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No major competition markets competitive balance in the manner of the NFL: it defines their identity. However, after ten games during the current schedule, this isn’t a league with perfect equilibrium among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. Rather, we see a situation where the majority of teams are merely sufficient.

NFC Standings Definition

Within the National Football Conference, to some degree, the picture becomes more distinct. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both at 7-2) seem like the most complete teams across the league, and secured blowout wins during Sunday's action. Philadelphia at 6-2 despite their struggles maintain one of the most talented rosters in the league, similar to the Packers franchise (5-2-1 record). Detroit as well (6-3 standing), with their fluctuating form on offense and defense while managing tension on their coaching staff, have proven they can defeat quality opponents. For each of these squads, it's straightforward to put together a Super Bowl path.

AFC Confusion

Over in the AFC, the playoff picture remains completely chaotic. The four teams leading their divisions through ten weeks: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (each with 8-2 records) along with Pittsburgh (5-4 record). Consider that carefully. Kansas City isn't there. Not the Bills. Not the Ravens or Bengals. The usual contenders, backed by elite NFL signal-callers, have either glaring roster weaknesses or have suffered medical setbacks.

Competitive Balance System

To some extent, this is exactly what the league wants. But watching this season's top AFC teams in the AFC still feels strange. Aspects of each franchise meet championship standards, yet not completely. Were you questioned to commit to your AFC title game selections at this moment, would you confidently choose any among the current division frontrunners?

Team Breakdowns

Colts Situation

First, examining Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn't yet achieved pumpkin status. But the last two weeks have raised concerns. He has returned to giving away possessions and faltering under duress. He was sacked seven times versus Atlanta during Sunday's contest, and experienced a brief period in which he threw an interception and fumbled three times. This follows he turned the ball over on five occasions versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts attack thrived early in the season since Jones evaded game-changing errors. The running back and protection unit make the Colts good enough to survive occasional setbacks, as demonstrated overseas. But Jones returning to his historically mistake-heavy play would terminate postseason aspirations.

New England Patriots

New England appears somewhat similar. Last season, they were considered jokes. Currently, they represent the NFL's most pleasant shock and the hottest team across the league post seven wins in a row. Had it not been for committing turnover errors a manageable matchup facing Pittsburgh, they’d be sitting at 9–1 with the top standing. In the prior year, they appeared aged and sluggish. Today they appear youthful, quick and confident. Still, it’s hard to ignore the weakness of New England's opponents. They have faced the easiest slate across the NFL, and flaws have still emerged. The signal-caller has been brought down thirty-five times – among the highest totals – including particular impacts he suffered last weekend were vicious. With continued play, those beatings accumulate.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos are eight wins similarly, and it still feels like they're nervously waiting. Their quarterback has shown inconsistency, with the attack struggling, as the defense handles most of the responsibility. Absent adequate signal-calling, Denver cannot intimidate any playoff team. The Chargers are also contending within their division at 7-2, but the injuries along their offensive line will create difficulties for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, surprisingly atop their division notwithstanding receiving a decisive loss to Los Angeles on Sunday night. They have a negative point differential, their defense regularly vanishes, with their quarterback's restrictions at this stage of his career persistently appear. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, yet Baltimore, featuring a recovered Jackson and facing easier opponents, are riding a three-game streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have pulled to within one game of Pittsburgh, but that it has arrived so quickly highlights deficiencies within Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. The fact Baltimore began with a 1-5 record yet still appear likely to claim the title is telling about the complete conference.

Established Contenders

Baltimore constitutes part among three elite teams – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who could still create the greatest concern in opposing teams if they made the playoffs. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, however, both franchises continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Analysis

Previously, the Bills were riding high following victory over Kansas City. On Sunday they suffered among the season's worst defeats of the season. They didn’t just lose against Miami; they were embarrassed, dropping a 30-13 road game. It was Miami’s first win over the Bills in more than 1,000 days.

For those searching for a perfect summary of Sunday, consider this: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt