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No major competition sells competitive balance like the NFL: it defines their identity. However, after 10 weeks of this season, this isn’t a league with perfect equilibrium between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Instead, it's a scenario where the bulk of franchises appear to be fine.

Clear Picture in NFC

Looking at the NFC side, at least, the picture becomes more distinct. Los Angeles and Seattle (both at 7-2) appear to be the most balanced franchises in football, and secured blowout wins in their weekend matchups. Philadelphia at 6-2 notwithstanding their difficulties maintain one of the most talented rosters in the league, comparable to the Packers (5-2-1). Even the Lions (6-3), who have been inconsistent along both lines of scrimmage and navigating internal staff conflicts, have demonstrated they can defeat quality opponents. Regarding these five teams, it's straightforward to put together a route to the final game.

Muddled AFC Picture

In the AFC however, postseason landscape is a jumbled mess. The current division frontrunners at this stage: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all at 8-2) and the Steelers (five wins, four losses). Take another look. No Chiefs presence. No Bills inclusion. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. The traditional powers, supported by premier quarterback talent, possess either obvious team deficiencies or have suffered medical setbacks.

Parity Mechanics

In some ways, this is exactly what the league wants. However, witnessing this season's top AFC teams in the AFC continues to seem unusual. Aspects of each franchise pass the championship smell test, but not in their entirety. If you were asked to lock in your AFC title game selections right now, could you assuredly pick any of the current division frontrunners?

Team Breakdowns

Colts Situation

First, examining Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn’t quite reached complete disaster level. Yet the past two games have raised concerns. He’s back to committing turnovers and struggling against pressure. He suffered seven sacks facing Atlanta in the weekend game, and endured a brief period in which he threw an interception and fumbled three times. This comes after he turned the ball over five times against the Steelers.

The Colts attack excelled during early games as Jones prevented the disaster plays. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line mean the Colts are good enough to survive some negative plays, as demonstrated overseas. However, if Jones reverts to his previous error-filled form would end any playoff run.

New England Patriots

New England appears fairly alike. A year ago, they were considered jokes. Today, they stand as the NFL's most pleasant shock and the strongest squad in the NFL after seven straight wins. Had it not been for committing turnover errors a manageable matchup versus the Steelers, they’d be sitting nine wins, one loss with the top standing. Last season, they seemed veteran and plodding. Currently they're young, fast and unafraid. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They've encountered the most manageable schedule across the NFL, yet vulnerabilities remain. Their quarterback has been sacked on 35 occasions – among the highest totals – and some of the shots he endured during the game appeared dangerous. As the season progresses, those beatings accumulate.

Denver Analysis

The Broncos hold eight wins similarly, yet it seems that they're barely surviving. Bo Nix has been erratic, and the offense plodding, while the defensive unit provides all the heavy lifting. Absent adequate signal-calling, Denver cannot intimidate anyone in the postseason. The Chargers are also contending within their division with seven wins, but the injuries along their offensive line will create difficulties to achieve championship contention.

Pittsburgh Situation

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, surprisingly atop the Northern division notwithstanding receiving a decisive loss to Los Angeles during prime time. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defensive unit frequently falters, with their quarterback's restrictions given his veteran status regularly manifest. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, yet Baltimore, with their QB returning to health and the schedule softening, are on a three-game win streak. This development isn't entirely shocking that the Ravens have narrowed the gap to just one game, but how rapidly this occurred represents criticism toward Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. Considering the Ravens opened losing five of six yet still appear capable of division victory is telling about the complete conference.

Traditional Powers

The Ravens represent a segment among three elite teams – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who could still create the highest anxiety among competitors if they made the playoffs. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, however, both franchises cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Analysis

Previously, the Bills were riding high following victory over Kansas City. On Sunday they suffered one of the most disappointing losses during the campaign. They didn't merely fall to the Dolphins; they looked terrible, losing 30-13 as visitors. This represented Miami's initial victory against Buffalo in over three years.

Should you seek a microcosm of the day, look no further: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt