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No professional sports organization promotes equal footing like the NFL: it’s the entire brand. But through 10 weeks in this campaign, this doesn't represent a landscape with perfect equilibrium between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Instead, it's a scenario where the bulk of franchises is simply fine.

Clear Picture in NFC

In the NFC, for the most part, we see clearer definition. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both standing at seven wins, two losses) look like the most complete teams in the NFL, and delivered decisive victories in their weekend matchups. The Eagles with six wins despite their struggles maintain among the most gifted lineups in the league, likewise with the Packers (5-2-1). Even the Lions (6-3 standing), who have been inconsistent along both lines of scrimmage and navigating coaching drama, have shown they're capable of dominating quality opponents. Regarding these five teams, it's straightforward to construct a route to the final game.

Muddled AFC Picture

Over in the AFC, championship race is a jumbled mess. Your four division leaders after ten games: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all at 8-2) and the Steelers (five wins, four losses). Take another look. No Chiefs presence. Not the Bills. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. Historically strong franchises, supported by elite NFL signal-callers, possess either glaring roster weaknesses or have been hit by injuries.

Parity Mechanics

In some ways, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. However, witnessing the current division frontrunners within the conference remains somewhat odd. Areas of each team meet championship standards, but not in their entirety. If someone requested to finalize your AFC Championship game picks right now, would you comfortably select any one of these four teams?

Franchise Analysis

Indianapolis Outlook

Beginning with the Colts, their quarterback hasn't yet achieved pumpkin status. However, recent performances have raised concerns. He's reverting to turning over the ball and struggling against pressure. He took seven sacks against the Falcons in the weekend game, and endured a brief period in which he threw an interception and lost three fumbles. This is a week after he committed turnovers five times versus Pittsburgh.

Indianapolis' offensive unit excelled during early games as Jones prevented the disaster plays. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line make the Colts good enough to survive periodic mistakes, like their German performance. However, if Jones reverts to his old blunder-prone days would finish any playoff run.

Patriots Examination

The Patriots feel somewhat similar. A year ago, they were a punchline. Now, they’re the NFL's most pleasant shock and the strongest squad in the NFL following seven consecutive victories. If not for fumbling away a manageable matchup against Pittsburgh, they'd possess a 9-1 record with the best record. Last season, they were old and slow. Currently they're young, fast and unafraid. Still, it’s hard to ignore the weakness of New England's opponents. They've encountered the easiest slate across the NFL, and flaws have still emerged. The signal-caller has been sacked 35 times – ranking second league-wide – and some of the shots he suffered last weekend proved brutal. Over time, those hits add up.

Denver Analysis

Denver stands at 8–2 as well, and the perception remains as if they’re holding their breath. The Denver signal-caller has shown inconsistency, and the offensive unit laboring, while the defensive unit provides most of the responsibility. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos aren’t scaring anyone in the postseason. The Chargers are also hovering within their division with seven wins, however, health issues within their blocking corps will present challenges for extended playoff success.

Steelers Examination

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, inexplicably frontrunning their division despite being thumped a decisive loss to Los Angeles on Sunday night. They've been outscored overall, their defensive unit frequently falters, with their quarterback's restrictions given his veteran status continue to show up. They’re 5–4 and holding on, but Baltimore, featuring a recovered Jackson with manageable games ahead, are riding a three-game streak. This development isn't entirely shocking that the Ravens have pulled the gap to just one game, but that it has arrived so quickly represents criticism toward Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. Considering the Ravens opened losing five of six and still look like they should win the division reveals much about the conference as a whole.

Historical Favorites

Baltimore constitutes part within a trio of powerhouses – together with Bills and Chiefs – driven by elite quarterback play, who could still create the most fear in opposing teams if they made the playoffs. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, yet Kansas City and Buffalo cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Analysis

Previously, the Bills felt confident after beating the Chiefs. This weekend they encountered a particularly discouraging setback this year. They didn't simply fail versus the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, losing 30-13 as visitors. This represented Miami's initial victory versus Buffalo in more than 1,000 days.

If you’re looking for an example representing the day, here you go: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt