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No major competition sells equal footing as effectively as the NFL: it defines their identity. However, after ten games in this campaign, this isn’t a league that is equally balanced separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. It’s one where the majority of teams appear to be adequate.

NFC Standings Definition

Looking at the NFC side, at least, there is some clarity. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both at 7-2) look like the most complete teams in football, and achieved overwhelming triumphs on Sunday. Philadelphia at 6-2 despite their struggles still have a deeply skilled squad throughout football, similar to the Packers franchise (5-2-1 record). Even the Lions (6-3 standing), despite their uneven performances along both lines of scrimmage and have been dealing with tension on their coaching staff, have demonstrated they can hammer quality opponents. Regarding these five teams, one can readily construct a Super Bowl path.

Muddled AFC Picture

In the AFC however, postseason landscape is thoroughly confusing. The four teams leading their divisions at this stage: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all standing at eight wins) along with Pittsburgh (5-4 record). Consider that carefully. No Chiefs presence. Buffalo is missing. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. The traditional powers, backed by the league’s best quarterbacks, have either obvious team deficiencies or are dealing with health issues.

Parity Mechanics

In some ways, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. But watching this season's top AFC teams in the American Football Conference continues to seem unusual. Areas of each team meet championship standards, yet not completely. Were you questioned to commit to your AFC title game selections right now, could you assuredly pick any of the four division leaders?

Squad Examinations

Indianapolis Outlook

Starting in Indianapolis, Daniel Jones hasn’t quite reached total collapse. Yet the past two games have been worrying. He’s back to turning over the ball and faltering under duress. He suffered seven sacks versus Atlanta on Sunday, and had a five-minute stretch in which he threw a pick and fumbled three times. This is a week after he committed turnovers five times versus Pittsburgh.

Indianapolis' offensive unit performed well initially as Jones prevented game-changing errors. The running back and protection unit ensure Indianapolis remains capable of overcoming some negative plays, like their German performance. However, if Jones reverts to his historically mistake-heavy play would finish postseason aspirations.

Patriots Examination

The Patriots feel relatively comparable. Previously, they were league laughingstocks. Today, they stand as football's most unexpected success and the strongest squad in football after seven straight wins. If not for committing turnover errors a winnable game versus the Steelers, they'd possess nine wins, one loss with the top standing. In the prior year, they were old and slow. Currently they're youthful, quick and confident. However, we must acknowledge the weakness of New England's opponents. They've played against the least challenging lineup in the league, and there have still been cracks. Drake Maye has taken sacks 35 times – the second-most in football – including particular impacts he absorbed on Sunday appeared dangerous. As the season progresses, those beatings accumulate.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos hold eight wins similarly, yet it seems as if they’re holding their breath. Their quarterback has performed unevenly, and the offensive unit laboring, with the defense doing the majority of the work. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos won't frighten anyone in the postseason. Los Angeles remains nearby in the AFC West holding a 7-2 record, however, health issues affecting their protection unit will create difficulties for extended playoff success.

Steelers Examination

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, inexplicably frontrunning the AFC North despite being thumped a decisive loss to Los Angeles during prime time. They've been outscored overall, their defense regularly vanishes, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations at this stage of his career persistently appear. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, yet Baltimore, featuring a recovered Jackson 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, but how rapidly this occurred highlights deficiencies within Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. The fact Baltimore began with a 1-5 record and currently seem they should win the division speaks volumes regarding the entire AFC.

Established Contenders

The Ravens' form part of the Big Three – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, that would continue to generate the most fear for opponents if they made the playoffs. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, but the Chiefs and Bills persistently undermine themselves.

Buffalo Bills

Last week, Buffalo was celebrating after beating the Chiefs. During Sunday's action they experienced among the season's worst defeats of the season. They didn’t just lose against Miami; they suffered humiliation, dropping a 30-13 road game. The Dolphins secured their first triumph over the Bills in more than 1,000 days.

For those searching for a microcosm of the day, consider this: the quarterback converting {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt