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No league sells parity as effectively as the NFL: it's their core marketing message. But through ten games in this campaign, this is not a competition featuring uniform distribution between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Rather, we see a situation where the majority of teams are merely fine.

NFC Clarity

Looking at the NFC side, for the most part, we see clearer definition. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both standing at seven wins, two losses) seem like the most balanced franchises in football, and secured blowout wins in their weekend matchups. The 6-2 Eagles despite their struggles still have among the most gifted lineups in the league, similar to the Packers (5-2-1 record). Detroit as well (6-3 standing), with their fluctuating form in trench play and have been dealing with internal staff conflicts, have shown they can hammer strong franchises. For all five, you can still easily envision a championship trajectory.

AFC Confusion

Over in the AFC, the playoff picture remains completely chaotic. 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. Kansas City isn't there. Buffalo is missing. Not the Ravens or Bengals. Historically strong franchises, featuring the league’s best quarterbacks, have either glaring roster weaknesses or have been hit by injuries.

Parity Mechanics

To some extent, it’s the league’s ideal. However, witnessing this year’s four division leaders in the American Football Conference continues to seem unusual. Aspects of each franchise meet championship standards, though not comprehensively. If someone requested to commit to your conference championship predictions at this moment, would you confidently choose any among these four teams?

Squad Examinations

Indianapolis Outlook

Beginning with the Colts, their quarterback hasn't yet achieved complete disaster level. But the last two weeks have been worrying. He's reverting to committing turnovers and struggling against pressure. He was sacked seven times against the Falcons on Sunday, and endured a five-minute stretch during which he tossed an intercepted pass and lost three fumbles. This comes after he committed turnovers five times against the Steelers.

The Colts attack thrived early in the season because Jones avoided catastrophic mistakes. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line mean the Colts are good enough to survive periodic mistakes, like their German performance. However, if Jones reverts to his previous error-filled form would finish any playoff run.

New England Patriots

The Patriots seem relatively comparable. Previously, they were league laughingstocks. Today, they stand as the league’s happiest surprise and the hottest team in football following seven consecutive victories. Except for fumbling away a contest they should have won facing Pittsburgh, they’d be sitting a 9-1 record as the league's best. In the prior year, they seemed veteran and plodding. Now they’re inexperienced, speedy and bold. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They have faced the most manageable schedule across the NFL, and there have still been cracks. The signal-caller has taken sacks on 35 occasions – among the highest totals – with several hits he endured during the game proved brutal. With continued play, those hits add up.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos hold also 8-2, 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. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos aren’t scaring playoff opponents. The Chargers are also contending in the AFC West at 7-2, however, health issues affecting their protection unit will make it tough for extended playoff success.

Steelers Examination

Then we have the Steelers, inexplicably frontrunning their division notwithstanding receiving a decisive loss to Los Angeles in the evening game. They have a negative point differential, their defensive unit frequently falters, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations given his veteran status persistently appear. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, yet Baltimore, with their QB returning to health and facing easier opponents, are on a three-game win streak. We shouldn't be completely astonished that the Ravens have pulled to within one game of Pittsburgh, though the speed of this shift is an indictment of Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. The fact Baltimore began losing five of six and currently seem capable of division victory reveals much about the conference as a whole.

Traditional Powers

The Ravens represent a segment within a trio of powerhouses – alongside the 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, however, both franchises continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Analysis

Previously, the Bills felt confident after beating the Chiefs. On Sunday they suffered among the season's worst defeats during the campaign. They didn’t just lose to the Dolphins; they looked terrible, dropping a 30-13 road game. The Dolphins secured their first triumph against Buffalo in over three years.

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