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No professional sports organization sells equal footing like the NFL: it's their core marketing message. But through the first ten matchups in this campaign, this is not a competition featuring uniform distribution between the good, the bad and the mediocre. It’s one where the majority of teams are merely adequate.

NFC Clarity

In the NFC, to some degree, the picture becomes more distinct. The Rams and Seahawks (both at 7-2) appear to be the most complete teams in the NFL, and delivered decisive victories in their weekend matchups. Philadelphia at 6-2 even with their challenges still have one of the most talented rosters across the NFL, comparable to Green Bay (5-2-1 record). The Lions also (six and three), with their fluctuating form in trench play and have been dealing with tension on their coaching staff, have shown they can hammer good teams. Regarding these five teams, one can readily envision a route to the final game.

AFC Playoff Chaos

Over in the AFC, the playoff picture is thoroughly confusing. Your four division leaders through ten weeks: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all at 8-2) along with Pittsburgh (5-4 record). Read that again. No Chiefs presence. Not the Bills. Not the Ravens or Bengals. The usual contenders, supported by the league’s best quarterbacks, display either significant personnel gaps or have been hit by injuries.

Competitive Balance System

In some ways, it’s the league’s ideal. However, witnessing this year’s four division leaders in the American Football Conference still feels strange. Aspects of each franchise pass the championship smell test, though not comprehensively. If someone requested to finalize your AFC Championship game picks today, would you comfortably choose any among the four division leaders?

Team Breakdowns

Colts Situation

Starting in Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn’t quite reached complete disaster level. However, recent performances have been worrying. He’s back to committing turnovers and faltering under duress. He suffered seven sacks versus Atlanta during Sunday's contest, and experienced a five-minute stretch during which he tossed a pick and fumbled three times. This is a week after he committed turnovers five separate times against the Steelers.

Indianapolis' offensive unit performed well initially as Jones prevented game-changing errors. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line mean the Colts are capable of overcoming some negative plays, as they did in Berlin. However, if Jones reverts to his old blunder-prone days would end championship hopes.

Patriots Examination

New England appears fairly alike. A year ago, they were league laughingstocks. Today, they stand as the NFL's most pleasant shock and the strongest squad in the NFL after seven straight wins. Had it not been for fumbling away a manageable matchup versus the Steelers, they’d be sitting nine wins, one loss as the league's best. In the prior year, they were old and slow. Currently they're inexperienced, speedy and bold. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They've played against the most manageable schedule across the NFL, and flaws have still emerged. Drake Maye has been sacked on 35 occasions – among the highest totals – and some of the shots he endured during the game proved brutal. With continued play, that punishment compounds.

Broncos Situation

The Broncos hold eight wins similarly, and it still feels like they're nervously waiting. Bo Nix has shown inconsistency, and the offensive unit laboring, with the defense doing the majority of the work. Without serviceable quarterback play, Denver cannot intimidate anyone in the postseason. The Chargers are also contending in the Western division with seven wins, however, health issues along their offensive line will present challenges to achieve championship contention.

Steelers Examination

Then we have the Steelers, surprisingly atop the AFC North despite being thumped 25-10 by the Chargers in the evening game. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defense too often disappears, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations at this stage of his career persistently appear. They’re 5–4 and holding on, but Baltimore, with their QB returning to health and facing easier opponents, have won three consecutive. We shouldn't be completely astonished that the Ravens have narrowed to within one game of Pittsburgh, but that it has arrived so quickly represents criticism toward Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. That the Ravens started with a 1-5 record yet still appear likely to claim the title is telling about the entire AFC.

Traditional Powers

Baltimore constitutes part within a trio of powerhouses – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – driven by elite quarterback play, that would continue to generate the highest anxiety for opponents if they made the playoffs. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, however, both franchises cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Analysis

Last week, Buffalo was celebrating post Chiefs triumph. This weekend they encountered one of the most disappointing losses during the campaign. They didn't simply fail versus the Dolphins; they looked terrible, dropping a 30-13 road game. It was Miami’s first win 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