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No professional sports organization promotes equal footing like the NFL: it's their core marketing message. Yet following 10 weeks in this campaign, this is not a competition that is equally balanced separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. Instead, it's a scenario where most of the league are merely sufficient.

NFC Standings Definition

In the NFC, to some degree, the picture becomes more distinct. The Rams and Seahawks (both standing at seven wins, two losses) seem like the most complete teams across the league, and delivered overwhelming triumphs in their weekend matchups. Philadelphia at 6-2 despite their struggles continue to possess a deeply skilled squad across the NFL, similar to the Packers franchise (5-2-1). The Lions also (6-3 standing), who have been inconsistent along both lines of scrimmage while managing internal staff conflicts, have proven they can hammer good teams. Regarding these five teams, one can readily put together a Super Bowl path.

AFC Confusion

Over in the AFC, the playoff picture remains completely chaotic. The current division frontrunners at this stage: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all at 8-2) and the Steelers (five wins, four losses). Take another look. Not the Chiefs. Not the Bills. Not the Ravens or Bengals. The usual contenders, supported by elite NFL signal-callers, possess either obvious team deficiencies or are dealing with health issues.

League Equality Design

In some ways, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. Yet observing the current division frontrunners in the AFC continues to seem unusual. Areas of each team suggest title potential, though not comprehensively. Were you questioned to commit to your AFC Championship game picks right now, would you comfortably select any one of the four division leaders?

Team Breakdowns

Indianapolis Colts

Starting in Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn't yet achieved pumpkin status. However, recent performances have been worrying. He's reverting to committing turnovers and failing against blitzes. He was sacked seven times against the Falcons during Sunday's contest, and endured a short sequence in which he threw an interception and lost three fumbles. This follows he turned the ball over five separate times facing the Steelers.

The Colts’ offense performed well initially because Jones avoided the disaster plays. Taylor along with the blockers ensure Indianapolis remains able to withstand periodic mistakes, like their German performance. Yet Jones going back to his previous error-filled form would end any playoff run.

Patriots Examination

New England appears somewhat similar. Previously, they were league laughingstocks. Currently, they represent the NFL's most pleasant shock and the strongest squad in football post seven wins in a row. If not for fumbling away a winnable game versus the Steelers, they would currently hold nine wins, one loss as the league's best. Previously, they were old and slow. Currently they're young, fast and unafraid. Still, it’s hard to ignore the weakness of New England's opponents. They've played against the least challenging lineup throughout football, and there have still been cracks. Drake Maye has taken sacks 35 times – the second-most in football – and some of the shots he suffered last weekend proved brutal. Over time, those beatings accumulate.

Broncos Situation

Denver stands at 8–2 as well, and it still feels like they're nervously waiting. The Denver signal-caller has performed unevenly, and the offense plodding, while the defensive unit provides all the heavy lifting. Without serviceable quarterback play, Denver cannot intimidate playoff opponents. The Chargers are also hovering within their division at 7-2, but the injuries along their offensive line will make it tough to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Steelers

And then there’s Pittsburgh, inexplicably frontrunning the Northern division notwithstanding receiving 25-10 by the Chargers in the evening game. They've been outscored overall, their defense too often disappears, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations given his veteran status continue to show up. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, yet Baltimore, featuring a recovered Jackson and facing easier opponents, have won three consecutive. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have pulled to within one game of Pittsburgh, though the speed of this shift is an indictment of Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. That the Ravens started the season 1-5 and currently seem capable of division victory speaks volumes regarding the complete conference.

Traditional Powers

Baltimore constitutes part among three elite teams – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who would still strike the most fear in opposing teams if they made the playoffs. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, but the Chiefs and Bills persistently undermine themselves.

Bills Struggles

Previously, the Bills were riding high after beating the Chiefs. On Sunday they suffered a particularly discouraging setback this year. They didn't simply fail against Miami; they were embarrassed, falling 30-13 on the road. The Dolphins secured their first triumph versus Buffalo in over three years.

Should you seek a microcosm of the day, consider this: the quarterback converting {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt