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No major competition sells parity in the manner of the NFL: it defines their identity. However, after the first ten matchups of this season, this is not a competition with perfect equilibrium separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. It’s one where the bulk of franchises is simply sufficient.

NFC Clarity

In the NFC, at least, we see clearer definition. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both at 7-2) look like the most complete teams in football, and achieved decisive victories during Sunday's action. Philadelphia at 6-2 despite their struggles continue to possess among the most gifted lineups across the NFL, similar to Green Bay (5-2-1). The Lions also (six and three), who have been inconsistent along both lines of scrimmage while managing tension on their coaching staff, have proven they can defeat good teams. For each of these squads, you can still easily put together a route to the final game.

AFC Confusion

In the AFC however, the playoff picture remains completely chaotic. The four teams leading their divisions through ten weeks: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all at 8-2) and the Steelers (5-4). Read that again. Not the Chiefs. Not the Bills. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. Historically strong franchises, supported by premier quarterback talent, possess either significant personnel gaps or have suffered medical setbacks.

League Equality Design

To some extent, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. However, witnessing the current division frontrunners within the conference continues to seem unusual. Components of every squad suggest title potential, yet not completely. If you were asked to finalize your AFC Championship game picks right now, would you confidently choose any among the four division leaders?

Squad Examinations

Indianapolis Colts

First, examining Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn’t quite reached complete disaster level. Yet the past two games have been worrying. He’s back to giving away possessions and struggling against pressure. He took seven sacks versus Atlanta during Sunday's contest, and endured a short sequence during which he tossed an interception and fumbled three times. This follows he turned the ball over on five occasions against the Steelers.

The Colts’ offense performed well initially since Jones evaded game-changing errors. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line make the Colts capable of overcoming periodic mistakes, like their German performance. But Jones returning to his historically mistake-heavy play would end championship hopes.

Patriots Examination

New England appears fairly alike. Last season, they were a punchline. Now, they’re the league’s happiest surprise and the strongest squad in the NFL following seven consecutive victories. Had it not been for fumbling away a manageable matchup versus the Steelers, they’d be sitting at 9–1 with the best record. In the prior year, they appeared aged and sluggish. Currently they're inexperienced, speedy and bold. Still, it’s hard to ignore the weakness of New England's opponents. They've played against the most manageable schedule across the NFL, and flaws have still emerged. The signal-caller has been brought down thirty-five times – among the highest totals – with several hits he endured during the game were vicious. Over time, that punishment compounds.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos are 8–2 as well, and it still feels that they're barely surviving. Their quarterback has been erratic, and the offense plodding, with the defense doing the majority of the work. Absent adequate signal-calling, the Broncos won't frighten anyone in the postseason. Los Angeles remains nearby in the Western division holding a 7-2 record, but the injuries along their offensive line will present challenges to achieve championship contention.

Steelers Examination

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, somehow still leading the AFC North notwithstanding receiving 25-10 by the Chargers during prime time. They have a negative point differential, their defense regularly vanishes, with their quarterback's restrictions at this stage of his career continue to show up. They’re 5–4 and holding on, however, the Ravens, with their QB returning to health with manageable games ahead, are on a three-game win streak. We shouldn't be completely astonished that the Ravens have narrowed to within one game of Pittsburgh, though the speed of this shift represents criticism toward Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. That the Ravens started the season 1-5 and still look like likely to claim the title reveals much about the entire AFC.

Traditional Powers

Baltimore constitutes part of the Big Three – together with Bills and Chiefs – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who could still create the most fear for opponents should they reach postseason. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, however, both franchises continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Analysis

A week ago, the Bills felt confident after beating the Chiefs. On Sunday they suffered a particularly discouraging setback of the season. They didn’t just lose against Miami; they suffered humiliation, losing 30-13 as visitors. This represented Miami's initial victory against Buffalo in several seasons.

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