No professional sports organization promotes equal footing like the NFL: it’s the entire brand. Yet following ten games in this campaign, this doesn't represent a landscape with perfect equilibrium among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. It’s one where the majority of teams is simply sufficient.
NFC Clarity
Looking at the NFC side, for the most part, the picture becomes more distinct. The Rams and Seahawks (both at 7-2) look like the most balanced franchises in football, and secured overwhelming triumphs on Sunday. The 6-2 Eagles even with their challenges still have one of the most talented rosters across the NFL, comparable to the Packers (5-2-1). Detroit as well (6-3), with their fluctuating form on offense and defense and navigating internal staff conflicts, have demonstrated they can defeat good teams. For each of these squads, you can still easily envision a route to the final game.
Muddled AFC Picture
Over in the AFC, the playoff picture is a jumbled mess. Your four division leaders at this stage: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) along with Pittsburgh (five wins, four losses). Read that again. No Chiefs presence. Not the Bills. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. Historically strong franchises, backed by premier quarterback talent, have either glaring roster weaknesses or have suffered medical setbacks.
Parity Mechanics
To some extent, this is exactly what the league wants. Yet observing the current division frontrunners in the AFC still feels strange. Areas of each team suggest title potential, though not comprehensively. Were you questioned to finalize your AFC Championship game picks at this moment, would you confidently pick any of the current division frontrunners?
Squad Examinations
Colts Situation
Starting in Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn't descended to total collapse. Yet the past two games have caused alarm. He has returned to committing turnovers and faltering under duress. He was sacked seven times versus Atlanta on Sunday, and endured a short sequence where he delivered an interception and fumbled three times. This comes after he committed turnovers five separate times facing the Steelers.
Indianapolis' offensive unit thrived early in the season since Jones evaded game-changing errors. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line ensure Indianapolis remains good enough to survive some negative plays, as demonstrated overseas. But Jones returning to his historically mistake-heavy play would terminate any playoff run.
New England Patriots
New England appears relatively comparable. Last season, they were considered jokes. Currently, they represent the league’s happiest surprise and the strongest squad in the NFL after seven straight wins. Except for losing due to fumbles a contest they should have won facing Pittsburgh, they'd possess at 9–1 with the best record. In the prior year, they seemed veteran and plodding. Currently they're young, fast and unafraid. Still, it’s hard to ignore the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They have faced the easiest slate across the NFL, yet vulnerabilities remain. Their quarterback has been sacked thirty-five times – among the highest totals – with several hits he suffered last weekend were vicious. As the season progresses, that punishment compounds.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos hold also 8-2, and the perception remains that they're barely surviving. The Denver signal-caller has performed unevenly, and the offensive unit laboring, as the defense handles the majority of the work. Without serviceable quarterback play, Denver cannot intimidate any playoff team. The Chargers are also contending in the Western division with seven wins, however, health issues along their offensive line will create difficulties for extended playoff success.
Steelers Examination
Then we have the Steelers, somehow still leading the Northern division notwithstanding receiving a decisive loss to Los Angeles in the evening game. They've been outscored overall, their defensive unit frequently falters, and the QB's current constraints during his career phase continue to show up. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, yet Baltimore, with their QB returning to health with manageable games ahead, are riding a three-game streak. We shouldn't be completely astonished that Baltimore has closed within a game of the Steelers, but that it has arrived so quickly represents criticism toward the Steelers' uneven performances. That the Ravens started the season 1-5 and still look like likely to claim the title speaks volumes regarding the complete conference.
Traditional Powers
The Ravens represent a segment among three elite teams – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, that would continue to generate the most fear for opponents should they reach postseason. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, however, both franchises persistently undermine themselves.
Buffalo Bills
A week ago, Buffalo was celebrating after beating the Chiefs. During Sunday's action they experienced one of the most disappointing losses this year. They didn't merely fall versus the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, losing 30-13 as visitors. It was Miami’s first win versus Buffalo in more than 1,000 days.
For those searching for a perfect summary of Sunday, consider this: the quarterback converting {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt
