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No professional sports organization sells parity in the manner of the NFL: it defines their identity. However, after ten games in this campaign, this is not a competition 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 adequate.

Clear Picture in NFC

Looking at the NFC side, for the most part, there is some clarity. The Rams along with the Seahawks (each holding 7-2 records) seem like the most well-rounded squads in football, and achieved blowout wins during Sunday's action. The 6-2 Eagles despite their struggles maintain one of the most talented rosters across the NFL, comparable to Green Bay (5-2-1 record). The Lions also (6-3), despite their uneven performances on offense and defense while managing coaching drama, have shown they can hammer strong franchises. Regarding these five teams, you can still easily construct a Super Bowl path.

Muddled AFC Picture

In the AFC however, championship race is a jumbled mess. The four teams leading their divisions through ten weeks: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all standing at eight wins) along with Pittsburgh (5-4). Read that again. No Chiefs presence. Not the Bills. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. The traditional powers, backed by premier quarterback talent, have either significant personnel gaps or have been hit by injuries.

Parity Mechanics

To some extent, this is exactly what the league wants. However, witnessing this year’s four division leaders within the conference continues to seem unusual. Aspects of each franchise suggest title potential, though not comprehensively. Were you questioned to finalize your AFC title game selections right now, could you assuredly choose any among these four teams?

Squad Examinations

Indianapolis Colts

Starting in Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn’t quite reached total collapse. However, recent performances have caused alarm. He's reverting to giving away possessions and faltering under duress. He took seven sacks versus Atlanta during Sunday's contest, and endured a short sequence in which he threw a pick and fumbled three times. This follows he turned the ball over on five occasions versus Pittsburgh.

Indianapolis' offensive unit performed well initially since Jones evaded the disaster plays. Taylor along with the blockers make the Colts able to withstand occasional setbacks, as demonstrated overseas. But Jones returning to his historically mistake-heavy play would finish postseason aspirations.

New England Patriots

The Patriots feel fairly alike. A year ago, they were a punchline. Now, they’re football's most unexpected success and the most successful franchise across the league post seven wins in a row. Except for committing turnover errors a contest they should have won versus the Steelers, they’d be sitting a 9-1 record as the league's best. Previously, they seemed veteran and plodding. Currently they're inexperienced, speedy and bold. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They have faced the most manageable schedule across the NFL, yet vulnerabilities remain. Their quarterback has been sacked on 35 occasions – among the highest totals – and some of the shots he endured during the game appeared dangerous. As the season progresses, that punishment compounds.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos are eight wins similarly, yet it seems as if they’re holding their breath. Bo Nix has been erratic, and the offensive unit laboring, while the defensive unit provides all the heavy lifting. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos aren’t scaring anyone in the postseason. The Chargers are also contending in the Western division holding a 7-2 record, yet medical problems along their offensive line will create difficulties to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Steelers Examination

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, inexplicably frontrunning their division even after suffering a decisive loss to Los Angeles on Sunday night. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defensive unit frequently falters, with their quarterback's restrictions given his veteran status regularly manifest. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, but Baltimore, featuring a recovered Jackson and facing easier opponents, have won three consecutive. We shouldn't be completely astonished that the Ravens have pulled the gap to just one game, but that it has arrived so quickly is an indictment of the Steelers' uneven performances. The fact Baltimore began with a 1-5 record yet still appear they should win the division reveals much about the conference as a whole.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens' form part of the Big Three – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who would still strike the highest anxiety for opponents should they reach postseason. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, however, both franchises cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Bills

Previously, the Bills were riding high after beating the Chiefs. During Sunday's action they experienced a particularly discouraging setback of the season. They didn't merely fall to the Dolphins; they suffered humiliation, dropping a 30-13 road game. It was Miami’s first win versus Buffalo in several seasons.

For those searching for a perfect summary of Sunday, look no further: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt