No professional sports organization sells competitive balance in the manner of the NFL: it's their core marketing message. Yet following 10 weeks during the current schedule, this doesn't represent a landscape that is equally balanced between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Rather, we see a situation where most of the league is simply adequate.
Clear Picture in NFC
In the NFC, at least, there is some clarity. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both at 7-2) appear to be the most balanced franchises across the league, and achieved decisive victories on Sunday. The 6-2 Eagles notwithstanding their difficulties continue to possess one of the most talented rosters throughout football, similar to the Packers franchise (five wins, two losses, one tie). The Lions also (six and three), despite their uneven performances in trench play and have been dealing with tension on their coaching staff, have shown they can hammer quality opponents. Regarding these five teams, one can readily put together a route to the final game.
AFC Playoff Chaos
In the AFC however, postseason landscape is thoroughly confusing. Your four division leaders through ten weeks: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all at 8-2) and Steelers (5-4 record). Consider that carefully. Kansas City isn't there. Buffalo is missing. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. The usual contenders, supported by premier quarterback talent, have either significant personnel gaps or are dealing with health issues.
League Equality Design
From certain perspectives, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. Yet observing this season's top AFC teams within the conference still feels strange. Areas of each team pass the championship smell test, though not comprehensively. If someone requested to finalize your conference championship predictions at this moment, would you confidently select any one of the four division leaders?
Team Breakdowns
Indianapolis Outlook
First, examining Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn't yet achieved complete disaster level. Yet the past two games have caused alarm. He has returned to turning over the ball and struggling against pressure. He was sacked seven times against the Falcons during Sunday's contest, and had a five-minute stretch during which he tossed an intercepted pass and lost three fumbles. This follows he gave away possessions five times versus Pittsburgh.
The Colts attack performed well initially as Jones prevented game-changing errors. The running back and protection unit make the Colts able to withstand periodic mistakes, as demonstrated overseas. However, if Jones reverts to his old blunder-prone days would terminate postseason aspirations.
New England Analysis
The Patriots feel fairly alike. A year ago, they were league laughingstocks. Currently, they represent the league’s happiest surprise and the hottest team in football following seven consecutive victories. Had it not been for fumbling away a contest they should have won facing Pittsburgh, they would currently hold nine wins, one loss as the league's best. Last season, they were old and slow. Now they’re youthful, quick and confident. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They've encountered the most manageable schedule in the league, yet vulnerabilities remain. Drake Maye has been brought down on 35 occasions – among the highest totals – including particular impacts he endured during the game proved brutal. Over time, those hits add up.
Denver Analysis
The Broncos hold eight wins similarly, and the perception remains like they're nervously waiting. Their quarterback has performed unevenly, with the attack struggling, as the defense handles all the heavy lifting. Lacking competent QB performance, Denver cannot intimidate playoff opponents. The Chargers are also hovering within their division holding a 7-2 record, however, health issues within their blocking corps will make it tough to achieve championship contention.
Pittsburgh Steelers
And then there’s Pittsburgh, inexplicably frontrunning their division even after suffering 25-10 by the Chargers on Sunday night. They've been outscored overall, their defense too often disappears, and the QB's current constraints given his veteran status regularly manifest. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, yet Baltimore, with their QB returning to health and facing easier opponents, are riding a three-game streak. We shouldn't be completely astonished that the Ravens have pulled the gap to just one game, but how rapidly this occurred highlights deficiencies within the Steelers' uneven performances. The fact Baltimore began with a 1-5 record and still look like they should win the division is telling about the complete conference.
Historical Favorites
The Ravens represent a segment among three elite teams – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – driven by elite quarterback play, who could still create the greatest concern for opponents should they reach postseason. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, but the Chiefs and Bills cannot get out of their own way.
Buffalo Bills
A week ago, Buffalo was celebrating following victory over Kansas City. During Sunday's action they experienced one of the most disappointing losses of the season. They didn't merely fall against Miami; they were embarrassed, dropping a 30-13 road game. The Dolphins secured their first triumph versus Buffalo in more than 1,000 days.
If you’re looking for a microcosm of the day, look no further: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt
