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No league sells competitive balance like the NFL: it defines their identity. But through the first ten matchups during the current schedule, this doesn't represent a landscape featuring uniform distribution among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. Rather, we see a situation where the bulk of franchises appear to be adequate.

Clear Picture in NFC

In the NFC, at least, we see clearer definition. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both standing at seven wins, two losses) seem like the most well-rounded squads across the league, and achieved overwhelming triumphs in their weekend matchups. The 6-2 Eagles even with their challenges maintain a deeply skilled squad throughout football, likewise with Green Bay (five wins, two losses, one tie). The Lions also (6-3), who have been inconsistent along both lines of scrimmage and navigating tension on their coaching staff, have shown they're capable of dominating strong franchises. For each of these squads, you can still easily construct a route to the final game.

AFC Confusion

Turning to the American Football Conference, postseason landscape remains completely chaotic. Your four division leaders after ten games: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) and the Steelers (5-4 record). Take another look. Not the Chiefs. Buffalo is missing. Not the Ravens or Bengals. Historically strong franchises, featuring premier quarterback talent, have either significant personnel gaps or have suffered medical setbacks.

Competitive Balance System

From certain perspectives, this is exactly what the league wants. But watching this season's top AFC teams within the conference remains somewhat odd. Components of every squad pass the championship smell test, but not in their entirety. If you were asked to lock in your AFC Championship game picks at this moment, could you assuredly pick any of the four division leaders?

Team Breakdowns

Colts Situation

Starting in Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn't descended to complete disaster level. But the last two weeks have raised concerns. He has returned to turning over the ball and failing against blitzes. He was sacked seven times against the Falcons on Sunday, and endured a brief period where he delivered a pick and lost three fumbles. This is a week after he committed turnovers on five occasions against the Steelers.

Indianapolis' offensive unit thrived early in the season as Jones prevented catastrophic mistakes. Taylor along with the blockers make the Colts capable of overcoming periodic mistakes, as demonstrated overseas. However, if Jones reverts to his previous error-filled form would finish championship hopes.

Patriots Examination

New England appears fairly alike. Previously, they were league laughingstocks. Currently, they represent the league’s happiest surprise and the strongest squad across the league following seven consecutive victories. Had it not been for committing turnover errors a contest they should have won versus the Steelers, they'd possess at 9–1 as the league's best. Previously, they appeared aged and sluggish. Now they’re young, fast and unafraid. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the weakness of New England's opponents. They've played against the least challenging lineup in the league, and there have still been cracks. Their quarterback has taken sacks 35 times – the second-most in football – with several hits he absorbed on Sunday appeared dangerous. As the season progresses, those beatings accumulate.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos are 8–2 as well, and it still feels that they're barely surviving. Their quarterback has shown inconsistency, with the attack struggling, while the defensive unit provides most of the responsibility. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos aren’t scaring playoff opponents. The Chargers are also contending in the AFC West holding a 7-2 record, however, health issues affecting their protection unit will present challenges to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Steelers Examination

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, inexplicably frontrunning the Northern division notwithstanding receiving a decisive loss to Los Angeles in the evening game. They have a negative point differential, their defensive unit frequently falters, with their quarterback's restrictions during his career phase continue to show up. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, yet Baltimore, with their QB returning to health and the schedule softening, have won three consecutive. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have pulled to within one game of Pittsburgh, though the speed of this shift highlights deficiencies within the Steelers' uneven performances. That the Ravens started the season 1-5 and still look like they should win the division speaks volumes regarding the entire AFC.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens represent a segment among three elite teams – together with Bills and Chiefs – driven by elite quarterback play, who could still create the most fear in opposing teams if they qualified. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, but the Chiefs and Bills cannot get out of their own way.

Bills Struggles

A week ago, the Bills felt confident after beating the Chiefs. During Sunday's action they experienced one of the most disappointing losses during the campaign. They didn’t just lose to the Dolphins; they suffered humiliation, losing 30-13 as visitors. It was Miami’s first win versus Buffalo in more than 1,000 days.

For those searching for a microcosm of the day, consider this: the quarterback converting {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt