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No major competition sells parity in the manner of the NFL: it's their core marketing message. However, after ten games during the current schedule, this is not a competition that is equally balanced between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Instead, it's a scenario where the bulk of franchises appear to be fine.

Clear Picture in NFC

Looking at the NFC side, to some degree, there is some clarity. Los Angeles and Seattle (each holding 7-2 records) seem like the most balanced franchises in football, and achieved blowout wins in their weekend matchups. The 6-2 Eagles notwithstanding their difficulties continue to possess one of the most talented rosters throughout football, likewise with Green Bay (5-2-1 record). The Lions also (6-3 standing), despite their uneven performances in trench play and have been dealing with tension on their coaching staff, have demonstrated they're capable of dominating strong franchises. For each of these squads, you can still easily put together a championship trajectory.

Muddled AFC Picture

Over in the AFC, championship race is thoroughly confusing. The current division frontrunners through ten weeks: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) and Steelers (5-4 record). Take another look. Not the Chiefs. Not the Bills. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. Historically strong franchises, backed by premier quarterback talent, display either significant personnel gaps or have suffered medical setbacks.

Parity Mechanics

To some extent, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. Yet observing this year’s four division leaders in the American Football Conference still feels strange. Aspects of each franchise meet championship standards, but not in their entirety. Were you questioned to lock in your AFC title game selections at this moment, would you comfortably choose any among the four division leaders?

Team Breakdowns

Colts Situation

Starting in Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn’t quite reached total collapse. Yet the past two games have caused alarm. He's reverting to giving away possessions and faltering under duress. He was sacked seven times versus Atlanta during Sunday's contest, and had a brief period where he delivered a pick and coughed up the ball thrice. This comes after he turned the ball over five separate times versus Pittsburgh.

Indianapolis' offensive unit thrived early in the season because Jones avoided catastrophic mistakes. Taylor along with the blockers make the Colts able to withstand occasional setbacks, as demonstrated overseas. However, if Jones reverts to his previous error-filled form would terminate postseason aspirations.

Patriots Examination

New England appears relatively comparable. Previously, they were league laughingstocks. Now, they’re football's most unexpected success and the hottest team in football following seven consecutive victories. Except for committing turnover errors a winnable game facing Pittsburgh, they'd possess at 9–1 with the best record. Last season, they seemed veteran and plodding. Now they’re young, fast and unafraid. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the weakness of New England's opponents. They have faced the least challenging lineup throughout football, and flaws have still emerged. Drake Maye has been brought down on 35 occasions – among the highest totals – including particular impacts he endured during the game proved brutal. Over time, those beatings accumulate.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos are eight wins similarly, and the perception remains as if they’re holding their breath. Bo Nix has performed unevenly, with the attack struggling, as the defense handles the majority of the work. Lacking competent QB performance, the Broncos won't frighten anyone in the postseason. The Chargers are also contending in the Western division holding a 7-2 record, however, health issues within their blocking corps will create difficulties for extended playoff success.

Steelers Examination

And then there’s Pittsburgh, somehow still leading the AFC North even after suffering a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers during prime time. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defensive unit frequently falters, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations given his veteran status persistently appear. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, yet Baltimore, with their QB returning to health with manageable games ahead, have won three consecutive. This development isn't entirely shocking that the Ravens have pulled the gap to just one game, but that it has arrived so quickly is an indictment of Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. That the Ravens started losing five of six and still look like capable of division victory speaks volumes regarding the conference as a whole.

Historical Favorites

Baltimore constitutes part of the Big Three – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, that would continue to generate the greatest concern for opponents if they qualified. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, yet Kansas City and Buffalo persistently undermine themselves.

Buffalo Analysis

Last week, Buffalo was celebrating post Chiefs triumph. During Sunday's action they experienced a particularly discouraging setback during the campaign. They didn't merely fall against Miami; they were embarrassed, dropping a 30-13 road game. This represented Miami's initial victory over the Bills in more than 1,000 days.

Should you seek a microcosm of the day, look no further: Allen transforming {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt