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No major competition markets equal footing as effectively as the NFL: it defines their identity. But through the first ten matchups during the current schedule, this doesn't represent a landscape with perfect equilibrium between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Instead, it's a scenario where the bulk of franchises are merely fine.

NFC Clarity

Looking at the NFC side, at least, we see clearer definition. Los Angeles and Seattle (each holding 7-2 records) seem like the most balanced franchises in the NFL, and delivered overwhelming triumphs in their weekend matchups. The Eagles with six wins notwithstanding their difficulties continue to possess a deeply skilled squad across the NFL, comparable to the Packers franchise (5-2-1). The Lions also (6-3), who have been inconsistent along both lines of scrimmage and have been dealing with internal staff conflicts, have shown they can defeat good teams. For all five, it's straightforward to construct a championship trajectory.

AFC Confusion

Turning to the American Football Conference, the playoff picture remains completely chaotic. Your four division leaders through ten weeks: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all at 8-2) along with Pittsburgh (5-4 record). Consider that carefully. No Chiefs presence. Buffalo is missing. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. The usual contenders, backed by the league’s best quarterbacks, display either significant personnel gaps or have been hit by injuries.

Competitive Balance System

From certain perspectives, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. However, witnessing this year’s four division leaders in the American Football Conference still feels strange. Areas of each team meet championship standards, but not in their entirety. If you were asked to finalize your AFC title game selections today, would you comfortably select any one of these four teams?

Squad Examinations

Colts Situation

Starting in Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn't yet achieved total collapse. Yet the past two games have been worrying. He's reverting to giving away possessions and faltering under duress. He took seven sacks against the Falcons in the weekend game, and endured a brief period in which he threw an interception and lost three fumbles. This follows he committed turnovers on five occasions versus Pittsburgh.

Indianapolis' offensive unit performed well initially because Jones avoided the disaster plays. The running back and protection unit make the Colts able to withstand some negative plays, like their German performance. Yet Jones going back to his historically mistake-heavy play would end any playoff run.

New England Patriots

The Patriots seem relatively comparable. Last season, they were considered jokes. Currently, they represent football's most unexpected success and the most successful franchise across the league following seven consecutive victories. If not for committing turnover errors a contest they should have won facing Pittsburgh, they’d be sitting nine wins, one loss with the top standing. In the prior year, they were old and slow. Today they appear inexperienced, speedy and bold. Still, it’s hard to ignore the weakness of New England's opponents. They have faced the most manageable schedule across the NFL, yet vulnerabilities remain. The signal-caller has been sacked thirty-five times – the second-most in football – including particular impacts he suffered last weekend appeared dangerous. As the season progresses, that punishment compounds.

Broncos Situation

The Broncos hold also 8-2, yet it seems as if they’re holding their breath. Their quarterback has shown inconsistency, and the offensive unit laboring, as the defense handles all the heavy lifting. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos won't frighten any playoff team. The Chargers are also hovering in the AFC West with seven wins, but the injuries within their blocking corps will make it tough to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Situation

And then there’s Pittsburgh, inexplicably frontrunning the Northern division despite being thumped a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers in the evening game. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defensive unit frequently falters, and the QB's current constraints given his veteran status regularly manifest. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, however, the Ravens, featuring a recovered Jackson with manageable games ahead, are on a three-game win streak. This development isn't entirely shocking that Baltimore has closed to within one game of Pittsburgh, but that it has arrived so quickly represents criticism toward Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. That the Ravens started losing five of six yet still appear they should win the division is telling about the entire AFC.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens' form part among three elite teams – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who could still create the greatest concern among competitors should they reach postseason. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, however, both franchises continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Bills

A week ago, the Bills felt confident after beating the Chiefs. This weekend they encountered a particularly discouraging setback during the campaign. They didn't merely fall versus the Dolphins; they suffered humiliation, losing 30-13 as visitors. The Dolphins secured their first triumph against Buffalo in several seasons.

Should you seek a microcosm of the day, consider this: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt