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No major competition markets equal footing like the NFL: it's their core marketing message. However, after the first ten matchups during the current schedule, this is not a competition with perfect equilibrium between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Instead, it's a scenario where most of the league are merely sufficient.

NFC Clarity

Looking at the NFC side, for the most part, the picture becomes more distinct. The Rams along with the Seahawks (each holding 7-2 records) appear to be the most complete teams across the league, and achieved decisive victories in their weekend matchups. Philadelphia at 6-2 even with their challenges still have one of the most talented rosters throughout football, likewise with the Packers franchise (5-2-1). Detroit as well (6-3), despite their uneven performances on offense and defense and have been dealing with coaching drama, have proven they're capable of dominating quality opponents. For all five, you can still easily construct a Super Bowl path.

Muddled AFC Picture

Over in the AFC, championship race remains completely chaotic. The four teams leading their divisions at this stage: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all standing at eight wins) and Steelers (5-4). Read that again. No Chiefs presence. No Bills inclusion. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. The usual contenders, backed by elite NFL signal-callers, have either obvious team deficiencies or are dealing with health issues.

Competitive Balance System

To some extent, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. However, witnessing this year’s four division leaders within the conference still feels strange. Aspects of each franchise suggest title potential, but not in their entirety. If someone requested to finalize your AFC title game selections right now, would you comfortably select any one of the four division leaders?

Franchise Analysis

Indianapolis Colts

Starting in Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn't yet achieved pumpkin status. However, recent performances have been worrying. He’s back to giving away possessions and struggling against pressure. He was sacked seven times against the Falcons during Sunday's contest, and had a short sequence during which he tossed a pick and fumbled three times. This is a week after he turned the ball over five times versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts’ offense performed well initially because Jones avoided game-changing errors. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line make the Colts able to withstand occasional setbacks, as demonstrated overseas. Yet Jones going back to his previous error-filled form would end postseason aspirations.

Patriots Examination

New England appears fairly alike. Previously, they were a punchline. Now, they’re the league’s happiest surprise and the strongest squad across the league after seven straight wins. Except for fumbling away a winnable game against Pittsburgh, they’d be sitting nine wins, one loss with the top standing. In the prior year, they appeared aged and sluggish. Today they appear youthful, quick and confident. Still, it’s hard to ignore the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They've encountered the least challenging lineup throughout football, and flaws have still emerged. Their quarterback has taken sacks 35 times – the second-most in football – and some of the shots he absorbed on Sunday proved brutal. With continued play, that punishment compounds.

Broncos Situation

The Broncos hold also 8-2, and the perception remains that they're barely surviving. Their quarterback has shown inconsistency, and the offense plodding, while the defensive unit provides the majority of the work. Lacking competent QB performance, the Broncos won't frighten any playoff team. Los Angeles remains nearby within their division holding a 7-2 record, but the injuries within their blocking corps will make it tough to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Situation

And then there’s Pittsburgh, somehow still leading the AFC North notwithstanding receiving a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers in the evening game. They've been outscored overall, their defense too often disappears, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations during his career phase continue to show up. They’re 5–4 and holding on, yet Baltimore, featuring a recovered Jackson with manageable games ahead, are riding a three-game streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that Baltimore has closed within a game of the Steelers, but that it has arrived so quickly highlights deficiencies within Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. The fact Baltimore began losing five of six yet still appear likely to claim the title speaks volumes regarding the complete conference.

Traditional Powers

The Ravens represent a segment of the Big Three – together with Bills and Chiefs – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who could still create the greatest concern in opposing teams if they qualified. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, however, both franchises persistently undermine themselves.

Buffalo Bills

Last week, the Bills felt confident following victory over Kansas City. This weekend they encountered a particularly discouraging setback during the campaign. They didn't simply fail versus the Dolphins; they looked terrible, losing 30-13 as visitors. The Dolphins secured their first triumph over the Bills in several seasons.

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