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No professional sports organization sells parity like the NFL: it’s the entire brand. Yet following ten games during the current schedule, this doesn't represent a landscape that is equally balanced separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. Instead, it's a scenario where the bulk of franchises are merely sufficient.

NFC Standings Definition

Within the National Football Conference, at least, there is some clarity. The Rams and Seahawks (each holding 7-2 records) look like the most well-rounded squads across the league, and secured blowout wins on Sunday. Philadelphia at 6-2 notwithstanding their difficulties still have among the most gifted lineups throughout football, comparable to Green Bay (5-2-1 record). Detroit as well (6-3), with their fluctuating form on offense and defense while managing coaching drama, have demonstrated they're capable of dominating strong franchises. For all five, it's straightforward to put together a Super Bowl path.

Muddled AFC Picture

Turning to the American Football Conference, postseason landscape is a jumbled mess. Your four division leaders at this stage: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all standing at eight wins) and Steelers (5-4 record). Consider that carefully. No Chiefs presence. Buffalo is missing. Not the Ravens or Bengals. The usual contenders, supported by premier quarterback talent, have either significant personnel gaps or have suffered medical setbacks.

Competitive Balance System

In some ways, this is exactly what the league wants. Yet observing this year’s four division leaders in the AFC continues to seem unusual. Areas of each team pass the championship smell test, but not in their entirety. Were you questioned to lock in your AFC title game selections right now, would you comfortably select any one of these four teams?

Squad Examinations

Indianapolis Colts

Beginning with the Colts, the signal-caller hasn’t quite reached total collapse. Yet the past two games have raised concerns. He has returned to giving away possessions and faltering under duress. He took seven sacks versus Atlanta in the weekend game, and had a short sequence where he delivered an interception and coughed up the ball thrice. This follows he committed turnovers five times against the Steelers.

The Colts’ offense excelled during early games since Jones evaded the disaster plays. The running back and protection unit ensure Indianapolis remains able to withstand occasional setbacks, as demonstrated overseas. But Jones returning to his previous error-filled form would finish championship hopes.

Patriots Examination

The Patriots feel somewhat similar. A year ago, they were considered jokes. Now, they’re the NFL's most pleasant shock and the strongest squad in the NFL post seven wins in a row. If not for losing due to fumbles a contest they should have won against Pittsburgh, they'd possess at 9–1 with the best record. Previously, they seemed veteran and plodding. Currently they're youthful, quick and confident. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the weakness of New England's opponents. They've encountered the most manageable schedule across the NFL, and there have still been cracks. Their quarterback has taken sacks on 35 occasions – among the highest totals – including particular impacts he absorbed on Sunday appeared dangerous. Over time, those hits add up.

Denver Broncos

Denver stands at also 8-2, and it still feels as if they’re holding their breath. Their quarterback has shown inconsistency, and the offensive unit laboring, with the defense doing most of the responsibility. Absent adequate signal-calling, the Broncos won't frighten playoff opponents. Los Angeles remains nearby within their division holding a 7-2 record, but the injuries within their blocking corps will make it tough to achieve championship contention.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, surprisingly atop the Northern division notwithstanding receiving a decisive loss to Los Angeles in the evening game. They've been outscored overall, their defense regularly vanishes, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations at this stage of his career continue to show up. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, but Baltimore, with their QB returning to health with manageable games ahead, are on a three-game win streak. We shouldn't be completely astonished that the Ravens have narrowed the gap to just one game, but that it has arrived so quickly represents criticism toward the Steelers' uneven performances. The fact Baltimore began losing five of six and currently seem they should win the division speaks volumes regarding the conference as a whole.

Established Contenders

Baltimore constitutes part among three elite teams – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who would still strike the most fear for opponents if they qualified. 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 post Chiefs triumph. On Sunday they suffered among the season's worst defeats of the season. They didn't simply fail to the Dolphins; 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 a perfect summary of Sunday, consider this: Allen transforming {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt