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No professional sports organization markets competitive balance like the NFL: it’s the entire brand. But through the first ten matchups in this campaign, this doesn't represent a landscape that is equally balanced between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Rather, we see a situation where most of the league are merely adequate.

NFC Standings Definition

Within the National Football Conference, at least, we see clearer definition. The Rams and Seahawks (each holding 7-2 records) look like the most balanced franchises in the NFL, and secured overwhelming triumphs during Sunday's action. The 6-2 Eagles notwithstanding their difficulties continue to possess one of the most talented rosters in the league, likewise with Green Bay (5-2-1 record). Even the Lions (6-3 standing), despite their uneven performances on offense and defense and navigating tension on their coaching staff, have shown they can hammer strong franchises. For all five, you can still easily envision a Super Bowl path.

Muddled AFC Picture

In the AFC however, championship race remains completely chaotic. The current division frontrunners through ten weeks: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all standing at eight wins) along with Pittsburgh (5-4 record). Consider that carefully. Not the Chiefs. Buffalo is missing. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. Historically strong franchises, featuring elite NFL signal-callers, possess either significant personnel gaps or have been hit by injuries.

Parity Mechanics

To some extent, it’s the league’s ideal. But watching this year’s four division leaders in the American Football Conference still feels strange. Aspects of each franchise meet championship standards, yet not completely. If someone requested to commit to your conference championship predictions right now, could you assuredly choose any among the current division frontrunners?

Squad Examinations

Indianapolis Colts

Starting in Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn't descended to pumpkin status. Yet the past two games have raised concerns. He has returned to turning over the ball and struggling against pressure. He suffered seven sacks against the Falcons on Sunday, and had a short sequence during which he tossed an intercepted pass and coughed up the ball thrice. This follows he turned the ball over on five occasions versus Pittsburgh.

Indianapolis' offensive unit performed well initially as Jones prevented catastrophic mistakes. The running back and protection unit mean the Colts are good enough to survive some negative plays, as demonstrated overseas. But Jones returning to his historically mistake-heavy play would terminate championship hopes.

New England Analysis

The Patriots feel somewhat similar. Previously, they were a punchline. Today, they stand as the league’s happiest surprise and the hottest team across the league after seven straight wins. Had it not been for losing due to fumbles a manageable matchup facing Pittsburgh, they would currently hold nine wins, one loss with the top standing. In the prior year, they were old and slow. Today they appear young, fast and unafraid. Still, it’s hard to ignore the weakness of New England's opponents. They've played against the easiest slate in the league, and flaws have still emerged. The signal-caller has taken sacks thirty-five times – among the highest totals – including particular impacts he endured during the game were vicious. With continued play, those beatings accumulate.

Broncos Situation

Denver stands at also 8-2, and the perception remains as if they’re holding their breath. The Denver signal-caller has been erratic, and the offense plodding, while the defensive unit provides the majority of the work. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos won't frighten any playoff team. The Chargers are also hovering in the Western division at 7-2, but the injuries affecting their protection unit will create difficulties to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Then we have the Steelers, inexplicably frontrunning their division notwithstanding receiving 25-10 by the Chargers on Sunday night. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defensive unit frequently falters, and the QB's current constraints at this stage of his career continue to show up. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, however, the Ravens, with their QB returning to health and facing easier opponents, are riding a three-game streak. We shouldn't be completely astonished that the Ravens have pulled the gap to just one game, but how rapidly this occurred highlights deficiencies within the Steelers' uneven performances. That the Ravens started the season 1-5 yet still appear they should win the division is telling about the complete conference.

Established Contenders

The Ravens represent a segment of the Big Three – together with Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who would still strike the most fear in opposing teams if they made the playoffs. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, however, both franchises cannot get out of their own way.

Bills Struggles

Previously, Buffalo was celebrating following victory over Kansas City. This weekend they encountered among the season's worst defeats of the season. They didn't simply fail against Miami; they were embarrassed, dropping a 30-13 road game. The Dolphins secured their first triumph against Buffalo in over three years.

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