🔗 Share this article

No league sells competitive balance like the NFL: it defines their identity. But through the first ten matchups during the current schedule, this isn’t a league that is equally balanced between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Rather, we see a situation where the majority of teams are merely fine.

Clear Picture in NFC

Within the National Football Conference, at least, the picture becomes more distinct. Los Angeles and Seattle (each holding 7-2 records) seem like the most well-rounded squads across the league, and secured overwhelming triumphs in their weekend matchups. 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). Detroit as well (6-3 standing), with their fluctuating form along both lines of scrimmage and navigating tension on their coaching staff, have demonstrated they're capable of dominating good teams. For each of these squads, one can readily envision a Super Bowl path.

AFC Confusion

Turning to the American Football Conference, the playoff picture is a jumbled mess. The four teams leading their divisions at this stage: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) and the Steelers (5-4 record). Take another look. Kansas City isn't there. No Bills inclusion. Not the Ravens or Bengals. The usual contenders, backed by elite NFL signal-callers, display either glaring roster weaknesses or are dealing with health issues.

Parity Mechanics

In some ways, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. However, witnessing this season's top AFC teams within the conference remains somewhat odd. Components of every squad meet championship standards, but not in their entirety. If you were asked to finalize your AFC Championship game picks right now, would you comfortably select any one of the current division frontrunners?

Team Breakdowns

Indianapolis Colts

Beginning with the Colts, their quarterback hasn't yet achieved pumpkin status. However, recent performances have raised concerns. He's reverting to committing turnovers and struggling against pressure. He took seven sacks versus Atlanta during Sunday's contest, and experienced a brief period in which he threw an interception and coughed up the ball thrice. This is a week after he gave away possessions five times against the Steelers.

The Colts attack thrived early in the season as Jones prevented the disaster plays. The running back and protection unit mean the Colts are good enough to survive some negative plays, as demonstrated overseas. Yet Jones going back to his previous error-filled form would terminate championship hopes.

New England Analysis

New England appears fairly alike. Last season, they were a punchline. Currently, they represent the NFL's most pleasant shock and the strongest squad in football post seven wins in a row. Except for committing turnover errors a winnable game against Pittsburgh, they would currently hold nine wins, one loss with the best record. Previously, they appeared aged and sluggish. Currently they're youthful, quick and confident. Still, it’s hard to ignore the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They've played against the most manageable schedule in the league, yet vulnerabilities remain. The signal-caller has been sacked 35 times – the second-most in football – with several hits he endured during the game appeared dangerous. As the season progresses, those hits add up.

Broncos Situation

The Broncos hold 8–2 as well, yet it seems that they're barely surviving. The Denver signal-caller has been erratic, with the attack struggling, as the defense handles most of the responsibility. Lacking competent QB performance, the Broncos won't frighten playoff opponents. The Chargers are also hovering in the Western division with seven wins, however, health issues along their offensive line will create difficulties to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Situation

And then there’s Pittsburgh, somehow still leading 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 during his career phase persistently appear. They’re 5–4 and holding on, yet Baltimore, featuring a recovered Jackson and facing easier opponents, have won three consecutive. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have pulled to within one game of Pittsburgh, though the speed of this shift highlights deficiencies within Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. Considering the Ravens opened with a 1-5 record and currently seem capable of division victory speaks volumes regarding the entire AFC.

Traditional Powers

The Ravens' form part of the Big Three – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who could still create the highest anxiety for opponents if they made the playoffs. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, yet Kansas City and Buffalo cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Analysis

A week ago, the Bills felt confident following victory over Kansas City. On Sunday they suffered a particularly discouraging setback of the season. They didn't simply fail to the Dolphins; they suffered humiliation, dropping a 30-13 road game. The Dolphins secured their first triumph versus Buffalo in more than 1,000 days.

If you’re looking for a perfect summary of Sunday, here you go: the quarterback converting {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt