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No professional sports organization promotes parity as effectively as the NFL: it's their core marketing message. But through 10 weeks during the current schedule, this isn’t a league that is equally balanced separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. It’s one where most of the league appear to be fine.

Clear Picture in NFC

Looking at the NFC side, to some degree, there is some clarity. The Rams along with the Seahawks (each holding 7-2 records) seem like the most well-rounded squads in the NFL, and secured blowout wins in their weekend matchups. The Eagles with six wins despite their struggles maintain one of the most talented rosters across the NFL, likewise with the Packers franchise (5-2-1). Detroit as well (6-3 standing), despite their uneven performances along both lines of scrimmage and navigating coaching drama, have demonstrated they can defeat strong franchises. For all five, you can still easily construct a route to the final game.

Muddled AFC Picture

Over in the AFC, the playoff picture is thoroughly confusing. The four teams leading their divisions at this stage: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all at 8-2) and Steelers (five wins, four losses). Take another look. Not the Chiefs. Buffalo is missing. Not the Ravens or Bengals. The usual contenders, featuring elite NFL signal-callers, display either glaring roster weaknesses or have been hit by injuries.

League Equality Design

To some extent, this is exactly what the league wants. However, witnessing this season's top AFC teams within the conference still feels strange. Components of every squad meet championship standards, but not in their entirety. If you were asked to lock in your conference championship predictions today, would you confidently pick any of the four division leaders?

Franchise Analysis

Colts Situation

Starting in Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn't yet achieved pumpkin status. However, recent performances have been worrying. He has returned to giving away possessions and faltering under duress. He took seven sacks versus Atlanta during Sunday's contest, and experienced a five-minute stretch where he delivered a pick and fumbled three times. This comes after he committed turnovers on five occasions facing the Steelers.

Indianapolis' offensive unit excelled during early games because Jones avoided the disaster plays. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line make the Colts good enough to survive occasional setbacks, as demonstrated overseas. Yet Jones going back to his historically mistake-heavy play would end any playoff run.

New England Patriots

The Patriots seem somewhat similar. Previously, they were a punchline. Currently, they represent football's most unexpected success and the strongest squad across the league post seven wins in a row. Had it not been for committing turnover errors a winnable game against Pittsburgh, they’d be sitting at 9–1 with the best record. Last season, they appeared aged and sluggish. Now they’re youthful, quick and confident. Still, it’s hard to ignore how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They've encountered the most manageable schedule in the league, yet vulnerabilities remain. Drake Maye has taken sacks on 35 occasions – ranking second league-wide – and some of the shots he absorbed on Sunday appeared dangerous. With continued play, those hits add up.

Denver Broncos

Denver stands at eight wins similarly, and it still feels as if they’re holding their breath. Their quarterback has shown inconsistency, with the attack struggling, as the defense handles the majority of the work. Absent adequate signal-calling, the Broncos aren’t scaring anyone in the postseason. The Chargers are also hovering in the Western division holding a 7-2 record, but the injuries within their blocking corps will create difficulties to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Situation

And then there’s Pittsburgh, somehow still leading the AFC North notwithstanding receiving 25-10 by the Chargers in the evening game. They've been outscored overall, their defense too often disappears, and the QB's current constraints at this stage of his career regularly manifest. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, however, the Ravens, with Lamar Jackson healthy again and facing easier opponents, are on a three-game win streak. This development isn't entirely shocking that the Ravens have narrowed to within one game of Pittsburgh, but how rapidly this occurred represents criticism toward Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. That the Ravens started with a 1-5 record yet still appear capable of division victory is telling about the entire AFC.

Traditional Powers

The Ravens' form part within a trio of powerhouses – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – driven by elite quarterback play, who would still strike the highest anxiety in opposing teams if they made the playoffs. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, however, both franchises continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Analysis

Previously, the Bills were riding high following victory over Kansas City. This weekend they encountered among the season's worst defeats this year. They didn't simply fail to the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, falling 30-13 on the road. It was Miami’s first win against Buffalo in over three years.

For those searching for a perfect summary of Sunday, consider this: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt