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No professional sports organization promotes equal footing in the manner of the NFL: it’s the entire brand. Yet following the first ten matchups during the current schedule, this isn’t a league with perfect equilibrium between the good, the bad and the mediocre. It’s one where the bulk of franchises appear to be adequate.

Clear Picture in NFC

In the NFC, at least, the picture becomes more distinct. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both at 7-2) look like the most well-rounded squads in the NFL, and achieved overwhelming triumphs in their weekend matchups. The Eagles with six wins despite their struggles maintain among the most gifted lineups throughout football, comparable to the Packers (five wins, two losses, one tie). The Lions also (6-3 standing), with their fluctuating form along both lines of scrimmage and have been dealing with tension on their coaching staff, have shown they can defeat good teams. Regarding these five teams, one can readily construct a Super Bowl path.

AFC Confusion

In the AFC however, the playoff picture is a jumbled mess. The current division frontrunners at this stage: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) along with Pittsburgh (five wins, four losses). Consider that carefully. Kansas City isn't there. Not the Bills. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. The usual contenders, supported by premier quarterback talent, possess either significant personnel gaps or have suffered medical setbacks.

League Equality Design

To some extent, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. But watching this season's top AFC teams within the conference remains somewhat odd. Components of every squad suggest title potential, yet not completely. Were you questioned to commit to your conference championship predictions at this moment, would you confidently select any one of the four division leaders?

Team Breakdowns

Colts Situation

First, examining Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn't descended to 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 during Sunday's contest, and experienced a brief period during which he tossed an intercepted pass and coughed up the ball thrice. This comes after he committed turnovers five separate times versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts’ offense excelled during early games as Jones prevented game-changing errors. Taylor along with the blockers ensure Indianapolis remains good enough to survive some negative plays, like their German performance. However, if Jones reverts to his historically mistake-heavy play would terminate postseason aspirations.

New England Analysis

The Patriots seem relatively comparable. Previously, they were league laughingstocks. Now, they’re football's most unexpected success and the hottest team in the NFL after seven straight wins. Had it not been for committing turnover errors a manageable matchup facing Pittsburgh, they'd possess a 9-1 record with the top standing. Previously, they seemed veteran and plodding. Now they’re youthful, quick and confident. Still, it’s hard to ignore how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They've encountered the easiest slate in the league, and flaws have still emerged. The signal-caller has been sacked 35 times – among the highest totals – and some of the shots he endured during the game proved brutal. As the season progresses, those hits add up.

Denver Broncos

Denver stands at also 8-2, yet it seems as if they’re holding their breath. The Denver signal-caller has been erratic, and the offensive unit laboring, as the defense handles all the heavy lifting. Absent adequate signal-calling, the Broncos won't frighten playoff opponents. The Chargers are also hovering within their division with seven wins, yet medical problems affecting their protection unit will make it tough for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Then we have the Steelers, surprisingly atop the AFC North notwithstanding receiving a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers in the evening game. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defense regularly vanishes, and the QB's current constraints given his veteran status persistently appear. They’re 5–4 and holding on, but Baltimore, with their QB returning to health and facing easier opponents, are on a three-game win streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have pulled the gap to just one game, though the speed of this shift represents criticism toward Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. The fact Baltimore began with a 1-5 record and currently seem they should win the division reveals much about the complete conference.

Traditional Powers

The Ravens represent a segment among three elite teams – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who would still strike the most fear in opposing teams if they made the playoffs. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, but the Chiefs and Bills persistently undermine themselves.

Bills Struggles

A week ago, the Bills were riding high following victory over Kansas City. On Sunday they suffered one of the most disappointing losses of the season. They didn't simply fail to the Dolphins; they suffered humiliation, losing 30-13 as visitors. The Dolphins secured their first triumph versus Buffalo in several seasons.

If you’re looking for a microcosm of the day, consider this: Allen transforming {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt