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No professional sports organization markets equal footing as effectively as the NFL: it’s the entire brand. Yet following the first ten matchups of this season, this is not a competition that is equally balanced among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. It’s one where most of the league are merely adequate.

NFC Clarity

In the NFC, to some degree, there is some clarity. Los Angeles and Seattle (both standing at seven wins, two losses) seem like the most well-rounded squads in the NFL, and achieved overwhelming triumphs on Sunday. The 6-2 Eagles even with their challenges continue to possess a deeply skilled squad in the league, similar to the Packers franchise (five wins, two losses, one tie). Detroit as well (6-3 standing), despite their uneven performances in trench play and have been dealing with tension on their coaching staff, have demonstrated they can defeat strong franchises. For each of these squads, one can readily envision a Super Bowl path.

AFC Confusion

In the AFC however, championship race remains completely chaotic. Your four division leaders at this stage: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all at 8-2) and the Steelers (5-4 record). Take another look. No Chiefs presence. Not the Bills. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. The traditional powers, backed by premier quarterback talent, have either glaring roster weaknesses or are dealing with health issues.

Parity Mechanics

From certain perspectives, this is exactly what the league wants. However, witnessing the current division frontrunners in the AFC remains somewhat odd. Components of every squad meet championship standards, but not in their entirety. Were you questioned to lock in your AFC title game selections at this moment, would you comfortably choose any among the current division frontrunners?

Squad Examinations

Colts Situation

Starting in Indianapolis, Daniel Jones hasn’t quite reached total collapse. Yet the past two games have raised concerns. He’s back to giving away possessions and failing against blitzes. He suffered seven sacks against the Falcons in the weekend game, and experienced a five-minute stretch during which he tossed an intercepted pass and fumbled three times. This is a week after he committed turnovers five times versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts’ offense performed well initially because Jones avoided the disaster plays. Taylor along with the blockers mean the Colts are able to withstand periodic mistakes, as they did in Berlin. But Jones returning to his previous error-filled form would end postseason aspirations.

Patriots Examination

The Patriots feel relatively comparable. Last season, they were a punchline. Now, they’re the NFL's most pleasant shock and the hottest team across the league after seven straight wins. Except for committing turnover errors a manageable matchup against Pittsburgh, they'd possess nine wins, one loss with the top standing. Previously, they appeared aged and sluggish. Now they’re inexperienced, speedy and bold. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They've played against the least challenging lineup throughout football, yet vulnerabilities remain. Drake Maye has been brought down on 35 occasions – ranking second league-wide – with several hits he absorbed on Sunday proved brutal. Over time, that punishment compounds.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos hold eight wins similarly, yet it seems like they're nervously waiting. Their quarterback has performed unevenly, with the attack struggling, with the defense doing the majority of the work. Without serviceable quarterback play, Denver cannot intimidate any playoff team. The Chargers are also hovering in the AFC West holding a 7-2 record, but the injuries affecting their protection unit will make it tough for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Situation

Then we have the Steelers, inexplicably frontrunning their division even after suffering a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers in the evening game. They've been outscored overall, their defense regularly vanishes, with their quarterback's restrictions given his veteran status continue to show up. They’re 5–4 and holding on, yet Baltimore, with Lamar Jackson healthy again and facing easier opponents, are riding a three-game streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have pulled the gap to just one game, 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 entire AFC.

Established Contenders

Baltimore constitutes part among three elite teams – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who could still create the greatest concern in opposing teams if they made the playoffs. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, yet Kansas City and Buffalo continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Analysis

Last week, Buffalo was celebrating after beating the Chiefs. On Sunday they suffered one of the most disappointing losses during the campaign. They didn’t just lose against Miami; they looked terrible, losing 30-13 as visitors. It was Miami’s first win over the Bills in several seasons.

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