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No league markets equal footing like the NFL: it’s the entire brand. However, after the first ten matchups during the current schedule, this isn’t a league that is equally balanced among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. It’s one where most of the league are merely fine.

Clear Picture in NFC

Within the National Football Conference, to some degree, there is some clarity. Los Angeles and Seattle (both at 7-2) look like the most well-rounded squads in football, and secured overwhelming triumphs on Sunday. The Eagles with six wins despite their struggles continue to possess among the most gifted lineups across the NFL, likewise with Green Bay (5-2-1 record). The Lions also (6-3), despite their uneven performances on offense and defense and have been dealing with internal staff conflicts, have proven they're capable of dominating quality opponents. For all five, it's straightforward to put together a route to the final game.

AFC Confusion

In the AFC however, the playoff picture remains completely chaotic. The current division frontrunners after ten games: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all at 8-2) and Steelers (5-4). Consider that carefully. Kansas City isn't there. Buffalo is missing. Not the Ravens or Bengals. Historically strong franchises, backed by the league’s best quarterbacks, display either glaring roster weaknesses or are dealing with health issues.

League Equality Design

In some ways, it’s the league’s ideal. Yet observing this season's top AFC teams in the AFC continues to seem unusual. Components of every squad pass the championship smell test, though not comprehensively. Were you questioned to commit to your AFC Championship game picks at this moment, would you comfortably pick any of these four teams?

Squad Examinations

Colts Situation

Starting in Indianapolis, Daniel Jones hasn’t quite reached total collapse. But the last two weeks have been worrying. He has returned to turning over the ball and failing against blitzes. He suffered seven sacks facing Atlanta on Sunday, and had a five-minute stretch where he delivered an interception and lost three fumbles. This follows he gave away possessions on five occasions facing the Steelers.

Indianapolis' offensive unit performed well initially as Jones prevented catastrophic mistakes. The running back and protection unit ensure Indianapolis remains capable of overcoming some negative plays, as they did in Berlin. But Jones returning to his old blunder-prone days would finish any playoff run.

New England Patriots

New England appears relatively comparable. A year ago, they were considered jokes. Currently, they represent football's most unexpected success and the hottest team across the league after seven straight wins. Except for fumbling away a manageable matchup facing Pittsburgh, they would currently hold a 9-1 record as the league's best. In the prior year, they were old and slow. Today they appear inexperienced, speedy and bold. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They have faced the least challenging lineup in the league, and flaws have still emerged. The signal-caller has been brought down on 35 occasions – among the highest totals – and some of the shots he endured during the game proved brutal. With continued play, those hits add up.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos hold 8–2 as well, and it still feels like they're nervously waiting. Their quarterback has performed unevenly, and the offensive unit laboring, with the defense doing most of the responsibility. Absent adequate signal-calling, the Broncos won't frighten playoff opponents. The Chargers are also hovering in the Western division holding a 7-2 record, yet medical problems within their blocking corps will create difficulties to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Steelers Examination

And then there’s Pittsburgh, surprisingly atop their division even after suffering 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 persistently appear. They’re 5–4 and holding on, but Baltimore, with Lamar Jackson healthy again and the schedule softening, are riding a three-game streak. We shouldn't be completely astonished that the Ravens have narrowed to within one game of Pittsburgh, though the speed of this shift represents criticism toward Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. Considering the Ravens opened the season 1-5 yet still appear likely to claim the title speaks volumes regarding the conference as a whole.

Traditional Powers

The Ravens represent a segment among three elite teams – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who would still strike the most fear for opponents if they qualified. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, however, both franchises cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Analysis

A week ago, the Bills were riding high post Chiefs triumph. This weekend they encountered among the season's worst defeats during the campaign. They didn't merely fall versus the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, dropping a 30-13 road game. It was Miami’s first win against Buffalo 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