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No league markets equal footing like the NFL: it's their core marketing message. Yet following ten games of this season, this doesn't represent a landscape featuring uniform distribution among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. Instead, it's a scenario where the bulk of franchises are merely fine.

NFC Clarity

Within the National Football Conference, at least, the picture becomes more distinct. The Rams and Seahawks (each holding 7-2 records) seem like the most balanced franchises in football, and delivered overwhelming triumphs during Sunday's action. The 6-2 Eagles despite their struggles maintain one of the most talented rosters in the league, comparable to Green Bay (five wins, two losses, one tie). Detroit as well (6-3), with their fluctuating form in trench play and have been dealing with coaching drama, have shown they're capable of dominating good teams. Regarding these five teams, you can still easily construct a championship trajectory.

AFC Playoff Chaos

In the AFC however, the playoff picture remains completely chaotic. The current division frontrunners at this stage: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all at 8-2) along with Pittsburgh (five wins, four losses). Consider that carefully. Kansas City isn't there. No Bills inclusion. Not the Ravens or Bengals. Historically strong franchises, supported by elite NFL signal-callers, possess either glaring roster weaknesses or have been hit by injuries.

League Equality Design

To some extent, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. Yet observing the current division frontrunners within the conference still feels strange. Components of every squad meet championship standards, though not comprehensively. If you were asked to lock in your conference championship predictions at this moment, would you confidently choose any among the current division frontrunners?

Franchise Analysis

Indianapolis Outlook

Beginning with the Colts, the signal-caller hasn't yet achieved pumpkin status. But the last two weeks have caused alarm. He has returned to turning over the ball and failing against blitzes. He was sacked seven times versus Atlanta during Sunday's contest, and endured a five-minute stretch in which he threw an intercepted pass and lost three fumbles. This follows he gave away possessions five separate times versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts’ offense thrived early in the season since Jones evaded game-changing errors. Taylor along with the blockers make the Colts able to withstand some negative plays, like their German performance. But Jones returning to his previous error-filled form would end postseason aspirations.

New England Patriots

New England appears somewhat similar. Last season, they were league laughingstocks. Now, they’re football's most unexpected success and the strongest squad in football post seven wins in a row. If not for fumbling away a winnable game against Pittsburgh, they would currently hold nine wins, one loss as the league's best. Previously, they appeared aged and sluggish. Today they appear inexperienced, speedy and bold. However, we must acknowledge the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They've played against the most manageable schedule throughout football, and flaws have still emerged. The signal-caller has been sacked thirty-five times – ranking second league-wide – and some of the shots he endured during the game proved brutal. Over time, those hits add up.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos are also 8-2, and it still feels that they're barely surviving. The Denver signal-caller has been erratic, and the offense plodding, while the defensive unit provides most of the responsibility. Lacking competent QB performance, Denver cannot intimidate playoff opponents. Los Angeles remains nearby within their division holding a 7-2 record, however, health issues along their offensive line will create difficulties to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Situation

And then there’s Pittsburgh, inexplicably frontrunning their division notwithstanding receiving 25-10 by the Chargers in the evening game. They have a negative point differential, their defense too often disappears, and the QB's current constraints at this stage of his career regularly manifest. They’re 5–4 and holding on, however, the Ravens, with their QB returning to health and facing easier opponents, are on a three-game win streak. This development isn't entirely shocking that the Ravens have pulled the gap to just one game, but how rapidly this occurred represents criticism toward Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. Considering the Ravens opened the season 1-5 yet still appear they should win the division is telling about the complete conference.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens' form part within a trio of powerhouses – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who would still strike the highest anxiety among competitors if they qualified. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, but the Chiefs and Bills continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Bills

Last week, Buffalo was celebrating post Chiefs triumph. During Sunday's action they experienced a particularly discouraging setback during the campaign. They didn’t just lose versus the Dolphins; they suffered humiliation, falling 30-13 on the road. It was Miami’s first win versus Buffalo in more than 1,000 days.

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