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No major competition promotes equal footing as effectively as the NFL: it’s the entire brand. But through ten games in this campaign, this doesn't represent a landscape featuring uniform distribution separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. Rather, we see a situation where the majority of teams is simply fine.

Clear Picture in NFC

Within the National Football Conference, at least, the picture becomes more distinct. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both standing at seven wins, two losses) seem like the most well-rounded squads in football, and secured overwhelming triumphs in their weekend matchups. Philadelphia at 6-2 despite their struggles continue to possess a deeply skilled squad across the NFL, likewise with the Packers franchise (5-2-1 record). Detroit as well (6-3), with their fluctuating form along both lines of scrimmage and navigating tension on their coaching staff, have shown they can hammer strong franchises. For each of these squads, it's straightforward to put together a route to the final game.

Muddled AFC Picture

In the AFC however, championship race remains completely chaotic. The current division frontrunners after ten games: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all at 8-2) and Steelers (5-4 record). Read that again. No Chiefs presence. Buffalo is missing. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. Historically strong franchises, featuring elite NFL signal-callers, have either glaring roster weaknesses or are dealing with health issues.

League Equality Design

In some ways, it’s the league’s ideal. Yet observing this year’s four division leaders within the conference continues to seem unusual. Areas of each team pass the championship smell test, though not comprehensively. Were you questioned to lock in your AFC title game selections today, could you assuredly choose any among these four teams?

Squad Examinations

Indianapolis Outlook

First, examining Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn’t quite reached pumpkin status. Yet the past two games have been worrying. He has returned to turning over the ball and faltering under duress. He suffered seven sacks versus Atlanta on Sunday, and experienced a brief period in which he threw an intercepted pass and lost three fumbles. This comes after he turned the ball over five times facing the Steelers.

The Colts attack performed well initially because Jones avoided game-changing errors. Taylor along with the blockers mean the Colts are good enough to survive periodic mistakes, as they did in Berlin. However, if Jones reverts to his old blunder-prone days would end any playoff run.

Patriots Examination

New England appears somewhat similar. Last season, they were considered jokes. Currently, they represent the league’s happiest surprise and the strongest squad in football after seven straight wins. Had it not been for committing turnover errors a winnable game against Pittsburgh, they would currently hold at 9–1 with the top standing. Previously, they were old and slow. Today they appear youthful, quick and confident. Still, it’s hard to ignore the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They have faced the least challenging lineup throughout football, and flaws have still emerged. The signal-caller has been sacked thirty-five times – among the highest totals – and some of the shots he suffered last weekend appeared dangerous. Over time, those hits add up.

Denver Broncos

Denver stands at 8–2 as well, and the perception remains as if they’re holding their breath. Bo Nix has shown inconsistency, and the offensive unit laboring, while the defensive unit provides most of the responsibility. Absent adequate signal-calling, the Broncos aren’t scaring any playoff team. The Chargers are also hovering in the Western division holding a 7-2 record, however, health issues affecting their protection unit will make it tough for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Situation

Then we have the Steelers, inexplicably frontrunning the AFC North despite being thumped a decisive loss to Los Angeles in the evening game. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defense too often disappears, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations at this stage of his career persistently appear. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, yet Baltimore, with their QB returning to health 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 that it has arrived so quickly highlights deficiencies within the Steelers' uneven performances. Considering the Ravens opened losing five of six and currently seem likely to claim the title speaks volumes regarding the entire AFC.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens represent a segment among three elite teams – together with Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who could still create the highest anxiety for opponents if they qualified. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, however, both franchises continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Bills

A week ago, the Bills felt confident after beating the Chiefs. This weekend they encountered one of the most disappointing losses of the season. They didn’t just lose versus the Dolphins; they suffered humiliation, falling 30-13 on the road. 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: Allen transforming {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt