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No league promotes competitive balance like the NFL: it’s the entire brand. However, after 10 weeks of this season, this isn’t a league featuring uniform distribution separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. Rather, we see a situation where most of the league are merely fine.

NFC Standings Definition

In the NFC, to some degree, there is some clarity. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both at 7-2) seem like the most complete teams across the league, and achieved overwhelming triumphs in their weekend matchups. Philadelphia at 6-2 despite their struggles still have a deeply skilled squad in the league, comparable to the Packers franchise (5-2-1). Detroit as well (6-3), despite their uneven performances in trench play while managing tension on their coaching staff, have shown they're capable of dominating strong franchises. Regarding these five teams, it's straightforward to construct a championship trajectory.

AFC Playoff Chaos

In the AFC however, the playoff picture is a jumbled mess. The current division frontrunners through ten weeks: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) and the Steelers (five wins, four losses). Take another look. Kansas City isn't there. Buffalo is missing. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. The traditional powers, supported by premier quarterback talent, have either obvious team deficiencies or have suffered medical setbacks.

Competitive Balance System

To some extent, this is exactly what the league wants. But watching this year’s four division leaders in the AFC still feels strange. Areas of each team pass the championship smell test, but not in their entirety. If someone requested to commit to your AFC Championship game picks at this moment, would you confidently pick any of the current division frontrunners?

Squad Examinations

Colts Situation

Beginning with the Colts, the signal-caller hasn’t quite reached total collapse. However, recent performances have been worrying. He has returned to turning over the ball and faltering under duress. He was sacked seven times against the Falcons on Sunday, and endured a brief period during which he tossed an intercepted pass and fumbled three times. This comes after he turned the ball over on five occasions versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts’ offense excelled during early games because Jones avoided the disaster plays. Taylor along with the blockers mean the Colts are good enough to survive periodic mistakes, like their German performance. However, if Jones reverts to his old blunder-prone days would terminate postseason aspirations.

New England Analysis

The Patriots seem fairly alike. Previously, they were a punchline. Now, they’re the NFL's most pleasant shock and the most successful franchise across the league post seven wins in a row. Except for committing turnover errors a contest they should have won versus the Steelers, they’d be sitting nine wins, one loss with the top standing. Previously, they were old and slow. Now they’re inexperienced, speedy and bold. Still, it’s hard to ignore the weakness of New England's opponents. They've encountered the easiest slate in the league, and flaws have still emerged. The signal-caller has been sacked on 35 occasions – ranking second league-wide – including particular impacts he endured during the game appeared dangerous. As the season progresses, those beatings accumulate.

Broncos Situation

The Broncos hold also 8-2, and the perception remains like they're nervously waiting. The Denver signal-caller has performed unevenly, and the offensive unit laboring, while the defensive unit provides most of the responsibility. Absent adequate signal-calling, the Broncos aren’t scaring any playoff team. The Chargers are also hovering in the AFC West at 7-2, however, health issues along their offensive line will create difficulties for extended playoff success.

Steelers Examination

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, somehow still leading their division despite being thumped 25-10 by the Chargers on Sunday night. They've been outscored overall, their defensive unit frequently falters, and the QB's current constraints given his veteran status regularly manifest. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, however, the Ravens, with Lamar Jackson healthy again with manageable games ahead, have won three consecutive. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that Baltimore has closed within a game of the Steelers, though the speed of this shift represents criticism toward Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. The fact Baltimore began with a 1-5 record yet still appear they should win the division reveals much about the entire AFC.

Established Contenders

Baltimore constitutes part of the Big Three – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who could still create the greatest concern for opponents if they qualified. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, yet Kansas City and Buffalo cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Analysis

A week ago, Buffalo was celebrating following victory over Kansas City. This weekend they encountered one of the most disappointing losses this year. They didn’t just lose versus the Dolphins; they suffered humiliation, dropping a 30-13 road game. It was Miami’s first win against Buffalo in several seasons.

For those searching for a perfect summary of Sunday, look no further: Allen transforming {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt