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No league promotes competitive balance like the NFL: it defines their identity. However, after the first ten matchups of this season, this is not a competition with perfect equilibrium between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Rather, we see a situation where the bulk of franchises appear to be sufficient.

NFC Standings Definition

In the NFC, to some degree, we see clearer definition. Los Angeles and Seattle (both standing at seven wins, two losses) appear to be the most balanced franchises in the NFL, and delivered blowout wins in their weekend matchups. Philadelphia at 6-2 notwithstanding their difficulties continue to possess among the most gifted lineups in the league, comparable to Green Bay (5-2-1 record). Detroit as well (6-3), who have been inconsistent in trench play and have been dealing with coaching drama, have demonstrated they can defeat good teams. For each of these squads, you can still easily put together a route to the final game.

Muddled AFC Picture

Turning to the American Football Conference, postseason landscape is a jumbled mess. Your four division leaders at this stage: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all standing at eight wins) and Steelers (5-4). Consider that carefully. Not the Chiefs. No Bills inclusion. Not the Ravens or Bengals. Historically strong franchises, supported by the league’s best quarterbacks, have either glaring roster weaknesses or are dealing with health issues.

League Equality Design

From certain perspectives, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. However, witnessing the current division frontrunners in the AFC remains somewhat odd. Areas of each team meet championship standards, but not in their entirety. If someone requested to finalize your AFC Championship game picks right now, would you comfortably pick any of the four division leaders?

Squad Examinations

Colts Situation

First, examining Indianapolis, Daniel Jones hasn't descended to total collapse. But the last two weeks have been worrying. He has returned to committing turnovers and failing against blitzes. He was sacked seven times versus Atlanta on Sunday, and had a short sequence during which he tossed a pick and fumbled three times. This is a week after he turned the ball over on five occasions against the Steelers.

Indianapolis' offensive unit excelled during early games since Jones evaded game-changing errors. The running back and protection unit ensure Indianapolis remains capable of overcoming some negative plays, as demonstrated overseas. However, if Jones reverts to his old blunder-prone days would end postseason aspirations.

New England Patriots

The Patriots feel fairly alike. Last season, they were a punchline. Today, they stand as the NFL's most pleasant shock and the hottest team across the league following seven consecutive victories. If not for committing turnover errors a winnable game against Pittsburgh, they would currently hold at 9–1 as the league's best. Last season, they appeared aged and sluggish. Now they’re young, fast and unafraid. Still, it’s hard to ignore the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They have faced the least challenging lineup throughout football, and flaws have still emerged. Drake Maye has been brought down thirty-five times – the second-most in football – with several hits he endured during the game proved brutal. Over time, those beatings accumulate.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos hold 8–2 as well, yet it seems like they're nervously waiting. Bo Nix has shown inconsistency, and the offensive unit laboring, with the defense doing all the heavy lifting. Absent adequate signal-calling, the Broncos aren’t scaring any playoff team. The Chargers are also contending in the AFC West with seven wins, however, health issues within their blocking corps will present challenges for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Steelers

And then there’s Pittsburgh, somehow still leading the AFC North even after suffering a decisive loss to Los Angeles in the evening game. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defense too often disappears, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations at this stage of his career regularly manifest. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, but Baltimore, with Lamar Jackson healthy again and facing easier opponents, have won three consecutive. This development isn't entirely shocking that Baltimore has closed the gap to just one game, though the speed of this shift is an indictment of Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. The fact Baltimore began losing five of six and still look like likely to claim the title is telling about the complete conference.

Traditional Powers

Baltimore constitutes part of the Big Three – together with Bills and Chiefs – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who could still create the most fear among competitors if they made the playoffs. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, yet Kansas City and Buffalo persistently undermine themselves.

Bills Struggles

A week ago, Buffalo was celebrating after beating the Chiefs. During Sunday's action they experienced a particularly discouraging setback this year. They didn’t just lose against Miami; they looked terrible, dropping a 30-13 road game. This represented Miami's initial victory against Buffalo in more than 1,000 days.

Should you seek a perfect summary of Sunday, here you go: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt