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No league sells equal footing as effectively as the NFL: it's their core marketing message. However, after 10 weeks during the current schedule, this doesn't represent a landscape with perfect equilibrium among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. It’s one where most of the league are merely adequate.

NFC Clarity

In the NFC, for the most part, there is some clarity. The Rams and Seahawks (both at 7-2) seem like the most complete teams across the league, and achieved overwhelming triumphs during Sunday's action. The Eagles with six wins notwithstanding their difficulties still have among the most gifted lineups in the league, similar to Green Bay (5-2-1 record). Detroit as well (6-3 standing), with their fluctuating form on offense and defense while managing tension on their coaching staff, have demonstrated they can defeat good teams. For each of these squads, it's straightforward to construct a championship trajectory.

Muddled AFC Picture

In the AFC however, championship race remains completely chaotic. Your four division leaders through ten weeks: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all at 8-2) and the Steelers (5-4). Consider that carefully. Kansas City isn't there. No Bills inclusion. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. The traditional powers, supported by elite NFL signal-callers, have either obvious team deficiencies or are dealing with health issues.

Parity Mechanics

From certain perspectives, this is exactly what the league wants. However, witnessing this year’s four division leaders within the conference remains somewhat odd. Areas of each team suggest title potential, though not comprehensively. Were you questioned to commit to your conference championship predictions today, would you confidently choose any among these four teams?

Squad Examinations

Indianapolis Outlook

Starting in Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn't yet achieved pumpkin status. But the last two weeks have caused alarm. He's reverting to giving away possessions and struggling against pressure. He was sacked seven times versus Atlanta on Sunday, and endured a five-minute stretch during which he tossed an interception and coughed up the ball thrice. This comes after he turned the ball over on five occasions versus Pittsburgh.

Indianapolis' offensive unit excelled during early games as Jones prevented game-changing errors. Taylor along with the blockers ensure Indianapolis remains capable of overcoming occasional setbacks, as they did in Berlin. Yet Jones going back to his previous error-filled form would end postseason aspirations.

New England Patriots

New England appears fairly alike. Last season, they were league laughingstocks. Today, they stand as football's most unexpected success and the most successful franchise across the league post seven wins in a row. If not for losing due to fumbles a winnable game facing Pittsburgh, they’d be sitting nine wins, one loss with the top standing. Previously, they seemed veteran and plodding. Currently they're youthful, quick and confident. Still, it’s hard to ignore the weakness of New England's opponents. They've played against the easiest slate across the NFL, and flaws have still emerged. The signal-caller has been sacked thirty-five times – among the highest totals – and some of the shots he suffered last weekend appeared dangerous. As the season progresses, those hits add up.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos are 8–2 as well, yet it seems as if they’re holding their breath. The Denver signal-caller has performed unevenly, with the attack struggling, with the defense doing most of the responsibility. Absent adequate signal-calling, the Broncos aren’t scaring anyone in the postseason. The Chargers are also hovering in the Western division at 7-2, but the injuries within their blocking corps will create difficulties for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, somehow still leading their division despite being thumped a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers on Sunday night. They've been outscored overall, their defensive unit frequently falters, with their quarterback's restrictions at this stage of his career regularly manifest. They’re 5–4 and holding on, yet Baltimore, with their QB returning to health and the schedule softening, are on a three-game win streak. We shouldn't be completely astonished that Baltimore has closed the gap to just one game, but how rapidly this occurred represents criticism toward Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. The fact Baltimore began the season 1-5 and currently seem they should win the division is telling about the conference as a whole.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens' form part within a trio of powerhouses – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – driven by elite quarterback play, that would continue to generate the greatest concern in opposing teams should they reach postseason. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, yet Kansas City and Buffalo cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Bills

Last week, Buffalo was celebrating after beating the Chiefs. During Sunday's action they experienced among the season's worst defeats of the season. They didn't merely fall versus the Dolphins; they suffered humiliation, falling 30-13 on the road. The Dolphins secured their first triumph versus Buffalo in more than 1,000 days.

Should you seek a microcosm of the day, look no further: the quarterback converting {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt