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No major competition markets equal footing in the manner of the NFL: it defines their identity. Yet following ten games of this season, this doesn't represent a landscape that is equally balanced between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Rather, we see a situation where the majority of teams are merely sufficient.

Clear Picture in NFC

In the NFC, to some degree, we see clearer definition. The Rams along with the Seahawks (each holding 7-2 records) seem like the most complete teams in the NFL, and achieved overwhelming triumphs on Sunday. The Eagles with six wins despite their struggles still have one of the most talented rosters throughout football, comparable to the Packers (5-2-1). Even the Lions (six and three), with their fluctuating form along both lines of scrimmage and navigating internal staff conflicts, have proven they can hammer quality opponents. For each of these squads, one can readily put together a route to the final game.

Muddled AFC Picture

Turning to the American Football Conference, postseason landscape remains completely chaotic. The current division frontrunners at this stage: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all standing at eight wins) and the Steelers (5-4 record). Take another look. Not the Chiefs. Not the Bills. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. The traditional powers, supported by the league’s best quarterbacks, possess either glaring roster weaknesses or have been hit by injuries.

Parity Mechanics

To some extent, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. Yet observing this year’s four division leaders in the AFC remains somewhat odd. Aspects of each franchise pass the championship smell test, yet not completely. If someone requested to finalize your conference championship predictions right now, could you assuredly pick any of the four division leaders?

Squad Examinations

Indianapolis Outlook

First, examining Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn't descended to complete disaster level. However, recent performances have been worrying. He's reverting to turning over the ball and faltering under duress. He was sacked seven times versus Atlanta in the weekend game, and experienced a short sequence where he delivered an interception and fumbled three times. This is a week after he turned the ball over five times facing the Steelers.

Indianapolis' offensive unit performed well initially since Jones evaded catastrophic mistakes. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line ensure Indianapolis remains capable of overcoming occasional setbacks, as they did in Berlin. But Jones returning to his old blunder-prone days would end any playoff run.

Patriots Examination

The Patriots feel relatively comparable. Last season, they were considered jokes. Now, they’re the NFL's most pleasant shock and the most successful franchise in football after seven straight wins. If not for committing turnover errors a winnable game versus the Steelers, they’d be sitting at 9–1 as the league's best. Previously, they seemed veteran and plodding. Now they’re youthful, quick and confident. Still, it’s hard to ignore the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They have faced the easiest slate in the league, and flaws have still emerged. Drake Maye has taken sacks thirty-five times – the second-most in football – and some of the shots he absorbed on Sunday appeared dangerous. With continued play, those beatings accumulate.

Broncos Situation

The Broncos hold also 8-2, and the perception remains that they're barely surviving. The Denver signal-caller has shown inconsistency, with the attack struggling, with the defense doing most of the responsibility. Absent adequate signal-calling, the Broncos aren’t scaring playoff opponents. Los Angeles remains nearby in the AFC West with seven wins, yet medical problems within their blocking corps will present challenges for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Situation

And then there’s Pittsburgh, inexplicably frontrunning the AFC North notwithstanding receiving 25-10 by the Chargers in the evening game. They have a negative point differential, their defense too often disappears, and the QB's current constraints during his career phase continue to show up. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, however, the Ravens, featuring a recovered Jackson and the schedule softening, are riding a three-game streak. This development isn't entirely shocking that the Ravens have pulled to within one game of Pittsburgh, but that it has arrived so quickly is an indictment of Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. Considering the Ravens opened with a 1-5 record and currently seem likely to claim the title reveals much about the entire AFC.

Traditional Powers

The Ravens' form part among three elite teams – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who could still create the most fear among competitors should they reach postseason. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, however, both franchises continue to self-destruct.

Bills Struggles

Previously, Buffalo was celebrating following victory over Kansas City. This weekend they encountered one of the most disappointing losses this year. They didn't simply fail to the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, dropping a 30-13 road game. This represented Miami's initial victory 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