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No professional sports organization markets parity as effectively as the NFL: it's their core marketing message. But through ten games during the current schedule, this is not a competition that is equally balanced separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. It’s one where the majority of teams appear to be sufficient.

NFC Standings Definition

In the NFC, at least, we see clearer definition. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both standing at seven wins, two losses) look like the most balanced franchises across the league, and achieved blowout wins in their weekend matchups. The 6-2 Eagles despite their struggles still have one of the most talented rosters throughout football, likewise with the Packers franchise (five wins, two losses, one tie). Even the Lions (6-3), who have been inconsistent on offense and defense while managing tension on their coaching staff, have proven they're capable of dominating quality opponents. Regarding these five teams, you can still easily construct a championship trajectory.

Muddled AFC Picture

In the AFC however, championship race is thoroughly confusing. The four teams leading their divisions at this stage: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all standing at eight wins) and Steelers (5-4). Read that again. Kansas City isn't there. Buffalo is missing. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. The traditional powers, supported by the league’s best quarterbacks, possess either obvious team deficiencies or have suffered medical setbacks.

League Equality Design

From certain perspectives, this is exactly what the league wants. However, witnessing the current division frontrunners within the conference remains somewhat odd. Components of every squad pass the championship smell test, yet not completely. If you were asked to lock in your AFC Championship game picks today, could you assuredly choose any among these four teams?

Team Breakdowns

Indianapolis Outlook

Beginning with the Colts, their quarterback hasn't yet achieved complete disaster level. However, recent performances have caused alarm. He’s back to giving away possessions and struggling against pressure. He was sacked seven times against the Falcons in the weekend game, and experienced 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.

The Colts’ offense excelled during early games as Jones prevented catastrophic mistakes. Taylor along with the blockers ensure Indianapolis remains able to withstand occasional setbacks, as they did in Berlin. But Jones returning to his historically mistake-heavy play would end championship hopes.

Patriots Examination

New England appears somewhat similar. Previously, they were considered jokes. Currently, they represent the NFL's most pleasant shock and the most successful franchise across the league after seven straight wins. Except for committing turnover errors a contest they should have won against Pittsburgh, they’d be sitting at 9–1 with the top standing. In the prior year, they were old and slow. Now they’re youthful, quick and confident. Still, it’s hard to ignore the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They've encountered the least challenging lineup in the league, and flaws have still emerged. The signal-caller has been sacked thirty-five times – among the highest totals – and some of the shots he endured during the game proved brutal. With continued play, that punishment compounds.

Denver Analysis

Denver stands at also 8-2, yet it seems that they're barely surviving. Bo Nix has been erratic, and the offensive unit laboring, while the defensive unit provides the majority of the work. Lacking competent QB performance, Denver cannot intimidate anyone in the postseason. The Chargers are also hovering within their division with seven wins, however, health issues along their offensive line will present challenges to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, inexplicably frontrunning the Northern division notwithstanding receiving a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers during prime time. They have a negative point differential, their defensive unit frequently falters, with their quarterback's restrictions given his veteran status regularly manifest. They’re 5–4 and holding on, but Baltimore, featuring a recovered Jackson with manageable games ahead, have won three consecutive. This development isn't entirely shocking that Baltimore has closed the gap to just one game, though the speed of this shift highlights deficiencies within Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. That the Ravens started with a 1-5 record and still look like likely to claim the title reveals much about the complete conference.

Established Contenders

The Ravens' form part within a trio of powerhouses – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who would still strike the greatest concern in opposing teams should they reach postseason. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, however, both franchises cannot get out of their own way.

Bills Struggles

Last week, the Bills felt confident post Chiefs triumph. This weekend they encountered one of the most disappointing losses of the season. They didn't merely fall against Miami; they were embarrassed, falling 30-13 on the road. This represented Miami's initial victory against Buffalo in over three years.

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