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No league promotes competitive balance as effectively as the NFL: it defines their identity. However, after 10 weeks during the current schedule, this doesn't represent a landscape that is equally balanced between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Rather, we see a situation where the bulk of franchises is simply fine.

Clear Picture in NFC

Looking at the NFC side, for the most part, the picture becomes more distinct. Los Angeles and Seattle (both standing at seven wins, two losses) appear to be the most balanced franchises across the league, and delivered decisive victories during Sunday's action. The 6-2 Eagles even with their challenges still have one of the most talented rosters across the NFL, likewise with the Packers (five wins, two losses, one tie). Detroit as well (six and three), despite their uneven performances along both lines of scrimmage and navigating coaching drama, have demonstrated they can defeat quality opponents. For all five, you can still easily construct a Super Bowl path.

AFC Confusion

In the AFC however, postseason landscape is thoroughly confusing. The four teams leading their divisions at this stage: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) along with Pittsburgh (five wins, four losses). Read that again. No Chiefs presence. No Bills inclusion. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. The usual contenders, backed by elite NFL signal-callers, possess either glaring roster weaknesses or are dealing with health issues.

Parity Mechanics

To some extent, this is exactly what the league wants. However, witnessing the current division frontrunners in the American Football Conference continues to seem unusual. Aspects of each franchise pass the championship smell test, yet not completely. Were you questioned to lock in your conference championship predictions today, would you confidently pick any of the current division frontrunners?

Squad Examinations

Indianapolis Colts

First, examining Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn't descended to pumpkin status. However, recent performances have been worrying. He's reverting to turning over the ball and faltering under duress. He took seven sacks facing Atlanta on Sunday, and had a brief period where he delivered an interception and lost three fumbles. This is a week after he committed turnovers five times facing the Steelers.

The Colts’ offense performed well initially because Jones avoided catastrophic mistakes. Taylor along with the blockers make the Colts able to withstand occasional setbacks, like their German performance. However, if Jones reverts to his previous error-filled form would end any playoff run.

New England Patriots

New England appears somewhat similar. Previously, they were league laughingstocks. Currently, they represent the NFL's most pleasant shock and the hottest team in the NFL following seven consecutive victories. If not for losing due to fumbles a winnable game against Pittsburgh, they'd possess at 9–1 as the league's best. Previously, they seemed veteran and plodding. Today they appear young, fast and unafraid. Still, it’s hard to ignore how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They've played against the most manageable schedule throughout football, yet vulnerabilities remain. The signal-caller has been brought down on 35 occasions – among the highest totals – and some of the shots he endured during the game appeared dangerous. As the season progresses, that punishment compounds.

Denver Broncos

Denver stands at eight wins similarly, and it still feels like they're nervously waiting. The Denver signal-caller has shown inconsistency, with the attack struggling, while the defensive unit provides the majority of the work. Absent adequate signal-calling, Denver cannot intimidate any playoff team. The Chargers are also contending in the Western division at 7-2, but the injuries affecting their protection unit will create difficulties to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Situation

Then we have the Steelers, inexplicably frontrunning their division despite being thumped 25-10 by the Chargers on Sunday night. They have a negative point differential, their defense too often disappears, and the QB's current constraints at this stage of his career regularly manifest. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, but Baltimore, with their QB returning to health and the schedule softening, are riding a three-game streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that Baltimore has closed the gap to just one game, but that it has arrived so quickly highlights deficiencies within Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. That the Ravens started losing five of six and currently seem they should win the division reveals much about the conference as a whole.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens represent a segment within a trio of powerhouses – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – driven by elite quarterback play, who could still create the most fear for opponents if they made the playoffs. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, but the Chiefs and Bills cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Analysis

A week ago, Buffalo was celebrating following victory over Kansas City. On Sunday they suffered one of the most disappointing losses during the campaign. They didn't merely fall versus the Dolphins; they looked terrible, losing 30-13 as visitors. This represented Miami's initial victory against Buffalo in more than 1,000 days.

Should you seek a perfect summary of Sunday, consider this: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt