🔗 Share this article

No league sells competitive balance as effectively as the NFL: it defines their identity. Yet following the first ten matchups during the current schedule, this isn’t a league featuring uniform distribution among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. Instead, it's a scenario where most of the league appear to be sufficient.

NFC Standings Definition

Within the National Football Conference, at least, the picture becomes more distinct. Los Angeles and Seattle (both at 7-2) seem like the most complete teams in the NFL, and delivered overwhelming triumphs on Sunday. Philadelphia at 6-2 despite their struggles still have among the most gifted lineups in the league, similar to the Packers (5-2-1). The Lions also (6-3), with their fluctuating form on offense and defense and navigating internal staff conflicts, have proven they're capable of dominating good teams. For all five, it's straightforward to construct a championship trajectory.

AFC Playoff Chaos

Over in the AFC, the playoff picture remains completely chaotic. Your four division leaders at this stage: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) and the Steelers (five wins, four losses). Read that again. No Chiefs presence. Not the Bills. Not the Ravens or Bengals. Historically strong franchises, supported by premier quarterback talent, have either glaring roster weaknesses or have suffered medical setbacks.

League Equality Design

In some ways, it’s the league’s ideal. However, witnessing this year’s four division leaders in the AFC remains somewhat odd. Aspects of each franchise meet championship standards, yet not completely. If you were asked to commit to your conference championship predictions at this moment, could you assuredly pick any of these four teams?

Squad Examinations

Indianapolis Colts

Beginning with the Colts, their quarterback hasn’t quite reached complete disaster level. However, recent performances have raised concerns. He's reverting to turning over the ball and failing against blitzes. He was sacked seven times against the Falcons in the weekend game, and endured a five-minute stretch where he delivered an intercepted pass and fumbled three times. This is a week after he turned the ball over on five occasions against the Steelers.

The Colts attack thrived early in the season because Jones avoided game-changing errors. The running back and protection unit make the Colts able to withstand some negative plays, like their German performance. Yet Jones going back to his historically mistake-heavy play would finish postseason aspirations.

New England Analysis

The Patriots feel fairly alike. Last season, they were considered jokes. Now, they’re football's most unexpected success and the most successful franchise in football after seven straight wins. Had it not been for committing turnover errors a contest they should have won facing Pittsburgh, they would currently hold a 9-1 record with the top standing. Last season, they appeared aged and sluggish. Now they’re youthful, quick and confident. Still, it’s hard to ignore the weakness of New England's opponents. They've played against the most manageable schedule throughout football, and there have still been cracks. The signal-caller has been sacked thirty-five times – among the highest totals – and some of the shots he endured during the game appeared dangerous. As the season progresses, those hits add up.

Broncos Situation

Denver stands at also 8-2, and the perception remains that they're barely surviving. Bo Nix has been erratic, and the offense plodding, as the defense handles most of the responsibility. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos aren’t scaring playoff opponents. The Chargers are also hovering in the Western division with seven wins, however, health issues affecting their protection unit will make it tough to achieve championship contention.

Steelers Examination

And then there’s Pittsburgh, inexplicably frontrunning the AFC North despite being thumped a decisive loss to Los Angeles in the evening game. They have a negative point differential, their defense too often disappears, with their quarterback's restrictions given his veteran status persistently appear. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, but Baltimore, featuring a recovered Jackson with manageable games ahead, are on a three-game win streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have pulled the gap to just one game, but that it has arrived so quickly represents criticism toward Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. Considering the Ravens opened losing five of six and still look like capable of division victory speaks volumes regarding the conference as a whole.

Established Contenders

The Ravens represent a segment among three elite teams – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who would still strike the most fear among competitors should they reach postseason. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, yet Kansas City and Buffalo cannot get out of their own way.

Bills Struggles

A week ago, Buffalo was celebrating post Chiefs triumph. On Sunday they suffered a particularly discouraging setback of the season. They didn't simply fail against Miami; they were embarrassed, falling 30-13 on the road. The Dolphins secured their first triumph versus Buffalo in more than 1,000 days.

If you’re looking for a perfect summary of Sunday, look no further: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt