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No league sells equal footing as effectively as the NFL: it's their core marketing message. However, after 10 weeks during the current schedule, this isn’t a league with perfect equilibrium separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. It’s one where the bulk of franchises is simply sufficient.

Clear Picture in NFC

Within the National Football Conference, to some degree, the picture becomes more distinct. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both at 7-2) appear to be the most well-rounded squads in football, and achieved blowout wins in their weekend matchups. The Eagles with six wins even with their challenges continue to possess one of the most talented rosters across the NFL, likewise with the Packers (5-2-1 record). The Lions also (6-3 standing), with their fluctuating form along both lines of scrimmage and have been dealing with tension on their coaching staff, have shown they can defeat quality opponents. Regarding these five teams, one can readily put together a route to the final game.

AFC Playoff Chaos

In the AFC however, postseason landscape remains completely chaotic. The four teams leading their divisions through ten weeks: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all standing at eight wins) and Steelers (5-4). Read that again. Not the Chiefs. No Bills inclusion. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. The traditional powers, featuring elite NFL signal-callers, have either significant personnel gaps or have been hit by injuries.

Parity Mechanics

To some extent, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. Yet observing the current division frontrunners in the AFC still feels strange. Components of every squad meet championship standards, though not comprehensively. If someone requested to finalize your conference championship predictions today, would you comfortably pick any of the four division leaders?

Team Breakdowns

Colts Situation

Starting in Indianapolis, Daniel Jones hasn't descended to complete disaster level. However, recent performances have caused alarm. He has returned to committing turnovers and faltering under duress. He took seven sacks versus Atlanta on Sunday, and had a five-minute stretch where he delivered a pick and fumbled three times. This is a week after he gave away possessions on five occasions facing the Steelers.

The Colts’ offense excelled during early games as Jones prevented the disaster plays. Taylor along with the blockers mean the Colts are good enough to survive occasional setbacks, as demonstrated overseas. Yet Jones going back to his previous error-filled form would end championship hopes.

Patriots Examination

The Patriots feel fairly alike. A year ago, they were considered jokes. Currently, they represent the NFL's most pleasant shock and the hottest team in football after seven straight wins. Except for committing turnover errors a winnable game versus the Steelers, they'd possess at 9–1 as the league's best. In the prior year, they appeared aged and sluggish. Now they’re youthful, quick and confident. However, we must acknowledge the weakness of New England's opponents. They've encountered the easiest slate across the NFL, and there have still been cracks. Their quarterback has taken sacks thirty-five times – ranking second league-wide – and some of the shots he absorbed on Sunday proved brutal. Over time, that punishment compounds.

Broncos Situation

The Broncos hold eight wins similarly, yet it seems as if they’re holding their breath. Their quarterback has been erratic, and the offense plodding, while the defensive unit provides the majority of the work. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos won't frighten anyone in the postseason. The Chargers are also hovering in the Western division at 7-2, yet medical problems within their blocking corps will make it tough for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Situation

And then there’s Pittsburgh, surprisingly atop the AFC North notwithstanding receiving 25-10 by the Chargers on Sunday night. They've been outscored overall, their defense too often disappears, and the QB's current constraints given his veteran status regularly manifest. They’re 5–4 and holding on, yet Baltimore, featuring a recovered Jackson and the schedule softening, are riding a three-game streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have pulled the gap to just one game, though the speed of this shift is an indictment of Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. The fact Baltimore began the season 1-5 and currently seem they should win the division reveals much about the entire AFC.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens' form part of the Big Three – together with Bills and Chiefs – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who would still strike the most fear among competitors if they qualified. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, however, both franchises persistently undermine themselves.

Bills Struggles

Previously, Buffalo was celebrating after beating the Chiefs. During Sunday's action they experienced one of the most disappointing losses this year. They didn't merely fall versus the Dolphins; they looked terrible, dropping a 30-13 road game. The Dolphins secured their first triumph against Buffalo in over three years.

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