🔗 Share this article

No major competition promotes competitive balance like the NFL: it's their core marketing message. Yet following the first ten matchups of this season, this is not a competition with perfect equilibrium between the good, the bad and the mediocre. It’s one where the majority of teams are merely adequate.

NFC Standings Definition

In the NFC, for the most part, we see clearer definition. The Rams and Seahawks (both standing at seven wins, two losses) appear to be the most complete teams in the NFL, and achieved blowout wins during Sunday's action. The Eagles with six wins even with their challenges still have a deeply skilled squad throughout football, comparable to Green Bay (five wins, two losses, one tie). The Lions also (6-3 standing), despite their uneven performances in trench play while managing tension on their coaching staff, have proven they can hammer quality opponents. For each of these squads, one can readily construct a route to the final game.

Muddled AFC Picture

In the AFC however, postseason landscape remains completely chaotic. The current division frontrunners at this stage: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) and Steelers (five wins, four losses). Consider that carefully. No Chiefs presence. Buffalo is missing. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. The usual contenders, backed by elite NFL signal-callers, have either significant personnel gaps or have suffered medical setbacks.

League Equality Design

From certain perspectives, it’s the league’s ideal. However, witnessing the current division frontrunners within the conference continues to seem unusual. Aspects of each franchise meet championship standards, though not comprehensively. If you were asked to finalize your AFC Championship game picks right now, could you assuredly choose any among these four teams?

Squad Examinations

Indianapolis Colts

Beginning with the Colts, their quarterback hasn't descended to total collapse. But the last two weeks have caused alarm. He's reverting to committing turnovers and failing against blitzes. He was sacked seven times facing Atlanta in the weekend game, and endured a five-minute stretch in which he threw an intercepted pass and coughed up the ball thrice. This comes after he gave away possessions on five occasions facing the Steelers.

The Colts attack performed well initially because Jones avoided the disaster plays. The running back and protection unit mean the Colts are able to withstand occasional setbacks, like their German performance. But Jones returning to his historically mistake-heavy play would terminate postseason aspirations.

New England Patriots

New England appears somewhat similar. A year ago, they were league laughingstocks. Currently, they represent football's most unexpected success and the hottest team in football post seven wins in a row. Except for losing due to fumbles a winnable game against Pittsburgh, they'd possess a 9-1 record with the top standing. In the prior year, they seemed veteran and plodding. Currently they're inexperienced, speedy and bold. However, we must acknowledge how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They have faced the most manageable schedule across the NFL, and flaws have still emerged. The signal-caller has been sacked thirty-five times – among the highest totals – and some of the shots he endured during the game proved brutal. With continued play, those beatings accumulate.

Broncos Situation

The Broncos are also 8-2, yet it seems that they're barely surviving. Bo Nix has shown inconsistency, with the attack struggling, as the defense handles the majority of the work. Lacking competent QB performance, the Broncos won't frighten playoff opponents. Los Angeles remains nearby within their division holding a 7-2 record, however, health issues along their offensive line will make it tough to achieve championship contention.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, inexplicably frontrunning their division notwithstanding receiving 25-10 by the Chargers on Sunday night. They've been outscored overall, their defense regularly vanishes, with their quarterback's restrictions during his career phase persistently appear. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, 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 the Steelers' uneven performances. The fact Baltimore began with a 1-5 record and still look like they should win the division speaks volumes regarding the conference as a whole.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens represent a segment among three elite teams – together with Bills and Chiefs – driven by elite quarterback play, who would still strike the greatest concern among competitors if they made the playoffs. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, but the Chiefs and Bills continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Analysis

Last week, the Bills were riding high after beating the Chiefs. During Sunday's action they experienced one of the most disappointing losses during the campaign. They didn’t just lose versus the Dolphins; they suffered humiliation, losing 30-13 as visitors. It was Miami’s first win over the Bills in more than 1,000 days.

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