a decisive loss to Los Angeles in the evening game. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defensive unit frequently falters, with their quarterback's restrictions during his career phase regularly manifest. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, yet Baltimore, with Lamar Jackson healthy again with manageable games ahead, are on a three-game win streak. This development isn't entirely shocking that Baltimore has closed to within one game of Pittsburgh, but how rapidly this occurred highlights deficiencies within Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. Considering the Ravens opened the season 1-5 yet still appear capable of division victory is telling about the conference as a whole.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens' form part within a trio of powerhouses – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, that would continue to generate the greatest concern among competitors if they made the playoffs. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, yet Kansas City and Buffalo cannot get out of their own way.

Bills Struggles

Last week, Buffalo was celebrating after beating the Chiefs. On Sunday they suffered among the season's worst defeats this year. They didn't merely fall versus the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, falling 30-13 on the road. This represented Miami's initial victory against Buffalo in over three years.

Should you seek a perfect summary of Sunday, here you go: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt