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No major competition sells parity in the manner of the NFL: it's their core marketing message. Yet following ten games of this season, this is not a competition that is equally balanced between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Rather, we see a situation where the majority of teams is simply fine.

Clear Picture in NFC

Within the National Football Conference, for the most part, we see clearer definition. The Rams along with the Seahawks (each holding 7-2 records) appear to be the most balanced franchises in the NFL, and achieved decisive victories on Sunday. Philadelphia at 6-2 notwithstanding their difficulties still have one of the most talented rosters in the league, similar to the Packers franchise (five wins, two losses, one tie). The Lions also (6-3), despite their uneven performances on offense and defense and navigating internal staff conflicts, have proven they can defeat good teams. For all five, it's straightforward to envision a route to the final game.

AFC Confusion

Turning to the American Football Conference, postseason landscape is a jumbled mess. The four teams leading their divisions after ten games: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) along with Pittsburgh (five wins, four losses). Read that again. Kansas City isn't there. Not the Bills. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. Historically strong franchises, supported by elite NFL signal-callers, display either significant personnel gaps or have been hit by injuries.

Parity Mechanics

From certain perspectives, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. But watching this season's top AFC teams in the American Football Conference still feels strange. Components of every squad suggest title potential, but not in their entirety. If you were asked to lock in your AFC Championship game picks at this moment, could you assuredly choose any among these four teams?

Franchise Analysis

Indianapolis Colts

First, examining Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn’t quite reached complete disaster level. Yet the past two games have raised concerns. He has returned to committing turnovers and failing against blitzes. He suffered seven sacks facing Atlanta on Sunday, and had a short sequence during which he tossed an interception and lost three fumbles. This is a week after he turned the ball over five times versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts’ offense excelled during early games because Jones avoided game-changing errors. The running back and protection unit mean the Colts are capable of overcoming occasional setbacks, as demonstrated overseas. But Jones returning to his previous error-filled form would terminate championship hopes.

Patriots Examination

New England appears fairly alike. Last season, they were a punchline. Now, they’re football's most unexpected success and the most successful franchise across the league post seven wins in a row. If not for committing turnover errors a winnable game versus the Steelers, they'd possess nine wins, one loss with the top standing. Previously, they seemed veteran and plodding. Currently they're young, fast and unafraid. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They've encountered the easiest slate throughout football, and there have still been cracks. Their quarterback has taken sacks 35 times – among the highest totals – including particular impacts he suffered last weekend appeared dangerous. As the season progresses, those hits add up.

Denver Analysis

The Broncos are also 8-2, yet it seems as if they’re holding their breath. Their quarterback has shown inconsistency, with the attack struggling, as the defense handles all the heavy lifting. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos won't frighten playoff opponents. The Chargers are also hovering in the AFC West with seven wins, yet medical problems along their offensive line will present challenges to achieve championship contention.

Steelers Examination

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, inexplicably frontrunning the AFC North even after suffering a decisive loss to Los Angeles during prime time. They've been outscored overall, their defensive unit frequently falters, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations during his career phase persistently appear. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, however, the Ravens, featuring a recovered Jackson with manageable games ahead, are on a three-game win streak. We shouldn't be completely astonished that Baltimore has closed the gap to just one game, but that it has arrived so quickly represents criticism toward Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. That the Ravens started losing five of six and still look like they should win the division is telling about the entire AFC.

Established Contenders

The Ravens represent a segment among three elite teams – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who could still create the greatest concern among competitors should they reach postseason. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, but the Chiefs and Bills cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Bills

Last week, Buffalo was celebrating following victory over Kansas City. During Sunday's action they experienced a particularly discouraging setback this year. They didn’t just lose against Miami; they looked terrible, dropping a 30-13 road game. The Dolphins secured their first triumph over the Bills in several seasons.

Should you seek an example representing the day, here you go: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt