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No major competition sells equal footing like the NFL: it's their core marketing message. Yet following the first ten matchups during the current schedule, this doesn't represent a landscape with perfect equilibrium separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. Rather, we see a situation where most of the league are merely sufficient.

Clear Picture in NFC

Within the National Football Conference, at least, the picture becomes more distinct. Los Angeles and Seattle (each holding 7-2 records) seem like the most complete teams in football, and secured overwhelming triumphs on Sunday. Philadelphia at 6-2 despite their struggles maintain a deeply skilled squad throughout football, likewise with the Packers (5-2-1). Even the Lions (6-3), with their fluctuating form on offense and defense and navigating tension on their coaching staff, have proven they can defeat quality opponents. For all five, it's straightforward to envision a championship trajectory.

Muddled AFC Picture

In the AFC however, championship race is a jumbled mess. Your four division leaders after ten games: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all at 8-2) and Steelers (five wins, four losses). Take another look. No Chiefs presence. No Bills inclusion. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. Historically strong franchises, backed by elite NFL signal-callers, display either glaring roster weaknesses or have been hit by injuries.

League Equality Design

In some ways, this is exactly what the league wants. But watching the current division frontrunners within the conference remains somewhat odd. Areas of each team suggest title potential, though not comprehensively. Were you questioned to finalize your AFC title game selections right now, could you assuredly pick any of these four teams?

Franchise Analysis

Indianapolis Colts

Starting in Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn't descended to total collapse. Yet the past two games have raised concerns. He has returned to giving away possessions and failing against blitzes. He suffered seven sacks versus Atlanta in the weekend game, and endured a five-minute stretch in which he threw an interception and fumbled three times. This is a week after he turned the ball over five separate times facing the Steelers.

The Colts attack thrived early in the season since Jones evaded the disaster plays. 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 terminate postseason aspirations.

Patriots Examination

The Patriots seem relatively comparable. Previously, they were considered jokes. Currently, they represent the league’s happiest surprise and the strongest squad in the NFL after seven straight wins. If not for losing due to fumbles a manageable matchup versus the Steelers, they’d be sitting nine wins, one loss with the top standing. Last season, they appeared aged and sluggish. Today they appear inexperienced, speedy and bold. Still, it’s hard to ignore the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They've encountered the easiest slate across the NFL, yet vulnerabilities remain. The signal-caller has been sacked on 35 occasions – ranking second league-wide – and some of the shots he suffered last weekend appeared dangerous. As the season progresses, those hits add up.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos are also 8-2, yet it seems like they're nervously waiting. The Denver signal-caller has performed unevenly, and the offense plodding, as the defense handles all the heavy lifting. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos aren’t scaring playoff opponents. Los Angeles remains nearby in the AFC West with seven wins, however, health issues along their offensive line will present challenges for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Situation

And then there’s Pittsburgh, inexplicably frontrunning the AFC North notwithstanding receiving 25-10 by the Chargers in the evening game. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defensive unit frequently falters, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations at this stage of his career continue to show up. They’re 5–4 and holding on, but Baltimore, featuring a recovered Jackson 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 Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. Considering the Ravens opened the season 1-5 yet still appear they should win the division reveals much about the complete conference.

Traditional Powers

Baltimore constitutes part within a trio of powerhouses – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, that would continue to generate the greatest concern in opposing teams if they qualified. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, however, both franchises continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Bills

Last week, the Bills were riding high following victory over Kansas City. This weekend they encountered a particularly discouraging setback this year. They didn't simply fail versus the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, dropping a 30-13 road game. It was Miami’s first win over the Bills in several seasons.

For those searching for a microcosm of the day, look no further: the quarterback converting {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt