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No professional sports organization markets parity as effectively as the NFL: it defines their identity. However, after ten games 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 most of the league are merely sufficient.

NFC Standings Definition

Within the National Football Conference, to some degree, we see clearer definition. The Rams and Seahawks (both at 7-2) look like the most balanced franchises in football, and achieved overwhelming triumphs in their weekend matchups. The 6-2 Eagles notwithstanding their difficulties still have one of the most talented rosters across the NFL, comparable to the Packers (5-2-1). Even the Lions (six and three), despite their uneven performances in trench play and have been dealing with coaching drama, have demonstrated they can hammer strong franchises. Regarding these five teams, one can readily construct a route to the final game.

AFC Playoff Chaos

In the AFC however, championship race remains completely chaotic. The current division frontrunners at this stage: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all at 8-2) and Steelers (5-4). Consider that carefully. Kansas City isn't there. No Bills inclusion. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. The traditional powers, backed by premier quarterback talent, display either glaring roster weaknesses or have suffered medical setbacks.

Competitive Balance System

From certain perspectives, it’s the league’s ideal. But watching the current division frontrunners in the American Football Conference still feels strange. Aspects of each franchise suggest title potential, yet not completely. If you were asked to commit to your AFC title game selections today, would you comfortably choose any among the four division leaders?

Team Breakdowns

Indianapolis Colts

First, examining Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn't descended to total collapse. Yet the past two games have caused alarm. He has returned to committing turnovers and failing against blitzes. He took seven sacks versus Atlanta on Sunday, and had a five-minute stretch in which he threw a pick and fumbled three times. This comes after he gave away possessions five times versus Pittsburgh.

Indianapolis' offensive unit thrived early in the season since Jones evaded catastrophic mistakes. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line make the Colts good enough to survive occasional setbacks, as demonstrated overseas. But Jones returning to his historically mistake-heavy play would terminate championship hopes.

Patriots Examination

New England appears fairly alike. Previously, they were a punchline. Currently, they represent the league’s happiest surprise and the hottest team in the NFL after seven straight wins. If not for losing due to fumbles a winnable game versus the Steelers, they'd possess a 9-1 record with the best record. In the prior year, they were old and slow. Currently they're inexperienced, speedy and bold. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the weakness of New England's opponents. They've played against the most manageable schedule across the NFL, yet vulnerabilities remain. The signal-caller has been brought down on 35 occasions – the second-most in football – including particular impacts he endured during the game were vicious. Over time, those beatings accumulate.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos are 8–2 as well, yet it seems as if they’re holding their breath. The Denver signal-caller has shown inconsistency, with the attack struggling, while the defensive unit provides all the heavy lifting. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos aren’t scaring anyone in the postseason. The Chargers are also contending in the AFC West with seven wins, but the injuries within their blocking corps will present challenges for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Situation

And then there’s Pittsburgh, surprisingly atop the Northern division notwithstanding receiving 25-10 by the Chargers on Sunday night. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defense too often disappears, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations given his veteran status persistently appear. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, however, the Ravens, with their QB returning to health and the schedule softening, have won three consecutive. We shouldn't be completely astonished that the Ravens have pulled within a game of the Steelers, though the speed of this shift is an indictment of the Steelers' uneven performances. Considering the Ravens opened with a 1-5 record and still look like they should win the division speaks volumes regarding the complete conference.

Traditional Powers

The Ravens represent a segment within a trio of powerhouses – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who could still create the most fear in opposing teams should they reach postseason. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, but the Chiefs and Bills cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Bills

A week ago, Buffalo was celebrating after beating the Chiefs. On Sunday they suffered one of the most disappointing losses this year. They didn’t just lose to the Dolphins; they looked terrible, falling 30-13 on the road. This represented Miami's initial victory versus Buffalo in more than 1,000 days.

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