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No league markets equal footing as effectively as the NFL: it's their core marketing message. But through the first ten matchups during the current schedule, this is not a competition with perfect equilibrium among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. Instead, it's a scenario where the bulk of franchises are merely sufficient.

NFC Standings Definition

Looking at the NFC side, at least, the picture becomes more distinct. The Rams and Seahawks (both at 7-2) seem like the most complete teams across the league, and achieved overwhelming triumphs on Sunday. The Eagles with six wins notwithstanding their difficulties maintain a deeply skilled squad in the league, comparable to the Packers franchise (five wins, two losses, one tie). Detroit as well (6-3 standing), who have been inconsistent on offense and defense while managing tension on their coaching staff, have proven they're capable of dominating good teams. For each of these squads, you can still easily put together a Super Bowl path.

AFC Confusion

In the AFC however, championship race remains completely chaotic. The four teams leading their divisions through ten weeks: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (each with 8-2 records) and Steelers (5-4 record). Consider that carefully. No Chiefs presence. Not the Bills. Not the Ravens or Bengals. Historically strong franchises, supported by elite NFL signal-callers, display either significant personnel gaps or have been hit by injuries.

League Equality Design

In some ways, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. However, witnessing this season's top AFC teams within the conference remains somewhat odd. Components of every squad suggest title potential, but not in their entirety. Were you questioned to lock in your AFC title game selections right now, could you assuredly select any one of these four teams?

Franchise Analysis

Indianapolis Colts

Beginning with the Colts, the signal-caller hasn't descended to total collapse. But the last two weeks have caused alarm. He’s back to committing turnovers and faltering under duress. He suffered seven sacks versus Atlanta in the weekend game, and endured a short sequence in which he threw a pick and fumbled three times. This comes after he committed turnovers on five occasions versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts’ offense excelled during early games because Jones avoided the disaster plays. Taylor along with the blockers make the Colts capable of overcoming occasional setbacks, like their German performance. But Jones returning to his historically mistake-heavy play would terminate championship hopes.

New England Patriots

The Patriots feel somewhat similar. Previously, they were league laughingstocks. Currently, they represent football's most unexpected success and the most successful franchise in the NFL post seven wins in a row. If not for losing due to fumbles a contest they should have won versus the Steelers, they would currently hold nine wins, one loss with the top standing. In the prior year, they appeared aged and sluggish. Today they appear young, fast and unafraid. However, we must acknowledge the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They've played against the easiest slate across the NFL, yet vulnerabilities remain. Their quarterback has been sacked thirty-five times – ranking second league-wide – including particular impacts he absorbed on Sunday proved brutal. Over time, those hits add up.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos are also 8-2, and it still feels as if they’re holding their breath. Their quarterback has been erratic, and the offensive unit laboring, as the defense handles all the heavy lifting. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos won't frighten any playoff team. The Chargers are also hovering in the AFC West holding a 7-2 record, however, health issues within their blocking corps will create difficulties to achieve championship contention.

Steelers Examination

Then we have the Steelers, surprisingly atop their division notwithstanding receiving a decisive loss to Los Angeles on Sunday night. They have a negative point differential, their defense too often disappears, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations during his career phase regularly manifest. They’re 5–4 and holding on, yet Baltimore, with their QB returning to health with manageable games ahead, have won three consecutive. We shouldn't be completely astonished that Baltimore has closed to within one game of Pittsburgh, but how rapidly this occurred represents criticism toward Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. That the Ravens started with a 1-5 record and still look like capable of division victory is telling about the conference as a whole.

Established Contenders

The Ravens' form part of the Big Three – together with Bills and Chiefs – driven by elite quarterback play, who could still create the most fear for opponents if they made the playoffs. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, however, both franchises cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Analysis

Last week, the Bills felt confident following victory over Kansas City. This weekend they encountered among the season's worst defeats this year. They didn't simply fail to the Dolphins; they suffered humiliation, losing 30-13 as visitors. The Dolphins secured their first triumph over the Bills in over three years.

For those searching for an example representing the day, look no further: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt