🔗 Share this article

No league promotes competitive balance like the NFL: it defines their identity. Yet following 10 weeks during the current schedule, this doesn't represent a landscape featuring uniform distribution separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. Rather, we see a situation where the bulk of franchises are merely sufficient.

NFC Standings Definition

In the NFC, for the most part, we see clearer definition. Los Angeles and Seattle (both standing at seven wins, two losses) look like the most balanced franchises in the NFL, and achieved blowout wins on Sunday. The Eagles with six wins notwithstanding their difficulties continue to possess among the most gifted lineups in the league, comparable to the Packers (five wins, two losses, one tie). Even the Lions (6-3), despite their uneven performances in trench play and navigating coaching drama, have shown they're capable of dominating good teams. For all five, one can readily put together a Super Bowl path.

AFC Playoff Chaos

Over in the AFC, the playoff picture is a jumbled mess. The current division frontrunners at this stage: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all standing at eight wins) and Steelers (5-4). Read that again. No Chiefs presence. Buffalo is missing. Not the Ravens or Bengals. The usual contenders, backed by elite NFL signal-callers, possess either significant personnel gaps or have been hit by injuries.

Competitive Balance System

To some extent, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. Yet observing this season's top AFC teams in the AFC still feels strange. Aspects of each franchise suggest title potential, yet not completely. If you were asked to commit to your conference championship predictions right now, would you comfortably pick any of the current division frontrunners?

Franchise Analysis

Indianapolis Colts

Beginning with the Colts, their quarterback hasn't descended to pumpkin status. But the last two weeks have raised concerns. He has returned to committing turnovers and failing against blitzes. He took seven sacks facing Atlanta during Sunday's contest, and had a brief period during which he tossed a pick and coughed up the ball thrice. This follows he turned the ball over five times versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts’ offense performed well initially as Jones prevented game-changing errors. Taylor along with the blockers make the Colts able to withstand occasional setbacks, as demonstrated overseas. However, if Jones reverts to his historically mistake-heavy play would finish any playoff run.

New England Analysis

The Patriots feel fairly alike. Previously, they were league laughingstocks. Now, they’re the NFL's most pleasant shock and the hottest team in the NFL post seven wins in a row. If not for losing due to fumbles a manageable matchup against Pittsburgh, they would currently hold at 9–1 as the league's best. Last season, they appeared aged and sluggish. Now they’re youthful, quick and confident. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the weakness of New England's opponents. They have faced the least challenging lineup in the league, and there have still been cracks. Their quarterback has taken sacks 35 times – ranking second league-wide – and some of the shots he endured during the game proved brutal. Over time, those hits add up.

Denver Broncos

Denver stands at eight wins similarly, yet it seems as if they’re holding their breath. Their quarterback has shown inconsistency, and the offense plodding, as the defense handles all the heavy lifting. Absent adequate signal-calling, the Broncos aren’t scaring anyone in the postseason. Los Angeles remains nearby in the Western division holding a 7-2 record, yet medical problems within their blocking corps will present challenges to achieve championship contention.

Steelers Examination

Then we have the Steelers, somehow still leading their division notwithstanding receiving a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers during prime time. Their scoring margin remains negative, 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, but Baltimore, with their QB returning to health with manageable games ahead, are on a three-game win streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that Baltimore has closed the gap to just one game, but that it has arrived so quickly is an indictment of Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. Considering the Ravens opened losing five of six and still look like they should win the division reveals much about the conference as a whole.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens' form part within a trio of powerhouses – together with Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who would still strike the most fear among competitors if they made the playoffs. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, however, both franchises cannot get out of their own way.

Bills Struggles

A week ago, the Bills felt confident after beating the Chiefs. During Sunday's action they experienced one of the most disappointing losses of the season. They didn’t just lose versus the Dolphins; they looked terrible, losing 30-13 as visitors. This represented Miami's initial victory versus Buffalo in over three years.

If you’re looking for an example representing the day, consider this: the quarterback converting {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt