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No league sells competitive balance in the manner of the NFL: it's their core marketing message. However, after the first ten matchups during the current schedule, this isn’t a league featuring uniform distribution between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Rather, we see a situation where the majority of teams are merely sufficient.

NFC Standings Definition

Within the National Football Conference, at least, there is some clarity. The Rams and Seahawks (each holding 7-2 records) look like the most well-rounded squads across the league, and secured decisive victories on Sunday. Philadelphia at 6-2 despite their struggles still have a deeply skilled squad in the league, likewise with the Packers (five wins, two losses, one tie). Even the Lions (6-3 standing), with their fluctuating form on offense and defense and navigating coaching drama, have proven they can defeat strong franchises. For all five, one can readily envision a championship trajectory.

Muddled AFC Picture

In the AFC however, the playoff picture is a jumbled mess. 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. No Chiefs presence. Buffalo is missing. Not the Ravens or Bengals. Historically strong franchises, featuring premier quarterback talent, have either glaring roster weaknesses or have suffered medical setbacks.

Competitive Balance System

From certain perspectives, it’s the league’s ideal. Yet observing this year’s four division leaders in the AFC continues to seem unusual. Areas of each team pass the championship smell test, though not comprehensively. Were you questioned to finalize your AFC Championship game picks right now, would you comfortably pick any of these four teams?

Franchise Analysis

Colts Situation

First, examining Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn't yet achieved total collapse. Yet the past two games have caused alarm. He's reverting to committing turnovers and struggling against pressure. He was sacked seven times against the Falcons during Sunday's contest, and had a short sequence where he delivered an intercepted pass and fumbled three times. This follows he committed turnovers five separate times against the Steelers.

The Colts’ offense thrived early in the season as Jones prevented catastrophic mistakes. The running back and protection unit ensure Indianapolis remains able to withstand periodic mistakes, like their German performance. However, if Jones reverts to his old blunder-prone days would finish championship hopes.

New England Patriots

The Patriots seem somewhat similar. Previously, they were league laughingstocks. Currently, they represent football's most unexpected success and the hottest team across the league following seven consecutive victories. If not for fumbling away a contest they should have won against Pittsburgh, they'd possess at 9–1 with the top standing. Last season, they were old and slow. Currently they're youthful, quick and confident. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They have faced the easiest slate in the league, yet vulnerabilities remain. Their quarterback has been sacked 35 times – among the highest totals – and some of the shots he endured during the game appeared dangerous. With continued play, those beatings accumulate.

Broncos Situation

Denver stands at also 8-2, and the perception remains that they're barely surviving. The Denver signal-caller has shown inconsistency, and the offense plodding, as the defense handles the majority of the work. Absent adequate signal-calling, Denver cannot intimidate any playoff team. Los Angeles remains nearby within their division at 7-2, however, health issues along their offensive line will present challenges to achieve championship contention.

Steelers Examination

Then we have the Steelers, somehow still leading the AFC North notwithstanding receiving 25-10 by the Chargers during prime time. They have a negative point differential, their defensive unit frequently falters, and the QB's current constraints during his career phase continue to show up. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, but Baltimore, with their QB returning to health with manageable games ahead, have won three consecutive. We shouldn't be completely astonished that the Ravens have pulled to within one game of Pittsburgh, though the speed of this shift highlights deficiencies within Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. That the Ravens started the season 1-5 yet still appear likely to claim the title speaks volumes regarding the conference as a whole.

Traditional Powers

Baltimore constitutes part among three elite teams – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, that would continue to generate the most fear in opposing teams if they qualified. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, but the Chiefs and Bills continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Bills

Previously, Buffalo was celebrating following victory over Kansas City. This weekend they encountered among the season's worst defeats this year. They didn't simply fail to the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, falling 30-13 on the road. The Dolphins secured their first triumph over the Bills in over three years.

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