🔗 Share this article

No league markets competitive balance as effectively as the NFL: it's their core marketing message. However, after 10 weeks in this campaign, this doesn't represent a landscape featuring uniform distribution between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Rather, we see a situation where the majority of teams are merely adequate.

NFC Standings Definition

Looking at the NFC side, to some degree, the picture becomes more distinct. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both standing at seven wins, two losses) look like the most balanced franchises across the league, and secured decisive victories in their weekend matchups. The Eagles with six wins even with their challenges still have one of the most talented rosters across the NFL, comparable to Green Bay (5-2-1 record). Even the Lions (6-3), with their fluctuating form along both lines of scrimmage while managing coaching drama, have demonstrated they're capable of dominating strong franchises. For each of these squads, it's straightforward to put together a championship trajectory.

Muddled AFC Picture

Over in the AFC, postseason landscape remains completely chaotic. The four teams leading their divisions through ten weeks: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (each with 8-2 records) and the Steelers (5-4 record). Take another look. Kansas City isn't there. No Bills inclusion. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. The traditional powers, supported by elite NFL signal-callers, possess either obvious team deficiencies or are dealing with health issues.

Competitive Balance System

From certain perspectives, this is exactly what the league wants. But watching this year’s four division leaders within the conference continues to seem unusual. Aspects of each franchise meet championship standards, though not comprehensively. If you were asked to commit to your AFC Championship game picks right now, would you confidently select any one of the four division leaders?

Team Breakdowns

Indianapolis Colts

Starting in Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn't yet achieved pumpkin status. However, recent performances have caused alarm. He’s back to committing turnovers and faltering under duress. He took seven sacks against the Falcons during Sunday's contest, and had a short sequence during which he tossed an interception and lost three fumbles. This comes after he turned the ball over on five occasions against the Steelers.

The Colts’ offense performed well initially since Jones evaded the disaster plays. The running back and protection unit mean the Colts are good enough to survive occasional setbacks, as they did in Berlin. Yet Jones going back to his previous error-filled form would finish championship hopes.

Patriots Examination

The Patriots seem fairly alike. Last season, they were league laughingstocks. Currently, they represent football's most unexpected success and the strongest squad in the NFL after seven straight wins. Except for losing due to fumbles a contest they should have won against Pittsburgh, they’d be sitting at 9–1 as the league's best. Last season, they were old and slow. Today they appear inexperienced, speedy and bold. Still, it’s hard to ignore how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They have faced the most manageable schedule throughout football, and there have still been cracks. The signal-caller has been sacked thirty-five times – ranking second league-wide – with several hits he suffered last weekend were vicious. Over time, that punishment compounds.

Broncos Situation

Denver stands at 8–2 as well, and it still feels like they're nervously waiting. Their quarterback has performed unevenly, and the offense plodding, while the defensive unit provides all the heavy lifting. Lacking competent QB performance, Denver cannot intimidate anyone in the postseason. The Chargers are also contending in the AFC West with seven wins, but the injuries along their offensive line will present challenges for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Situation

And then there’s Pittsburgh, surprisingly atop the Northern division even after suffering a decisive loss to Los Angeles in the evening game. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defense regularly vanishes, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations at this stage of his career continue to show up. They’re 5–4 and holding on, however, the Ravens, featuring a recovered Jackson and the schedule softening, have won three consecutive. This development isn't entirely shocking that the Ravens have pulled to within one game of Pittsburgh, though the speed of this shift represents criticism toward the Steelers' uneven performances. That the Ravens started the season 1-5 and still look like likely to claim the title is telling about the complete conference.

Established Contenders

Baltimore constitutes part of the Big Three – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who could still create the most fear in opposing teams should they reach postseason. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, however, both franchises persistently undermine themselves.

Buffalo Bills

A week ago, the Bills felt confident following victory over Kansas City. On Sunday they suffered a particularly discouraging setback during the campaign. They didn't simply fail against Miami; they looked terrible, dropping a 30-13 road game. This represented Miami's initial victory over the Bills in more than 1,000 days.

If you’re looking for a microcosm of the day, look no further: the quarterback converting {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt