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No league promotes parity as effectively as the NFL: it's their core marketing message. Yet following the first ten matchups in this campaign, this isn’t a league with perfect equilibrium between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Instead, it's a scenario where most of the league is simply fine.

NFC Clarity

Within the National Football Conference, to some degree, we see clearer definition. Los Angeles and Seattle (both standing at seven wins, two losses) seem like the most complete teams in the NFL, and delivered decisive victories in their weekend matchups. The Eagles with six wins even with their challenges still have a deeply skilled squad across the NFL, likewise with the Packers (5-2-1 record). The Lions also (6-3), who have been inconsistent in trench play and navigating tension on their coaching staff, have proven they're capable of dominating quality opponents. Regarding these five teams, it's straightforward to envision a Super Bowl path.

Muddled AFC Picture

Over in the AFC, championship race is a jumbled mess. The four teams leading their divisions through ten weeks: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all at 8-2) and Steelers (5-4 record). Take another look. Not the Chiefs. No Bills inclusion. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. The usual contenders, featuring the league’s best quarterbacks, have either obvious team deficiencies or have suffered medical setbacks.

League Equality Design

In some ways, it’s the league’s ideal. But watching this season's top AFC teams within the conference remains somewhat odd. Aspects of each franchise pass the championship smell test, but not in their entirety. If you were asked to commit to your AFC Championship game picks at this moment, could you assuredly select any one of these four teams?

Franchise Analysis

Colts Situation

Beginning with the Colts, their quarterback hasn't descended to pumpkin status. But the last two weeks have been worrying. He’s back to turning over the ball and struggling against pressure. He was sacked seven times facing Atlanta on Sunday, and endured a five-minute stretch during which he tossed an intercepted pass and fumbled three times. This comes after he committed turnovers five times versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts’ offense thrived early in the season since Jones evaded game-changing errors. Taylor along with the blockers mean the Colts are capable of overcoming occasional setbacks, like their German performance. Yet Jones going back to his previous error-filled form would finish postseason aspirations.

New England Analysis

The Patriots seem fairly alike. Last season, they were a punchline. Currently, they represent football's most unexpected success and the strongest squad in football post seven wins in a row. Except for losing due to fumbles a manageable matchup against Pittsburgh, they’d be sitting at 9–1 with the best record. Last season, they were old and slow. 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 easiest slate across the NFL, and flaws have still emerged. Their quarterback has been brought down on 35 occasions – the second-most in football – with several hits he absorbed on Sunday appeared dangerous. As the season progresses, those beatings accumulate.

Broncos Situation

Denver stands at 8–2 as well, yet it seems as if they’re holding their breath. The Denver signal-caller has been erratic, with the attack struggling, as the defense handles most of the responsibility. Lacking competent QB performance, the Broncos aren’t scaring playoff opponents. The Chargers are also contending in the Western division at 7-2, however, health issues within their blocking corps will make it tough to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Situation

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, somehow still leading the Northern division notwithstanding receiving a decisive loss to Los Angeles on Sunday night. They've been outscored overall, their defense too often disappears, with their quarterback's restrictions during his career phase persistently appear. They’re 5–4 and holding on, but Baltimore, featuring a recovered Jackson and facing easier opponents, have won three consecutive. This development isn't entirely shocking that Baltimore has closed the gap to just one game, but how rapidly this occurred highlights deficiencies within the Steelers' uneven performances. Considering the Ravens opened losing five of six yet still appear they should win the division is telling about the entire AFC.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens' form part within a trio of powerhouses – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who could still create the highest anxiety among competitors if they made the playoffs. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, yet Kansas City and Buffalo continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Bills

Previously, Buffalo was celebrating after beating the Chiefs. On Sunday they suffered among the season's worst defeats of the season. They didn't simply fail versus the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, dropping a 30-13 road game. It was Miami’s first win over the Bills in several seasons.

If you’re looking for a microcosm of the day, here you go: the quarterback converting {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt