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No major competition markets competitive balance like the NFL: it's their core marketing message. But through the first ten matchups during the current schedule, this is not a competition that is equally balanced separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. It’s one where the bulk of franchises appear to be fine.

Clear Picture in NFC

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) appear to be the most balanced franchises across the league, and delivered overwhelming triumphs in their weekend matchups. The Eagles with six wins even with their challenges still have one of the most talented rosters across the NFL, comparable to Green Bay (5-2-1). The Lions also (6-3 standing), who have been inconsistent in trench play and have been dealing with coaching drama, have proven they can hammer good teams. For all five, it's straightforward to put together a route to the final game.

AFC Confusion

In the AFC however, championship race is a jumbled mess. The current division frontrunners after ten games: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all standing at eight wins) and the Steelers (5-4). Take another look. Not the Chiefs. Buffalo is missing. Not the Ravens or Bengals. Historically strong franchises, supported by premier quarterback talent, have either significant personnel gaps or have suffered medical setbacks.

Parity Mechanics

From certain perspectives, this is exactly what the league wants. But watching the current division frontrunners in the American Football Conference continues to seem unusual. Aspects of each franchise pass the championship smell test, yet not completely. If someone requested to lock in your conference championship predictions at this moment, could you assuredly pick any of the four division leaders?

Team Breakdowns

Indianapolis Colts

Starting in Indianapolis, Daniel Jones hasn't descended to total collapse. Yet the past two games have been worrying. He has returned to giving away possessions and struggling against pressure. He took seven sacks against the Falcons in the weekend game, and experienced a five-minute stretch during which he tossed a pick and coughed up the ball thrice. This follows he committed turnovers five separate times against the Steelers.

The Colts attack excelled during early games because Jones avoided catastrophic mistakes. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line ensure Indianapolis remains able to withstand some negative plays, as demonstrated overseas. But Jones returning to his historically mistake-heavy play would terminate any playoff run.

New England Analysis

The Patriots feel fairly alike. Previously, they were league laughingstocks. Currently, they represent the NFL's most pleasant shock and the most successful franchise in the NFL following seven consecutive victories. Had it not been for fumbling away a winnable game against Pittsburgh, they would currently hold at 9–1 with the top standing. Last season, they seemed veteran and plodding. Currently they're young, fast and unafraid. Still, it’s hard to ignore how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They have faced the easiest slate throughout football, and there have still been cracks. Their quarterback has been brought down 35 times – the second-most in football – including particular impacts he absorbed on Sunday appeared dangerous. Over time, those beatings accumulate.

Denver Analysis

Denver stands at eight wins similarly, yet it seems that they're barely surviving. Bo Nix has been erratic, and the offense plodding, as the defense handles all the heavy lifting. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos aren’t scaring playoff opponents. The Chargers are also hovering in the Western division holding a 7-2 record, however, health issues along their offensive line will create difficulties for extended playoff success.

Steelers Examination

And then there’s Pittsburgh, inexplicably frontrunning their division even after suffering 25-10 by the Chargers in the evening game. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defensive unit frequently falters, with their quarterback's restrictions during his career phase continue to show up. They’re 5–4 and holding on, yet Baltimore, with their QB returning to health and the schedule softening, have won three consecutive. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have pulled the gap to just one game, though the speed of this shift is an indictment of Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. The fact Baltimore began the season 1-5 and still look like likely to claim the title speaks volumes regarding the entire AFC.

Established Contenders

Baltimore constitutes part of the Big Three – together with Bills and Chiefs – driven by elite quarterback play, who would still strike the greatest concern among competitors should they reach postseason. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, however, both franchises persistently undermine themselves.

Bills Struggles

Last week, the Bills were riding high post Chiefs triumph. This weekend they encountered a particularly discouraging setback this year. They didn't merely fall against Miami; they were embarrassed, losing 30-13 as visitors. It was Miami’s first win over the Bills in more than 1,000 days.

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