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No major competition promotes equal footing like the NFL: it's their core marketing message. But through 10 weeks during the current schedule, this is not a competition that is equally balanced among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. It’s one where the majority of teams is simply adequate.

NFC Clarity

Within the National Football Conference, to some degree, the picture becomes more distinct. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both standing at seven wins, two losses) look like the most balanced franchises in football, and secured overwhelming triumphs on Sunday. The Eagles with six wins notwithstanding their difficulties maintain one of the most talented rosters in the league, comparable to the Packers (5-2-1 record). Detroit as well (6-3), with their fluctuating form on offense and defense while managing tension on their coaching staff, have proven they're capable of dominating strong franchises. For each of these squads, one can readily envision a Super Bowl path.

AFC Playoff Chaos

Over in the AFC, championship race is thoroughly confusing. The current division frontrunners at this stage: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) and the Steelers (5-4 record). Consider that carefully. No Chiefs presence. No Bills inclusion. Not the Ravens or Bengals. Historically strong franchises, supported by premier quarterback talent, possess either obvious team deficiencies or have been hit by injuries.

League Equality Design

To some extent, it’s the league’s ideal. But watching this season's top AFC teams in the American Football Conference remains somewhat odd. Components of every squad pass the championship smell test, but not in their entirety. If you were asked to commit to your AFC Championship game picks today, would you confidently choose any among the current division frontrunners?

Franchise Analysis

Colts Situation

Beginning with the Colts, their quarterback hasn't descended to total collapse. Yet the past two games have been worrying. He’s back to committing turnovers and faltering under duress. He was sacked seven times versus Atlanta during Sunday's contest, and experienced a short sequence where he delivered an intercepted pass and coughed up the ball thrice. This comes after he gave away possessions five times facing the Steelers.

The Colts’ offense excelled during early games as Jones prevented the disaster plays. Taylor along with the blockers make the Colts capable of overcoming occasional setbacks, as they did in Berlin. But Jones returning to his previous error-filled form would finish postseason aspirations.

New England Patriots

The Patriots seem fairly alike. A year ago, they were considered jokes. Now, they’re football's most unexpected success and the strongest squad in the NFL post seven wins in a row. Had it not been for committing turnover errors a manageable matchup facing Pittsburgh, they would currently hold nine wins, one loss with the top standing. Last season, they seemed veteran and plodding. Now they’re youthful, quick and confident. However, we must acknowledge how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They've played against the easiest slate across the NFL, and flaws have still emerged. The signal-caller has taken sacks 35 times – among the highest totals – with several hits he absorbed on Sunday were vicious. Over time, that punishment compounds.

Broncos Situation

The Broncos are 8–2 as well, and the perception remains like they're nervously waiting. Their quarterback has been erratic, and the offensive unit laboring, while the defensive unit provides all the heavy lifting. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos won't frighten anyone in the postseason. The Chargers are also hovering within their division with seven wins, but the injuries within their blocking corps will create difficulties for extended playoff success.

Steelers Examination

And then there’s Pittsburgh, somehow still leading the Northern division despite being thumped a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers in the evening game. They've been outscored overall, their defense regularly vanishes, and the QB's current constraints given his veteran status regularly manifest. They’re 5–4 and holding on, yet Baltimore, with their QB returning to health with manageable games ahead, are riding a three-game streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have narrowed within a game of the Steelers, but that it has arrived so quickly highlights deficiencies within Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. That the Ravens started losing five of six yet still appear capable of division victory is telling about the entire AFC.

Historical Favorites

Baltimore constitutes part within a trio of powerhouses – together with Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, that would continue to generate the most fear in opposing teams should they reach postseason. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, yet Kansas City and Buffalo persistently undermine themselves.

Buffalo Bills

Previously, Buffalo was celebrating following victory over Kansas City. This weekend they encountered one of the most disappointing losses during the campaign. They didn't merely fall versus the Dolphins; they looked terrible, falling 30-13 on the road. It was Miami’s first win against Buffalo in over three years.

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