🔗 Share this article

No league sells competitive balance like the NFL: it’s the entire brand. Yet following 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 bulk of franchises appear to be fine.

Clear Picture in NFC

In the NFC, for the most part, there is some clarity. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both standing at seven wins, two losses) look like the most balanced franchises in football, and achieved decisive victories on Sunday. The 6-2 Eagles despite their struggles maintain one of the most talented rosters throughout football, likewise with the Packers (five wins, two losses, one tie). Detroit as well (6-3 standing), with their fluctuating form along both lines of scrimmage while managing coaching drama, have shown they can hammer quality opponents. Regarding these five teams, it's straightforward to envision a championship trajectory.

AFC Confusion

Over in the AFC, championship race is a jumbled mess. The four teams leading their divisions at this stage: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) and Steelers (five wins, four losses). Take another look. No Chiefs presence. Buffalo is missing. Not the Ravens or Bengals. The traditional powers, featuring premier quarterback talent, have either glaring roster weaknesses or have been hit by injuries.

Parity Mechanics

To some extent, this is exactly what the league wants. Yet observing this year’s four division leaders in the AFC continues to seem unusual. Aspects of each franchise suggest title potential, though not comprehensively. If you were asked to lock in your conference championship predictions today, could you assuredly pick any of the four division leaders?

Team Breakdowns

Colts Situation

Starting in Indianapolis, Daniel Jones hasn't descended to complete disaster level. However, recent performances have been worrying. He’s back to giving away possessions and struggling against pressure. He suffered seven sacks facing Atlanta in the weekend game, and endured a short sequence where he delivered an interception and lost three fumbles. This follows he committed turnovers five times versus Pittsburgh.

Indianapolis' offensive unit performed well initially since Jones evaded game-changing errors. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line make the Colts capable of overcoming occasional setbacks, like their German performance. But Jones returning to his old blunder-prone days would end any playoff run.

New England Analysis

New England appears fairly alike. Last season, they were league laughingstocks. Today, they stand as the NFL's most pleasant shock and the strongest squad in football post seven wins in a row. Had it not been for losing due to fumbles a manageable matchup against Pittsburgh, they’d be sitting nine wins, one loss with the best record. Last season, they were old and slow. Currently they're young, fast and unafraid. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the weakness of New England's opponents. They've played against the easiest slate in the league, and there have still been cracks. The signal-caller has been brought down on 35 occasions – the second-most in football – including particular impacts he endured during the game appeared dangerous. As the season progresses, those beatings accumulate.

Denver Analysis

The Broncos hold 8–2 as well, yet it seems as if they’re holding their breath. Their quarterback has been erratic, and the offensive unit laboring, with the defense doing most of the responsibility. Without serviceable quarterback play, Denver cannot intimidate playoff opponents. The Chargers are also contending within their division at 7-2, but the injuries within their blocking corps will present challenges to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Steelers

And then there’s Pittsburgh, surprisingly atop the Northern division even after suffering 25-10 by the Chargers during prime time. They have a negative point differential, their defensive unit frequently falters, with their quarterback's restrictions during his career phase regularly manifest. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, however, the Ravens, with their QB returning to health and facing easier opponents, have won three consecutive. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that Baltimore has closed to within one game of Pittsburgh, though the speed of this shift represents criticism toward Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. That the Ravens started losing five of six and still look like capable of division victory is telling about the conference as a whole.

Established Contenders

The Ravens represent a segment of the Big Three – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who could still create the greatest concern in opposing teams if they qualified. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, yet Kansas City and Buffalo cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Analysis

Previously, the Bills were riding high following victory over Kansas City. During Sunday's action they experienced one of the most disappointing losses this year. They didn’t just lose versus the Dolphins; they suffered humiliation, losing 30-13 as visitors. The Dolphins secured their first triumph versus Buffalo in over three years.

Should you seek a perfect summary of Sunday, here you go: Allen transforming {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt