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No major competition markets equal footing in the manner of the NFL: it's their core marketing message. But through ten games during the current schedule, this is not a competition with perfect equilibrium separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. Instead, it's a scenario where the majority of teams appear to be adequate.

Clear Picture in NFC

Looking at the NFC side, for the most part, we see clearer definition. Los Angeles and Seattle (both at 7-2) seem like the most well-rounded squads across the league, and secured decisive victories in their weekend matchups. Philadelphia at 6-2 notwithstanding their difficulties still have one of the most talented rosters across the NFL, similar to Green Bay (5-2-1 record). The Lions also (six and three), who have been inconsistent on offense and defense and navigating coaching drama, have proven they can defeat good teams. Regarding these five teams, one can readily put together a route to the final game.

AFC Playoff Chaos

In the AFC however, the playoff picture is thoroughly confusing. The four teams leading their divisions after ten games: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all standing at eight wins) along with Pittsburgh (5-4 record). Consider that carefully. No Chiefs presence. Not the Bills. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. The usual contenders, backed by elite NFL signal-callers, possess either obvious team deficiencies or have been hit by injuries.

League Equality Design

From certain perspectives, this is exactly what the league wants. However, witnessing this year’s four division leaders within the conference still feels strange. Components of every squad pass the championship smell test, though not comprehensively. If someone requested to lock in your AFC title game selections right now, would you confidently choose any among the four division leaders?

Squad Examinations

Indianapolis Colts

First, examining Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn't yet achieved pumpkin status. Yet the past two games have caused alarm. He’s back to committing turnovers and faltering under duress. He was sacked seven times versus Atlanta during Sunday's contest, and had a brief period in which he threw a pick and lost three fumbles. This is a week after he committed turnovers five times against the Steelers.

The Colts’ offense performed well initially as Jones prevented catastrophic mistakes. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line make the Colts good enough to survive some negative plays, as they did in Berlin. But Jones returning to his old blunder-prone days would end championship hopes.

New England Analysis

The Patriots seem relatively comparable. A year ago, they were considered jokes. Currently, they represent the NFL's most pleasant shock and the most successful franchise in football following seven consecutive victories. If not for committing turnover errors a manageable matchup facing Pittsburgh, they would currently hold nine wins, one loss with the top standing. Last season, they appeared aged and sluggish. Today they appear young, fast and unafraid. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the weakness of New England's opponents. They've encountered the easiest slate in the league, yet vulnerabilities remain. Their quarterback has been sacked on 35 occasions – the second-most in football – and some of the shots he absorbed on Sunday proved brutal. As the season progresses, that punishment compounds.

Broncos Situation

The Broncos are 8–2 as well, yet it seems like they're nervously waiting. Their quarterback has shown inconsistency, with the attack struggling, as the defense handles all the heavy lifting. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos aren’t scaring any playoff team. The Chargers are also contending in the Western division holding a 7-2 record, however, health issues along their offensive line will create difficulties for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, inexplicably frontrunning the AFC North notwithstanding receiving a decisive loss to Los Angeles during prime time. They've been outscored overall, their defense too often disappears, and the QB's current constraints given his veteran status continue to show up. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, however, the Ravens, with Lamar Jackson healthy again and the schedule softening, have won three consecutive. We shouldn't be completely astonished that the Ravens have narrowed within a game of the Steelers, but that it has arrived so quickly is an indictment of the Steelers' uneven performances. That the Ravens started losing five of six yet still appear they should win the division reveals much about the conference as a whole.

Established Contenders

The Ravens represent a segment of the Big Three – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, that would continue to generate the greatest concern for opponents if they qualified. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, however, both franchises persistently undermine themselves.

Bills Struggles

Last week, the Bills were riding high post Chiefs triumph. This weekend they encountered one of the most disappointing losses of the season. They didn't merely fall versus the Dolphins; they looked terrible, losing 30-13 as visitors. The Dolphins secured their first triumph against Buffalo in over three years.

If you’re looking for a perfect summary of Sunday, here you go: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt