🔗 Share this article

No professional sports organization promotes equal footing like the NFL: it defines their identity. But through 10 weeks of this season, this is not a competition featuring uniform distribution separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. Rather, we see a situation where the bulk of franchises are merely fine.

NFC Clarity

In the NFC, to some degree, there is some clarity. The Rams and Seahawks (each holding 7-2 records) look like the most balanced franchises in football, and secured blowout wins on Sunday. Philadelphia at 6-2 even with their challenges continue to possess one of the most talented rosters throughout football, likewise with the Packers franchise (5-2-1 record). The Lions also (6-3), despite their uneven performances in trench play and have been dealing with tension on their coaching staff, have shown they can hammer quality opponents. For all five, it's straightforward to put together a route to the final game.

AFC Playoff Chaos

Turning to the American Football Conference, postseason landscape remains completely chaotic. The current division frontrunners through ten weeks: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all at 8-2) and the Steelers (5-4). Consider that carefully. Kansas City isn't there. Not the Bills. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. The usual contenders, backed by elite NFL signal-callers, display either obvious team deficiencies or are dealing with health issues.

League Equality Design

In some ways, it’s the league’s ideal. But watching this season's top AFC teams in the AFC still feels strange. Aspects of each franchise meet championship standards, though not comprehensively. If you were asked to finalize your AFC title game selections today, would you comfortably select any one of the four division leaders?

Squad Examinations

Colts Situation

Starting in Indianapolis, Daniel Jones hasn't yet achieved total collapse. But the last two weeks have raised concerns. He's reverting to giving away possessions and failing against blitzes. He suffered seven sacks facing Atlanta on Sunday, and endured a brief period during which he tossed an intercepted pass and coughed up the ball thrice. This follows he turned the ball over five times against the Steelers.

Indianapolis' offensive unit excelled during early games as Jones prevented game-changing errors. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line make the Colts capable of overcoming some negative plays, like their German performance. But Jones returning to his previous error-filled form would end championship hopes.

New England Analysis

The Patriots seem fairly alike. A year ago, they were considered jokes. Currently, they represent the NFL's most pleasant shock and the strongest squad in the NFL following seven consecutive victories. Except for committing turnover errors a manageable matchup facing Pittsburgh, they'd possess at 9–1 with the best record. Previously, they were old and slow. Currently they're young, fast and unafraid. However, we must acknowledge the weakness of New England's opponents. They've played against the least challenging lineup across the NFL, and there have still been cracks. The signal-caller has been brought down thirty-five times – among the highest totals – including particular impacts he suffered last weekend were vicious. With continued play, those hits add up.

Denver Analysis

The Broncos are also 8-2, yet it seems that they're barely surviving. The Denver signal-caller has shown inconsistency, and the offensive unit laboring, as the defense handles most of the responsibility. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos won't frighten playoff opponents. The Chargers are also contending within their division at 7-2, however, health issues affecting their protection unit will make it tough for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Situation

And then there’s Pittsburgh, inexplicably frontrunning the Northern division notwithstanding receiving a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers on Sunday night. They have a negative point differential, their defense too often disappears, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations at this stage of his career continue to show up. They’re 5–4 and holding on, yet Baltimore, featuring a recovered Jackson and the schedule softening, are on a three-game win streak. We shouldn't be completely astonished that the Ravens have pulled within a game of the Steelers, but that it has arrived so quickly highlights deficiencies within Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. Considering the Ravens opened with a 1-5 record and still look like likely to claim the title is telling about the entire AFC.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens' form part among three elite teams – together with Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, that would continue to generate the most fear for opponents if they qualified. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, but the Chiefs and Bills cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Analysis

Last week, the Bills felt confident post Chiefs triumph. During Sunday's action they experienced one of the most disappointing losses this year. They didn't simply fail against Miami; they suffered humiliation, losing 30-13 as visitors. The Dolphins secured their first triumph versus Buffalo in over three years.

Should you seek an example representing the day, here you go: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt