🔗 Share this article

No league markets competitive balance in the manner of the NFL: it's their core marketing message. However, after the first ten matchups in this campaign, this isn’t a league with perfect equilibrium among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. Instead, it's a scenario where most of the league are merely adequate.

Clear Picture in NFC

Within the National Football Conference, at least, we see clearer definition. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both at 7-2) seem like the most well-rounded squads across the league, and delivered blowout wins during Sunday's action. The Eagles with six wins despite their struggles still have one of the most talented rosters throughout football, comparable to the Packers franchise (five wins, two losses, one tie). Detroit as well (6-3), with their fluctuating form on offense and defense and have been dealing with coaching drama, have proven they're capable of dominating good teams. For all five, you can still easily put together a Super Bowl path.

Muddled AFC Picture

Turning to the American Football Conference, the playoff picture remains completely chaotic. The current division frontrunners at this stage: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) and the Steelers (5-4 record). Take another look. Kansas City isn't there. Not the Bills. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. The traditional powers, supported by premier quarterback talent, possess either obvious team deficiencies or are dealing with health issues.

League Equality Design

In some ways, this is exactly what the league wants. However, witnessing this year’s four division leaders in the American Football Conference still feels strange. Components of every squad pass the championship smell test, though not comprehensively. If you were asked to commit to your conference championship predictions right now, could you assuredly pick any of the current division frontrunners?

Squad Examinations

Colts Situation

First, examining Indianapolis, Daniel Jones hasn't yet achieved pumpkin status. Yet the past two games have raised concerns. He's reverting to giving away possessions and faltering under duress. He suffered seven sacks against the Falcons during Sunday's contest, and had a short sequence where he delivered a pick and fumbled three times. This is a week after he gave away possessions five separate times against the Steelers.

The Colts attack thrived early in the season because Jones avoided game-changing errors. Taylor along with the blockers ensure Indianapolis remains able to withstand occasional setbacks, as they did in Berlin. Yet Jones going back to his previous error-filled form would end postseason aspirations.

New England Analysis

The Patriots seem somewhat similar. Last season, they were league laughingstocks. Currently, they represent the league’s happiest surprise and the most successful franchise across the league after seven straight wins. If not for committing turnover errors a manageable matchup facing Pittsburgh, they’d be sitting a 9-1 record with the best record. Last season, they were old and slow. Now they’re young, fast and unafraid. However, we must acknowledge the weakness of New England's opponents. They've encountered the most manageable schedule across the NFL, and flaws have still emerged. Drake Maye has taken sacks thirty-five times – the second-most in football – and some of the shots he endured during the game were vicious. Over time, those hits add up.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos hold eight wins similarly, yet it seems as if they’re holding their breath. The Denver signal-caller has been erratic, and the offense plodding, while the defensive unit provides all the heavy lifting. Absent adequate signal-calling, Denver cannot intimidate anyone in the postseason. Los Angeles remains nearby within their division at 7-2, however, health issues within their blocking corps will make it tough for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Then we have the Steelers, somehow still leading the AFC North despite being thumped a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers during prime time. They've been outscored overall, their defensive unit frequently falters, and the QB's current constraints during his career phase persistently appear. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, yet Baltimore, featuring a recovered Jackson and the schedule softening, are riding a three-game streak. This development isn't entirely shocking that the Ravens have pulled the gap to just one game, but how rapidly this occurred highlights deficiencies within the Steelers' uneven performances. The fact Baltimore began with a 1-5 record and still look like they should win the division speaks volumes regarding the conference as a whole.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens represent a segment within a trio of powerhouses – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, that would continue to generate the highest anxiety among competitors should they reach postseason. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, but the Chiefs and Bills cannot get out of their own way.

Bills Struggles

A week ago, Buffalo was celebrating after beating the Chiefs. During Sunday's action they experienced one of the most disappointing losses this year. They didn’t just lose against Miami; they suffered humiliation, falling 30-13 on the road. The Dolphins secured their first triumph against Buffalo in several seasons.

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