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No league sells parity as effectively as the NFL: it defines their identity. Yet following ten games of this season, this is not a competition featuring uniform distribution separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. Instead, it's a scenario where the majority of teams appear to be fine.

NFC Standings Definition

Within the National Football Conference, for the most part, we see clearer definition. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both at 7-2) look like the most well-rounded squads in football, and delivered blowout wins during Sunday's action. Philadelphia at 6-2 notwithstanding their difficulties maintain one of the most talented rosters across the NFL, comparable to the Packers (5-2-1). The Lions also (6-3 standing), who have been inconsistent on offense and defense while managing tension on their coaching staff, have proven they're capable of dominating good teams. Regarding these five teams, you can still easily construct a route to the final game.

AFC Playoff Chaos

In the AFC however, postseason landscape is a jumbled mess. The four teams leading their divisions through ten weeks: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all at 8-2) and Steelers (5-4 record). Read that again. Not the Chiefs. No Bills inclusion. Not the Ravens or Bengals. The traditional powers, featuring elite NFL signal-callers, have either glaring roster weaknesses or have suffered medical setbacks.

League Equality Design

In some ways, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. However, witnessing this year’s four division leaders within the conference remains somewhat odd. Areas of each team meet championship standards, but not in their entirety. Were you questioned to commit to your AFC Championship game picks today, would you comfortably select any one of the current division frontrunners?

Team Breakdowns

Colts Situation

First, examining Indianapolis, Daniel Jones hasn’t quite reached complete disaster level. Yet the past two games have raised concerns. He’s back to turning over the ball and failing against blitzes. He suffered seven sacks facing Atlanta during Sunday's contest, and had a short sequence during which he tossed a pick and fumbled three times. This comes after he gave away possessions five separate times against the Steelers.

The Colts’ offense excelled during early games as Jones prevented catastrophic mistakes. Taylor along with the blockers ensure Indianapolis remains good enough to survive periodic mistakes, as they did in Berlin. Yet Jones going back to his old blunder-prone days would finish any playoff run.

New England Analysis

New England appears somewhat similar. Last season, they were a punchline. Now, they’re the league’s happiest surprise and the strongest squad in the NFL post seven wins in a row. Had it not been for losing due to fumbles a contest they should have won versus the Steelers, they’d be sitting a 9-1 record with the best record. Previously, they were old and slow. Today they appear inexperienced, speedy and bold. However, we must acknowledge the weakness of New England's opponents. They've encountered the least challenging lineup in the league, and flaws have still emerged. The signal-caller has been brought down on 35 occasions – ranking second league-wide – including particular impacts he absorbed on Sunday were vicious. As the season progresses, those beatings accumulate.

Broncos Situation

Denver stands at eight wins similarly, yet it seems like they're nervously waiting. Bo Nix has been erratic, and the offense plodding, with the defense doing the majority of the work. Absent adequate signal-calling, Denver cannot intimidate playoff opponents. The Chargers are also contending in the Western division at 7-2, however, health issues along their offensive line will make it tough to achieve championship contention.

Pittsburgh Situation

And then there’s Pittsburgh, surprisingly atop the AFC North despite being thumped 25-10 by the Chargers during prime time. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defensive unit frequently falters, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations given his veteran status regularly manifest. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, however, the Ravens, with their QB returning to health and the schedule softening, are riding a three-game streak. We shouldn't be completely astonished that Baltimore has closed the gap to just one game, though the speed of this shift represents criticism toward Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. That the Ravens started losing five of six and still look like likely to claim the title is telling about the complete conference.

Traditional Powers

The Ravens represent a segment within a trio of powerhouses – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, that would continue to generate 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 cannot get out of their own way.

Bills Struggles

Previously, Buffalo was celebrating after beating the Chiefs. On Sunday they suffered a particularly discouraging setback during the campaign. They didn't simply fail against Miami; they looked terrible, dropping a 30-13 road game. It was Miami’s first win versus Buffalo in over three years.

If you’re looking for a perfect summary of Sunday, look no further: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt