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No professional sports organization markets parity like the NFL: it's their core marketing message. But through 10 weeks of this season, this isn’t a league with perfect equilibrium among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. Instead, it's a scenario where the majority of teams appear to be sufficient.

NFC Standings Definition

In the NFC, at least, the picture becomes more distinct. The Rams and Seahawks (both at 7-2) look like the most well-rounded squads across the league, and secured overwhelming triumphs on Sunday. The 6-2 Eagles notwithstanding their difficulties continue to possess among the most gifted lineups across the NFL, similar to Green Bay (5-2-1). The Lions also (6-3), despite their uneven performances in trench play and have been dealing with tension on their coaching staff, have proven they're capable of dominating good teams. For each of these squads, you can still easily put together a championship trajectory.

Muddled AFC Picture

In the AFC however, championship race remains completely chaotic. The current division frontrunners through ten weeks: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (each with 8-2 records) and the Steelers (5-4). Take another look. Not the Chiefs. Buffalo is missing. Not the Ravens or Bengals. The usual contenders, supported by the league’s best quarterbacks, display either obvious team deficiencies or have been hit by injuries.

Parity Mechanics

From certain perspectives, this is exactly what the league wants. Yet observing this season's top AFC teams in the AFC remains somewhat odd. Aspects of each franchise meet championship standards, though not comprehensively. Were you questioned to commit to your AFC Championship game picks today, could you assuredly choose any among the four division leaders?

Team Breakdowns

Colts Situation

Beginning with the Colts, their quarterback hasn’t quite reached pumpkin status. Yet the past two games have been worrying. He's reverting to turning over the ball and struggling against pressure. He suffered seven sacks facing Atlanta in the weekend game, and experienced a five-minute stretch where he delivered an interception and fumbled three times. This comes after he committed turnovers on five occasions against the Steelers.

The Colts’ offense thrived early in the season since Jones evaded the disaster plays. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line mean the Colts are capable of overcoming occasional setbacks, like their German performance. However, if Jones reverts to his previous error-filled form would end postseason aspirations.

New England Patriots

The Patriots seem somewhat similar. A year ago, they were league laughingstocks. Today, they stand as the NFL's most pleasant shock and the hottest team in the NFL after seven straight wins. Except for fumbling away a contest they should have won against Pittsburgh, they’d be sitting a 9-1 record as the league's best. Previously, they were old and slow. Currently they're youthful, quick and confident. Still, it’s hard to ignore the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They have faced the easiest slate across the NFL, and flaws have still emerged. The signal-caller has been brought down 35 times – ranking second league-wide – including particular impacts he endured during the game appeared dangerous. As the season progresses, those hits add up.

Broncos Situation

Denver stands at eight wins similarly, yet it seems as if they’re holding their breath. Bo Nix has been erratic, and the offense plodding, as the defense handles the majority of the work. Lacking competent QB performance, the Broncos aren’t scaring anyone in the postseason. The Chargers are also contending in the Western division at 7-2, yet medical problems along their offensive line will make it tough for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Steelers

And then there’s Pittsburgh, surprisingly atop the AFC North notwithstanding receiving a decisive loss to Los Angeles in the evening game. They've been outscored overall, 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, however, the Ravens, with Lamar Jackson healthy again and facing easier opponents, are on a three-game win streak. This development isn't entirely shocking that the Ravens have narrowed to within one game of Pittsburgh, though the speed of this shift highlights deficiencies within Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. The fact Baltimore began the season 1-5 and still look like they should win the division speaks volumes regarding the complete conference.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens represent a segment of the Big Three – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who could still create the highest anxiety for opponents if they qualified. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, yet Kansas City and Buffalo continue to self-destruct.

Bills Struggles

Last week, the Bills were riding high post Chiefs triumph. On Sunday they suffered a particularly discouraging setback this year. They didn't merely fall against Miami; they looked terrible, losing 30-13 as visitors. The Dolphins secured their first triumph over the Bills in several seasons.

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