No league sells equal footing in the manner of the NFL: it defines their identity. However, after ten games of this season, this is not a competition featuring uniform distribution among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. Rather, we see a situation where the majority of teams are merely sufficient.
NFC Clarity
Looking at the NFC side, at least, there is some clarity. The Rams and Seahawks (each holding 7-2 records) seem like the most well-rounded squads in football, and achieved blowout wins during Sunday's action. The Eagles with six wins despite their struggles continue to possess one of the most talented rosters throughout football, similar to the Packers (5-2-1 record). Detroit as well (6-3), with their fluctuating form on offense and defense and navigating internal staff conflicts, have demonstrated they can hammer quality opponents. Regarding these five teams, one can readily envision a championship trajectory.
AFC Confusion
Over in the AFC, the playoff picture remains completely chaotic. The current division frontrunners through ten weeks: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all at 8-2) and the Steelers (five wins, four losses). Consider that carefully. Not the Chiefs. Buffalo is missing. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. The usual contenders, backed by the league’s best quarterbacks, have either glaring roster weaknesses or have suffered medical setbacks.
Competitive Balance System
To some extent, it’s the league’s ideal. But watching the current division frontrunners in the AFC remains somewhat odd. Areas of each team pass the championship smell test, yet not completely. Were you questioned to lock in your AFC title game selections right now, could you assuredly choose any among the current division frontrunners?
Team Breakdowns
Indianapolis Colts
Beginning with the Colts, their quarterback hasn’t quite reached total collapse. However, recent performances have been worrying. He's reverting to turning over the ball and failing against blitzes. He was sacked seven times facing Atlanta on Sunday, and endured a brief period in which he threw a pick and fumbled three times. This comes after he gave away possessions on five occasions against the Steelers.
The Colts’ offense performed well initially because Jones avoided game-changing errors. Taylor along with the blockers mean the Colts are good enough to survive some negative plays, as they did in Berlin. But Jones returning to his old blunder-prone days would terminate championship hopes.
New England Analysis
New England appears fairly alike. A year ago, they were a punchline. Now, they’re the league’s happiest surprise and the strongest squad across the league after seven straight wins. Had it not been for losing due to fumbles a winnable game facing Pittsburgh, they'd possess a 9-1 record with the best record. Last season, they were old and slow. Currently they're young, fast and unafraid. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They've encountered the easiest slate throughout football, yet vulnerabilities remain. Their quarterback has taken sacks on 35 occasions – among the highest totals – and some of the shots he absorbed on Sunday appeared dangerous. Over time, those beatings accumulate.
Broncos Situation
The Broncos are eight wins similarly, and it still feels that they're barely surviving. Their quarterback has performed unevenly, with the attack struggling, while the defensive unit provides the majority of the work. Absent adequate signal-calling, Denver cannot intimidate any playoff team. Los Angeles remains nearby in the AFC West at 7-2, yet medical problems along their offensive line will make it tough to mount a deep postseason tilt.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Then we have the Steelers, inexplicably frontrunning the Northern division despite being thumped 25-10 by the Chargers in the evening game. They have a negative point differential, their defensive unit frequently falters, and the QB's current constraints given his veteran status persistently appear. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, however, the Ravens, with Lamar Jackson healthy again and the schedule softening, have won three consecutive. We shouldn't be completely astonished that the Ravens have narrowed to within one game of Pittsburgh, but how rapidly this occurred represents criticism toward Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. The fact Baltimore began losing five of six yet still appear likely to claim the title reveals much about the complete conference.
Traditional Powers
Baltimore constitutes part of the Big Three – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who would still strike the highest anxiety for opponents if they qualified. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, but the Chiefs and Bills persistently undermine themselves.
Bills Struggles
Previously, the Bills were riding high after beating the Chiefs. On Sunday they suffered a particularly discouraging setback this year. They didn't merely fall to the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, falling 30-13 on the road. It was Miami’s first win against Buffalo in more than 1,000 days.
If you’re looking for a perfect summary of Sunday, look no further: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt
