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No league markets parity like the NFL: it defines their identity. Yet following the first ten matchups of this season, this isn’t a league with perfect equilibrium between the good, the bad and the mediocre. It’s one where the bulk of franchises appear to be fine.

NFC Clarity

Looking at the NFC side, to some degree, we see clearer definition. The Rams and Seahawks (both standing at seven wins, two losses) seem like the most well-rounded squads across the league, and secured decisive victories in their weekend matchups. Philadelphia at 6-2 even with their challenges still have one of the most talented rosters across the NFL, comparable to Green Bay (5-2-1 record). Even the Lions (6-3 standing), who have been inconsistent in trench play while managing coaching drama, have proven they can defeat strong franchises. Regarding these five teams, one can readily envision a route to the final game.

AFC Confusion

Over in the AFC, championship race remains completely chaotic. The current division frontrunners after ten games: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all at 8-2) along with Pittsburgh (5-4 record). Read that again. Kansas City isn't there. Not the Bills. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. The usual contenders, featuring the league’s best quarterbacks, have either significant personnel gaps or have suffered medical setbacks.

League Equality Design

To some extent, it’s the league’s ideal. However, witnessing this season's top AFC teams in the American Football Conference still feels strange. Aspects of each franchise pass the championship smell test, but not in their entirety. If someone requested to finalize your conference championship predictions at this moment, could you assuredly select any one of these four teams?

Squad Examinations

Indianapolis Colts

First, examining Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn't descended to complete disaster level. Yet the past two games have been worrying. He has returned to turning over the ball and faltering under duress. He suffered seven sacks versus Atlanta on Sunday, and had a five-minute stretch during which he tossed an intercepted pass and fumbled three times. This follows he gave away possessions five separate times facing the Steelers.

The Colts attack performed well initially as Jones prevented the disaster plays. The running back and protection unit ensure Indianapolis remains capable of overcoming periodic mistakes, as they did in Berlin. However, if Jones reverts to his previous error-filled form would end championship hopes.

New England Analysis

New England appears relatively comparable. Last season, they were league laughingstocks. Today, they stand as football's most unexpected success and the hottest team across the league after seven straight wins. If not for fumbling away a manageable matchup against Pittsburgh, they'd possess at 9–1 as the league's best. Last season, they appeared aged and sluggish. Currently they're youthful, quick and confident. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the weakness of New England's opponents. They've encountered the least challenging lineup across the NFL, yet vulnerabilities remain. Drake Maye has taken sacks thirty-five times – the second-most in football – and some of the shots he absorbed on Sunday were vicious. With continued play, that punishment compounds.

Denver Analysis

Denver stands at eight wins similarly, yet it seems as if they’re holding their breath. Their quarterback has performed unevenly, and the offense plodding, while the defensive unit provides the majority of the work. Absent adequate signal-calling, Denver cannot intimidate anyone in the postseason. Los Angeles remains nearby within their division at 7-2, yet medical problems affecting their protection unit will make it tough to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Steelers

And then there’s Pittsburgh, somehow still leading the Northern division notwithstanding receiving 25-10 by the Chargers in the evening game. They've been outscored overall, their defense regularly vanishes, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations given his veteran status persistently appear. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, however, the Ravens, 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 the gap to just one game, but that it has arrived so quickly represents criticism toward the Steelers' uneven performances. Considering the Ravens opened with a 1-5 record and still look like likely to claim the title reveals much about the entire AFC.

Established Contenders

The Ravens represent a segment of the Big Three – together with Bills and Chiefs – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who would still strike the most fear for opponents if they made the playoffs. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, but the Chiefs and Bills continue to self-destruct.

Bills Struggles

Previously, the Bills felt confident post Chiefs triumph. This weekend they encountered among the season's worst defeats during the campaign. They didn't simply fail against Miami; they looked terrible, falling 30-13 on the road. It was Miami’s first win over the Bills in several seasons.

Should you seek a perfect summary of Sunday, consider this: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt