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No league promotes competitive balance as effectively as the NFL: it’s the entire brand. However, after the first ten matchups during the current schedule, this is not a competition with perfect equilibrium between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Rather, we see a situation where the majority of teams is simply fine.

Clear Picture in NFC

Looking at the NFC side, to some degree, there is some clarity. Los Angeles and Seattle (each holding 7-2 records) look like the most well-rounded squads across the league, and achieved decisive victories on Sunday. The Eagles with six wins notwithstanding their difficulties continue to possess one of the most talented rosters throughout football, likewise with Green Bay (5-2-1). The Lions also (six and three), who have been inconsistent along both lines of scrimmage and have been dealing with tension on their coaching staff, have demonstrated they're capable of dominating strong franchises. For all five, you can still easily construct a Super Bowl path.

AFC Playoff Chaos

Turning to the American Football Conference, the playoff picture remains completely chaotic. Your four division leaders through ten weeks: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all standing at eight wins) along with Pittsburgh (five wins, four losses). Take another look. No Chiefs presence. Not the Bills. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. The usual contenders, supported by premier quarterback talent, display either glaring roster weaknesses or have been hit by injuries.

Competitive Balance System

To some extent, this is exactly what the league wants. However, witnessing this season's top AFC teams within the conference remains somewhat odd. Areas of each team suggest title potential, but not in their entirety. If someone requested to commit to your conference championship predictions right now, could you assuredly pick any of the current division frontrunners?

Squad Examinations

Indianapolis Outlook

First, examining Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn't descended to complete disaster level. But the last two weeks have caused alarm. He's reverting to turning over the ball and failing against blitzes. He suffered seven sacks against the Falcons during Sunday's contest, and had a five-minute stretch during which he tossed an interception and fumbled three times. This comes after he gave away possessions five times against the Steelers.

Indianapolis' offensive unit thrived early in the season as Jones prevented catastrophic mistakes. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line make the Colts good enough to survive periodic mistakes, as they did in Berlin. However, if Jones reverts to his old blunder-prone days would terminate any playoff run.

New England Analysis

The Patriots seem fairly alike. Previously, they were considered jokes. Currently, they represent the NFL's most pleasant shock and the hottest team in football post seven wins in a row. If not for losing due to fumbles a winnable game against Pittsburgh, they would currently hold nine wins, one loss with the top standing. In the prior year, they seemed veteran and plodding. Now they’re youthful, quick and confident. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the weakness of New England's opponents. They have faced the least challenging lineup across the NFL, and flaws have still emerged. The signal-caller has taken sacks on 35 occasions – the second-most in football – and some of the shots he absorbed on Sunday appeared dangerous. As the season progresses, that punishment compounds.

Denver Analysis

Denver stands at also 8-2, and the perception remains like they're nervously waiting. The Denver signal-caller has shown inconsistency, and the offensive unit laboring, as the defense handles most of the responsibility. Without serviceable quarterback play, Denver cannot intimidate any playoff team. The Chargers are also contending within their division with seven wins, yet medical problems affecting their protection unit will create difficulties for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Situation

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, somehow still leading the AFC North notwithstanding receiving 25-10 by the Chargers during prime time. They have a negative point differential, their defensive unit frequently falters, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations 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 riding a three-game streak. This development isn't entirely shocking that the Ravens have pulled the gap to just one game, though the speed of this shift represents criticism toward Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. Considering the Ravens opened losing five of six and still look like they should win the division is telling about the conference as a whole.

Established Contenders

The Ravens represent a segment among three elite teams – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who would still strike the highest anxiety in opposing teams should they reach postseason. 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 after beating the Chiefs. This weekend they encountered one of the most disappointing losses during the campaign. They didn't merely fall to the Dolphins; they looked terrible, dropping a 30-13 road game. This represented Miami's initial victory versus Buffalo in over three years.

For those searching for an example representing the day, consider this: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt