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No major competition markets parity like the NFL: it's their core marketing message. Yet following ten games in this campaign, this doesn't represent a landscape featuring uniform distribution among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. It’s one where most of the league appear to be sufficient.

NFC Clarity

In the NFC, at least, the picture becomes more distinct. The Rams along with the Seahawks (each holding 7-2 records) look like the most well-rounded squads across the league, and secured blowout wins in their weekend matchups. The 6-2 Eagles despite their struggles continue to possess a deeply skilled squad throughout football, comparable to the Packers (five wins, two losses, one tie). Even the Lions (6-3 standing), despite their uneven performances on offense and defense and have been dealing with internal staff conflicts, have proven they can hammer strong franchises. For each of these squads, you can still easily put together a route to the final game.

Muddled AFC Picture

Over in the AFC, championship race is thoroughly confusing. Your four division leaders at this stage: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all at 8-2) and the Steelers (5-4 record). Read that again. Kansas City isn't there. Buffalo is missing. Not the Ravens or Bengals. Historically strong franchises, supported by premier quarterback talent, display either obvious team deficiencies or have suffered medical setbacks.

League Equality Design

In some ways, this is exactly what the league wants. However, witnessing this year’s four division leaders within the conference continues to seem unusual. Aspects of each franchise suggest title potential, but not in their entirety. Were you questioned to lock in your AFC title game selections right now, could you assuredly choose any among the four division leaders?

Squad Examinations

Indianapolis Colts

Beginning with the Colts, their quarterback hasn’t quite reached total collapse. Yet the past two games have caused alarm. He has returned to giving away possessions and failing against blitzes. He took seven sacks against the Falcons during Sunday's contest, and experienced a short sequence during which he tossed an interception and lost three fumbles. This comes after he turned the ball over five times facing the Steelers.

Indianapolis' offensive unit excelled during early games as Jones prevented the disaster plays. The running back and protection unit make the Colts capable of overcoming occasional setbacks, as they did in Berlin. But Jones returning to his historically mistake-heavy play would end postseason aspirations.

Patriots Examination

New England appears relatively comparable. Last season, they were a punchline. Currently, they represent the league’s happiest surprise and the hottest team in the NFL following seven consecutive victories. Had it not been for fumbling away a manageable matchup against Pittsburgh, they would currently hold nine wins, one loss as the league's best. In the prior year, they seemed veteran and plodding. Currently they're inexperienced, speedy and bold. However, we must acknowledge 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 35 times – ranking second league-wide – with several hits he endured during the game appeared dangerous. Over time, those beatings accumulate.

Denver Analysis

Denver stands at eight wins similarly, and it still feels that they're barely surviving. Their quarterback has shown inconsistency, with the attack struggling, while the defensive unit provides all the heavy lifting. Absent adequate signal-calling, the Broncos won't frighten playoff opponents. The Chargers are also hovering in the AFC West holding a 7-2 record, yet medical problems affecting their protection unit will present challenges to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Steelers Examination

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, somehow still leading their division despite being thumped 25-10 by the Chargers on Sunday night. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defense too often disappears, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations at this stage of his career persistently appear. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, yet Baltimore, with their QB returning to health with manageable games ahead, are on a three-game win streak. This development isn't entirely shocking that the Ravens have narrowed within a game of the Steelers, but how rapidly this occurred highlights deficiencies within the Steelers' uneven performances. That the Ravens started the season 1-5 and currently seem capable of division victory reveals much about the complete conference.

Traditional Powers

Baltimore constitutes part within a trio of powerhouses – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who would still strike the most fear for opponents if they made the playoffs. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, yet Kansas City and Buffalo cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Bills

A week ago, Buffalo was celebrating after beating the Chiefs. During Sunday's action they experienced one of the most disappointing losses of the season. They didn't merely fall against Miami; they looked terrible, dropping a 30-13 road game. It was Miami’s first win versus Buffalo in over three years.

If you’re looking for an example representing the day, consider this: the quarterback converting {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt