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No professional sports organization sells equal footing like the NFL: it defines their identity. Yet following ten games of this season, this is not a competition that is equally balanced separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. It’s one where the majority of teams is simply sufficient.

NFC Clarity

In the NFC, at least, the picture becomes more distinct. The Rams and Seahawks (both at 7-2) seem like the most well-rounded squads across the league, and achieved decisive victories on Sunday. Philadelphia at 6-2 even with their challenges maintain one of the most talented rosters in the league, comparable to Green Bay (5-2-1). Even the Lions (6-3 standing), despite their uneven performances along both lines of scrimmage and navigating coaching drama, have demonstrated they can hammer good teams. For each of these squads, you can still easily construct a championship trajectory.

AFC Playoff Chaos

Turning to the American Football Conference, championship race is a jumbled mess. The current division frontrunners at this stage: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all at 8-2) and Steelers (five wins, four losses). Read that again. No Chiefs presence. No Bills inclusion. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. Historically strong franchises, supported by elite NFL signal-callers, have either glaring roster weaknesses or have been hit by injuries.

Competitive Balance System

From certain perspectives, this is exactly what the league wants. But watching this year’s four division leaders in the AFC 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 today, would you comfortably choose any among these four teams?

Franchise Analysis

Colts Situation

Beginning with the Colts, their quarterback hasn’t quite reached total collapse. But the last two weeks have raised concerns. He has returned to giving away possessions and struggling against pressure. He suffered seven sacks versus Atlanta during Sunday's contest, and experienced a brief period where he delivered an intercepted pass and fumbled three times. This follows he gave away possessions five separate times facing the Steelers.

The Colts attack performed well initially since Jones evaded game-changing errors. Taylor along with the blockers mean the Colts are good enough to survive some negative plays, as demonstrated overseas. Yet Jones going back to his historically mistake-heavy play would finish postseason aspirations.

Patriots Examination

The Patriots feel fairly alike. Last season, they were league laughingstocks. Now, they’re the NFL's most pleasant shock and the hottest team in football after seven straight wins. Had it not been for losing due to fumbles a contest they should have won versus the Steelers, they would currently hold at 9–1 with the best record. Previously, they seemed veteran and plodding. Now they’re inexperienced, speedy and bold. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the weakness of New England's opponents. They have faced the least challenging lineup across the NFL, and there have still been cracks. The signal-caller has taken sacks on 35 occasions – the second-most in football – including particular impacts he endured during the game were vicious. As the season progresses, those beatings accumulate.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos hold 8–2 as well, yet it seems like they're nervously waiting. Their quarterback has performed unevenly, with the attack struggling, while the defensive unit provides the majority of the work. Without serviceable quarterback play, Denver cannot intimidate playoff opponents. The Chargers are also hovering within their division at 7-2, but the injuries affecting their protection unit will make it tough to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Situation

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, surprisingly atop their division notwithstanding receiving a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers in the evening game. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defensive unit frequently falters, and the QB's current constraints given his veteran status regularly manifest. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, but 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 Baltimore has closed to within one game of Pittsburgh, though the speed of this shift highlights deficiencies within Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. Considering the Ravens opened losing five of six and currently seem capable of division victory speaks volumes regarding the complete conference.

Established Contenders

Baltimore constitutes part of the Big Three – together with Bills and Chiefs – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who could still create the greatest concern in opposing teams should they reach postseason. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, but the Chiefs and Bills cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Analysis

Previously, the Bills were riding high following victory over Kansas City. This weekend they encountered one of the most disappointing losses this year. They didn’t just lose against Miami; they suffered humiliation, dropping a 30-13 road game. The Dolphins secured their first triumph versus Buffalo in several seasons.

For those searching for a perfect summary of Sunday, here you go: Allen transforming {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt