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No league sells parity as effectively as the NFL: it defines their identity. But through ten games in this campaign, this is not a competition that is equally balanced among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. It’s one where the majority of teams are merely fine.

NFC Clarity

Within the National Football Conference, at least, there is some clarity. The Rams and Seahawks (each holding 7-2 records) appear to be the most complete teams in football, and delivered blowout wins on Sunday. The Eagles with six wins despite their struggles continue to possess one of the most talented rosters in the league, comparable to the Packers franchise (five wins, two losses, one tie). The Lions also (six and three), with their fluctuating form in trench play and have been dealing with tension on their coaching staff, have proven they can defeat strong franchises. For each of these squads, one can readily construct a Super Bowl path.

Muddled AFC Picture

In the AFC however, postseason landscape remains completely chaotic. Your four division leaders after ten games: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all at 8-2) and Steelers (five wins, four losses). Take another look. Kansas City isn't there. Buffalo is missing. Not the Ravens or Bengals. The usual contenders, supported by premier quarterback talent, have either glaring roster weaknesses or are dealing with health issues.

League Equality Design

To some extent, this is exactly what the league wants. Yet observing this year’s four division leaders in the American Football Conference continues to seem unusual. Components of every squad meet championship standards, yet not completely. If someone requested to commit to your AFC Championship game picks right now, would you comfortably pick any of the four division leaders?

Squad Examinations

Colts Situation

First, examining Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn't yet achieved pumpkin status. However, recent performances have been worrying. He’s back to turning over the ball and failing against blitzes. He was sacked seven times facing Atlanta during Sunday's contest, and had a short sequence in which he threw an interception and fumbled three times. This follows he gave away possessions five separate times versus Pittsburgh.

Indianapolis' offensive unit thrived early in the season because Jones avoided the disaster plays. Taylor along with the blockers make the Colts good enough to survive some negative plays, as they did in Berlin. Yet Jones going back to his historically mistake-heavy play would finish any playoff run.

New England Patriots

The Patriots seem relatively comparable. Last season, they were league laughingstocks. Today, they stand as football's most unexpected success and the hottest team across the league after seven straight wins. Had it not been 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. Today they appear inexperienced, speedy and bold. Still, it’s hard to ignore the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They have faced the most manageable schedule in the league, and flaws have still emerged. The signal-caller has been brought down thirty-five times – among the highest totals – with several hits he suffered last weekend were vicious. As the season progresses, those hits add up.

Denver Analysis

The Broncos hold 8–2 as well, and it still feels that they're barely surviving. Their quarterback has shown inconsistency, with the attack struggling, as the defense handles the majority of the work. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos won't frighten anyone in the postseason. The Chargers are also hovering within their division with seven wins, however, health issues along their offensive line will create difficulties to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Situation

And then there’s Pittsburgh, inexplicably frontrunning the AFC North despite being thumped a decisive loss to Los Angeles on Sunday night. They've been outscored overall, their defensive unit frequently falters, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations at this stage of his career persistently appear. They’re 5–4 and holding on, but Baltimore, with their QB returning to health 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, but that it has arrived so quickly is an indictment of Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. Considering the Ravens opened with a 1-5 record and currently seem capable of division victory is telling about the entire AFC.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens' form part within a trio of powerhouses – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – driven by elite quarterback play, that would continue to generate the highest anxiety in opposing teams if they qualified. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, yet Kansas City and Buffalo continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Analysis

Last week, Buffalo was celebrating following victory over Kansas City. During Sunday's action they experienced a particularly discouraging setback during the campaign. They didn’t just lose against Miami; they suffered humiliation, falling 30-13 on the road. This represented Miami's initial victory versus Buffalo in over three years.

If you’re looking for a microcosm of the day, look no further: Allen transforming {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt