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No league promotes equal footing like the NFL: it's their core marketing message. Yet following 10 weeks in this campaign, this is not a competition with perfect equilibrium separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. Rather, we see a situation where the majority of teams appear to be fine.

NFC Clarity

Within the National Football Conference, for the most part, the picture becomes more distinct. The Rams and Seahawks (both at 7-2) appear to be the most balanced franchises in football, and achieved decisive victories on Sunday. Philadelphia at 6-2 notwithstanding their difficulties maintain a deeply skilled squad in the league, similar to the Packers (five wins, two losses, one tie). The Lions also (6-3 standing), with their fluctuating form on offense and defense while managing coaching drama, have demonstrated they can defeat quality opponents. Regarding these five teams, it's straightforward to envision a route to the final game.

AFC Playoff Chaos

Over in the AFC, the playoff picture is a jumbled mess. The four teams leading their divisions through ten weeks: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (each with 8-2 records) and Steelers (five wins, four losses). Consider that carefully. No Chiefs presence. No Bills inclusion. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. The usual contenders, backed by elite NFL signal-callers, possess either glaring roster weaknesses or are dealing with health issues.

League Equality Design

To some extent, this is exactly what the league wants. Yet observing this year’s four division leaders in the AFC remains somewhat odd. Aspects of each franchise meet championship standards, yet not completely. If you were asked to commit to your AFC Championship game picks at this moment, could you assuredly pick any of these four teams?

Team Breakdowns

Colts Situation

First, examining Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn't yet achieved total collapse. Yet the past two games have raised concerns. He’s back to giving away possessions and faltering under duress. He took seven sacks facing Atlanta in the weekend game, and endured a five-minute stretch where he delivered an intercepted pass and coughed up the ball thrice. This is a week after he gave away possessions five times versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts’ offense performed well initially as Jones prevented game-changing errors. The running back and protection unit ensure Indianapolis remains able to withstand some negative plays, as they did in Berlin. But Jones returning to his historically mistake-heavy play would finish championship hopes.

Patriots Examination

The Patriots feel relatively comparable. A year ago, they were considered jokes. Today, they stand as football's most unexpected success and the most successful franchise in the NFL after seven straight wins. If not for committing turnover errors a manageable matchup against Pittsburgh, they'd possess a 9-1 record with the best record. Last season, they were old and slow. Today they appear young, fast and unafraid. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the weakness of New England's opponents. They've played against the least challenging lineup across the NFL, yet vulnerabilities remain. Drake Maye has taken sacks thirty-five times – ranking second league-wide – with several hits he endured during the game were vicious. With continued play, those beatings accumulate.

Denver Broncos

Denver stands at also 8-2, and the perception remains as if they’re holding their breath. Bo Nix has been erratic, and the offense plodding, with the defense doing most of the responsibility. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos won't frighten anyone in the postseason. The Chargers are also hovering in the AFC West with seven wins, but the injuries affecting their protection unit will create difficulties to achieve championship contention.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, inexplicably frontrunning their division despite being thumped a decisive loss to Los Angeles during prime time. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defensive unit frequently falters, with their quarterback's restrictions during his career phase continue to show up. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, but Baltimore, with their QB returning to health with manageable games ahead, are on a three-game win streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that Baltimore has closed to within one game of Pittsburgh, but that it has arrived so quickly represents criticism toward Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. Considering the Ravens opened losing five of six and still look like capable of division victory reveals much about the conference as a whole.

Traditional Powers

The Ravens represent a segment among three elite teams – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, that would continue to generate the highest anxiety in opposing teams if they made the playoffs. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, however, both franchises continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Analysis

Previously, the Bills were riding high post Chiefs triumph. During Sunday's action they experienced among the season's worst defeats of the season. They didn't merely fall versus the Dolphins; they suffered humiliation, losing 30-13 as visitors. It was Miami’s first win against Buffalo in more than 1,000 days.

If you’re looking for a microcosm of the day, look no further: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt