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No league promotes equal footing as effectively as the NFL: it’s the entire brand. Yet following 10 weeks of this season, this is not a competition with perfect equilibrium between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Rather, we see a situation where most of the league are merely fine.

Clear Picture in NFC

In the NFC, at least, the picture becomes more distinct. Los Angeles and Seattle (both standing at seven wins, two losses) appear to be the most complete teams across the league, and secured blowout wins in their weekend matchups. The Eagles with six wins despite their struggles maintain a deeply skilled squad throughout football, likewise with Green Bay (5-2-1 record). Detroit as well (six and three), who have been inconsistent in trench play and have been dealing with internal staff conflicts, have proven they're capable of dominating strong franchises. For all five, it's straightforward to construct a Super Bowl path.

AFC Playoff Chaos

Over in the AFC, postseason landscape is thoroughly confusing. Your four division leaders after ten games: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all standing at eight wins) and the Steelers (5-4 record). Consider that carefully. Not the Chiefs. No Bills inclusion. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. Historically strong franchises, supported by elite NFL signal-callers, display either glaring roster weaknesses or are dealing with health issues.

League Equality Design

In some ways, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. Yet observing this year’s four division leaders in the American Football Conference remains somewhat odd. Areas of each team pass the championship smell test, though not comprehensively. Were you questioned to lock in your AFC title game selections right now, would you confidently select any one of the four division leaders?

Franchise Analysis

Indianapolis Colts

Beginning with the Colts, the signal-caller hasn't yet achieved pumpkin status. Yet the past two games have raised concerns. He’s back to turning over the ball and struggling against pressure. He was sacked seven times versus Atlanta during Sunday's contest, and experienced a five-minute stretch where he delivered an intercepted pass and coughed up the ball thrice. This follows he turned the ball over five separate times against the Steelers.

The Colts attack excelled during early games as Jones prevented game-changing errors. Taylor along with the blockers mean the Colts are capable of overcoming some negative plays, as they did in Berlin. However, if Jones reverts to his previous error-filled form would finish postseason aspirations.

New England Analysis

New England appears somewhat similar. Previously, they were a punchline. Now, they’re football's most unexpected success and the most successful franchise in the NFL after seven straight wins. If not for losing due to fumbles a contest they should have won against Pittsburgh, they'd possess nine wins, one loss with the best record. Previously, they appeared aged and sluggish. Today they appear youthful, quick and confident. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They've encountered the most manageable schedule in the league, yet vulnerabilities remain. Their quarterback has been sacked thirty-five times – ranking second league-wide – and some of the shots he endured during the game were vicious. As the season progresses, those hits add up.

Denver Analysis

The Broncos are also 8-2, and the perception remains like they're nervously waiting. The Denver signal-caller has shown inconsistency, and the offense plodding, with the defense doing most of the responsibility. Lacking competent QB performance, the Broncos aren’t scaring anyone in the postseason. The Chargers are also contending in the AFC West holding a 7-2 record, yet medical problems affecting their protection unit will present challenges to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Then we have the Steelers, somehow still leading the AFC North notwithstanding receiving a decisive loss to Los Angeles on Sunday night. They've been outscored overall, their defense regularly vanishes, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations given his veteran status regularly manifest. They’re 5–4 and holding on, yet Baltimore, with Lamar Jackson healthy again with manageable games ahead, are riding a three-game streak. We shouldn't be completely astonished that the Ravens have narrowed the gap to just one game, but that it has arrived so quickly highlights deficiencies within Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. The fact Baltimore began losing five of six yet still appear capable of division victory reveals much about the conference as a whole.

Established Contenders

The Ravens represent a segment among three elite teams – together with Bills and Chiefs – driven by elite quarterback play, who could still create the greatest concern for opponents should they reach postseason. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, however, both franchises continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Analysis

Last week, Buffalo was celebrating following victory over Kansas City. During Sunday's action they experienced one of the most disappointing losses this year. They didn't simply fail versus the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, dropping a 30-13 road game. The Dolphins secured their first triumph over the Bills in more than 1,000 days.

For those searching for a microcosm of the day, look no further: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt