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No league markets parity as effectively as the NFL: it defines their identity. But through 10 weeks of this season, this isn’t a league featuring uniform distribution among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. It’s one where most of the league is simply fine.

NFC Standings Definition

Within the National Football Conference, for the most part, there is some clarity. Los Angeles and Seattle (both standing at seven wins, two losses) appear to be the most well-rounded squads in the NFL, and secured blowout wins during Sunday's action. The 6-2 Eagles even with their challenges maintain 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 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, it's straightforward to put together a route to the final game.

AFC Confusion

In the AFC however, postseason landscape is thoroughly confusing. The current division frontrunners after ten games: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all at 8-2) and Steelers (5-4 record). Take another look. Kansas City isn't there. Buffalo is missing. Not the Ravens or Bengals. The traditional powers, backed by elite NFL signal-callers, have either significant personnel gaps or have been hit by injuries.

Parity Mechanics

To some extent, this is exactly what the league wants. Yet observing the current division frontrunners in the American Football Conference remains somewhat odd. Areas of each team meet championship standards, though not comprehensively. If you were asked to commit to your AFC Championship game picks right now, would you comfortably choose any among the current division frontrunners?

Team Breakdowns

Indianapolis Outlook

Beginning with the Colts, the signal-caller hasn't yet achieved complete disaster level. Yet the past two games have been worrying. He’s back to turning over the ball and failing against blitzes. He took seven sacks against the Falcons in the weekend game, and experienced a short sequence in which he threw an interception 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 the disaster plays. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line mean the Colts are able to withstand some negative plays, as demonstrated overseas. However, if Jones reverts to his old blunder-prone days would finish championship hopes.

New England Analysis

New England appears fairly alike. Previously, they were considered jokes. Currently, they represent the NFL's most pleasant shock and the strongest squad in football following seven consecutive victories. Except for losing due to fumbles a contest they should have won facing Pittsburgh, they'd possess at 9–1 with the best record. Last season, 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 most manageable schedule across the NFL, yet vulnerabilities remain. Drake Maye has been sacked thirty-five times – the second-most in football – with several hits he suffered last weekend appeared dangerous. With continued play, those beatings accumulate.

Broncos Situation

The Broncos are eight wins similarly, and the perception remains like they're nervously waiting. The Denver signal-caller has been erratic, and the offensive unit laboring, as the defense handles 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 with seven wins, but the injuries affecting their protection unit will make it tough to achieve championship contention.

Pittsburgh Situation

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, surprisingly atop the AFC North even after suffering 25-10 by the Chargers in the evening game. They have a negative point differential, their defensive unit frequently falters, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations at this stage of his career continue to show up. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, yet Baltimore, with their QB returning to health and the schedule softening, have won three consecutive. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have narrowed to within one game of Pittsburgh, but how rapidly this occurred represents criticism toward Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. Considering the Ravens opened the season 1-5 yet still appear they should win the division reveals much about the entire AFC.

Established Contenders

The Ravens represent a segment of the Big Three – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who could still create the most fear in opposing teams if they made the playoffs. 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 after beating the Chiefs. This weekend they encountered among the season's worst defeats during the campaign. They didn't merely fall versus the Dolphins; they looked terrible, dropping a 30-13 road game. It was Miami’s first win versus Buffalo in several seasons.

Should you seek a perfect summary of Sunday, look no further: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt