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No league markets parity like the NFL: it’s the entire brand. But through the first ten matchups of this season, this isn’t a league featuring uniform distribution between the good, the bad and the mediocre. It’s one where the bulk of franchises is simply adequate.

NFC Clarity

Looking at the NFC side, for the most part, there is some clarity. The Rams and Seahawks (each holding 7-2 records) look like the most well-rounded squads across the league, and achieved blowout wins during Sunday's action. The Eagles with six wins notwithstanding their difficulties maintain among the most gifted lineups across the NFL, comparable to the Packers (five wins, two losses, one tie). The Lions also (6-3), with their fluctuating form in trench play and have been dealing with tension on their coaching staff, have demonstrated they can defeat quality opponents. For all five, one can readily put together a Super Bowl path.

AFC Playoff Chaos

Over in the AFC, the playoff picture remains completely chaotic. Your four division leaders at this stage: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) along with Pittsburgh (5-4). Consider that carefully. No Chiefs presence. Not the Bills. Not the Ravens or Bengals. Historically strong franchises, supported by premier quarterback talent, possess either glaring roster weaknesses or have been hit by injuries.

Parity Mechanics

From certain perspectives, this is exactly what the league wants. However, witnessing this season's top AFC teams in the AFC remains somewhat odd. Aspects of each franchise meet championship standards, though not comprehensively. If you were asked to commit to your AFC Championship game picks at this moment, could you assuredly pick any of the four division leaders?

Franchise Analysis

Colts Situation

Starting in Indianapolis, Daniel Jones hasn't yet achieved complete disaster level. Yet the past two games have raised concerns. He's reverting to giving away possessions and struggling against pressure. He took seven sacks against the Falcons during Sunday's contest, and endured a five-minute stretch in which he threw an intercepted pass and coughed up the ball thrice. This is a week after he committed turnovers on five occasions against the Steelers.

The Colts’ offense excelled during early games as Jones prevented the disaster plays. The running back and protection unit mean the Colts are good enough to survive periodic mistakes, like their German performance. But Jones returning to his old blunder-prone days would end postseason aspirations.

New England Analysis

The Patriots seem relatively comparable. Previously, they were a punchline. Now, they’re the NFL's most pleasant shock and the most successful franchise across the league following seven consecutive victories. If not for losing due to fumbles a contest they should have won versus the Steelers, they would currently hold a 9-1 record as the league's best. Last season, they appeared aged and sluggish. Today they appear youthful, quick and confident. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They have faced the easiest slate throughout football, and flaws have still emerged. The signal-caller has been brought down 35 times – among the highest totals – and some of the shots he suffered last weekend appeared dangerous. With continued play, those beatings accumulate.

Broncos Situation

The Broncos are also 8-2, and it still feels like they're nervously waiting. Bo Nix has been erratic, with the attack struggling, with the defense doing most of the responsibility. Lacking competent QB performance, the Broncos won't frighten any playoff team. The Chargers are also contending in the AFC West with seven wins, but the injuries along their offensive line will make it tough for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, somehow still leading the AFC North notwithstanding receiving a decisive loss to Los Angeles in the evening game. They have a negative point differential, their defense regularly vanishes, and the QB's current constraints during his career phase persistently appear. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, however, the Ravens, with Lamar Jackson healthy again and the schedule softening, are riding a three-game streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have narrowed to within one game of Pittsburgh, but that it has arrived so quickly represents criticism toward Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. Considering the Ravens opened with a 1-5 record and currently seem they should win the division is telling about the conference as a whole.

Established Contenders

The Ravens' form part of the Big Three – together with Bills and Chiefs – driven by elite quarterback play, who could still create the greatest concern among competitors should they reach postseason. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, but the Chiefs and Bills persistently undermine themselves.

Buffalo Bills

Previously, the Bills were riding high post Chiefs triumph. During Sunday's action they experienced among the season's worst defeats during the campaign. They didn't merely fall against Miami; they suffered humiliation, dropping a 30-13 road game. The Dolphins secured their first triumph versus Buffalo in several seasons.

If you’re looking for a perfect summary of Sunday, look no further: the quarterback converting {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt