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No major competition sells competitive balance like the NFL: it defines their identity. However, after ten games of this season, this isn’t a league featuring uniform distribution separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. It’s one where most of the league appear to be fine.

Clear Picture in NFC

In the NFC, at least, we see clearer definition. Los Angeles and Seattle (both at 7-2) appear to be the most complete teams in the NFL, and achieved decisive victories in their weekend matchups. Philadelphia at 6-2 even with their challenges still have a deeply skilled squad throughout football, comparable to Green Bay (5-2-1). The Lions also (six and three), despite their uneven performances on offense and defense and have been dealing with tension on their coaching staff, have demonstrated they're capable of dominating quality opponents. For all five, it's straightforward to envision a route to the final game.

Muddled AFC Picture

In the AFC however, championship race remains completely chaotic. The current division frontrunners at this stage: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) along with Pittsburgh (five wins, four losses). Take another look. No Chiefs presence. No Bills inclusion. Not the Ravens or Bengals. Historically strong franchises, backed by premier quarterback talent, display either glaring roster weaknesses or have suffered medical setbacks.

Competitive Balance System

From certain perspectives, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. But watching the current division frontrunners in the American Football Conference remains somewhat odd. Aspects of each franchise pass the championship smell test, yet not completely. If someone requested to commit to your AFC Championship game picks at this moment, would you confidently pick any of the four division leaders?

Squad Examinations

Colts Situation

First, examining Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn't descended to total collapse. However, recent performances have been worrying. He's reverting to turning over the ball and faltering under duress. He suffered seven sacks facing Atlanta on Sunday, and endured a short sequence in which he threw an interception and lost three fumbles. This comes after he gave away possessions on five occasions versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts’ offense thrived early in the season as Jones prevented catastrophic mistakes. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line make the Colts capable of overcoming occasional setbacks, as demonstrated overseas. But Jones returning to his old blunder-prone days would finish championship hopes.

Patriots Examination

The Patriots feel relatively comparable. A year ago, they were league laughingstocks. Currently, they represent the NFL's most pleasant shock and the strongest squad in the NFL post seven wins in a row. Had it not been for losing due to fumbles a winnable game facing Pittsburgh, they would currently hold at 9–1 with the top standing. In the prior year, they appeared aged and sluggish. Currently they're young, fast and unafraid. Still, it’s hard to ignore the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They have faced the easiest slate throughout football, yet vulnerabilities remain. Drake Maye has been sacked 35 times – among the highest totals – with several hits he suffered last weekend proved brutal. Over time, that punishment compounds.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos are eight wins similarly, yet it seems like they're nervously waiting. Their quarterback has been erratic, and the offensive unit laboring, with the defense doing the majority of the work. Without serviceable quarterback play, Denver cannot intimidate anyone in the postseason. The Chargers are also contending in the AFC West with seven wins, but the injuries within their blocking corps will create difficulties for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Situation

And then there’s Pittsburgh, inexplicably frontrunning the AFC North notwithstanding receiving a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers on Sunday night. They have a negative point differential, their defensive unit frequently falters, with their quarterback's restrictions at this stage of his career continue to show up. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, but Baltimore, featuring a recovered Jackson and the schedule softening, are on a three-game win streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have narrowed within a game of the Steelers, but that it has arrived so quickly highlights deficiencies within the Steelers' uneven performances. That the Ravens started the season 1-5 and still look like capable of division victory is telling about the complete conference.

Traditional Powers

The Ravens' form part of the Big Three – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who would still strike the highest anxiety for opponents if they qualified. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, however, both franchises continue to self-destruct.

Bills Struggles

Last week, the Bills felt confident post Chiefs triumph. On Sunday they suffered one of the most disappointing losses this year. They didn't merely fall versus the Dolphins; they looked terrible, dropping a 30-13 road game. This represented Miami's initial victory over the Bills in over three years.

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