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No professional sports organization sells competitive balance in the manner of the NFL: it’s the entire brand. But through ten games of this season, this isn’t a league that is equally balanced between the good, the bad and the mediocre. It’s one where the bulk of franchises is simply adequate.

Clear Picture in NFC

Looking at the NFC side, at least, we see clearer definition. The Rams along with the Seahawks (each holding 7-2 records) look like the most complete teams in the NFL, and secured blowout wins in their weekend matchups. The 6-2 Eagles despite their struggles still have a deeply skilled squad throughout football, likewise with the Packers franchise (5-2-1 record). The Lions also (6-3 standing), despite their uneven performances along both lines of scrimmage while managing internal staff conflicts, have proven they're capable of dominating good teams. For each of these squads, one can readily construct a championship trajectory.

Muddled AFC Picture

Turning to the American Football Conference, championship race is a jumbled mess. Your four division leaders through ten weeks: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (each with 8-2 records) and Steelers (5-4). Read that again. Kansas City isn't there. No Bills inclusion. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. The usual contenders, supported by elite NFL signal-callers, possess either significant personnel gaps or are dealing with health issues.

League Equality Design

To some extent, it’s the league’s ideal. But watching this year’s four division leaders in the American Football Conference continues to seem unusual. Aspects of each franchise suggest title potential, though not comprehensively. If you were asked to finalize your conference championship predictions at this moment, would you confidently select any one of the current division frontrunners?

Team Breakdowns

Indianapolis Colts

First, examining Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn't yet achieved total collapse. But the last two weeks have caused alarm. He's reverting to giving away possessions and faltering under duress. He took seven sacks against the Falcons during Sunday's contest, and experienced a short sequence where he delivered an intercepted pass and fumbled three times. This is a week after he committed turnovers on five occasions versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts attack excelled during early games because Jones avoided catastrophic mistakes. Taylor along with the blockers ensure Indianapolis remains capable of overcoming some negative plays, like their German performance. Yet Jones going back to his old blunder-prone days would finish any playoff run.

Patriots Examination

The Patriots feel relatively comparable. Last season, they were considered jokes. Now, they’re the league’s happiest surprise and the most successful franchise in the NFL after seven straight wins. Had it not been for fumbling away a winnable game against Pittsburgh, they'd possess a 9-1 record as the league's best. In the prior year, they were old and slow. Today they appear inexperienced, speedy and bold. However, we must acknowledge the weakness of New England's opponents. They've encountered the easiest slate throughout football, yet vulnerabilities remain. The signal-caller has taken sacks thirty-five times – the second-most in football – with several hits he suffered last weekend proved brutal. With continued play, that punishment compounds.

Broncos Situation

The Broncos are eight wins similarly, and it still feels as if they’re holding their breath. Their quarterback has shown inconsistency, and the offensive unit laboring, with the defense doing most of the responsibility. Without serviceable quarterback play, Denver cannot intimidate anyone in the postseason. The Chargers are also hovering in the AFC West holding a 7-2 record, however, health issues along their offensive line will present challenges for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Then we have the Steelers, somehow still leading their division notwithstanding receiving a decisive loss to Los Angeles in the evening game. They have a negative point differential, their defensive unit frequently falters, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations at this stage of his career regularly manifest. 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. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that Baltimore has closed the gap to just one game, but that it has arrived so quickly is an indictment of Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. That the Ravens started with a 1-5 record and currently seem capable of division victory speaks volumes regarding the complete conference.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens represent a segment among three elite teams – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who could still create the greatest concern in opposing teams if they made the playoffs. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, however, both franchises persistently undermine themselves.

Buffalo Bills

Last week, the Bills felt confident following victory over Kansas City. During Sunday's action they experienced a particularly discouraging setback of the season. They didn't simply fail against Miami; they looked terrible, losing 30-13 as visitors. The Dolphins secured their first triumph versus Buffalo in more than 1,000 days.

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