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No major competition promotes competitive balance in the manner of the NFL: it’s the entire brand. Yet following the first ten matchups in this campaign, this is not a competition featuring uniform distribution separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. It’s one where the majority of teams are merely fine.

NFC Standings Definition

Looking at the NFC side, for the most part, there is some clarity. Los Angeles and Seattle (both standing at seven wins, two losses) appear to be the most complete teams in football, and achieved blowout wins on Sunday. The 6-2 Eagles even with their challenges continue to possess one of the most talented rosters across the NFL, comparable to the Packers franchise (5-2-1). The Lions also (6-3 standing), despite their uneven performances on offense and defense and have been dealing with coaching drama, have shown they're capable of dominating good teams. For all five, one can readily put together a championship trajectory.

AFC Playoff Chaos

In the AFC however, postseason landscape is a jumbled mess. Your four division leaders at this stage: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all standing at eight wins) and the Steelers (5-4 record). Read that again. No Chiefs presence. No Bills inclusion. Not the Ravens or Bengals. The usual contenders, backed by elite NFL signal-callers, have either significant personnel gaps or have been hit by injuries.

Competitive Balance System

To some extent, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. However, witnessing this year’s four division leaders in the American Football Conference continues to seem unusual. Components of every squad meet championship standards, though not comprehensively. If someone requested to commit to your AFC Championship game picks today, could you assuredly pick any of the four division leaders?

Team Breakdowns

Indianapolis Colts

Starting in Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn't descended to pumpkin status. But the last two weeks have been worrying. He's reverting to turning over the ball and failing against blitzes. He took seven sacks versus Atlanta on Sunday, and experienced a five-minute stretch in which he threw a pick and coughed up the ball thrice. This is a week after he committed turnovers on five occasions versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts’ offense excelled during early games as Jones prevented catastrophic mistakes. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line ensure Indianapolis remains able to withstand periodic mistakes, like their German performance. Yet Jones going back to his historically mistake-heavy play would end any playoff run.

New England Patriots

New England appears relatively comparable. A year ago, they were considered jokes. Currently, they represent football's most unexpected success and the most successful franchise in football after seven straight wins. Had it not been for losing due to fumbles a manageable matchup versus the Steelers, they would currently hold a 9-1 record with the best record. Previously, they seemed veteran and plodding. Currently they're inexperienced, speedy and bold. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They have faced the least challenging lineup in the league, and there have still been cracks. Drake Maye has been brought down on 35 occasions – the second-most in football – with several hits he absorbed on Sunday proved brutal. As the season progresses, that punishment compounds.

Denver Analysis

The Broncos hold 8–2 as well, and the perception remains like they're nervously waiting. Their quarterback has shown inconsistency, with the attack struggling, while the defensive unit provides the majority of the work. Absent adequate signal-calling, Denver cannot intimidate anyone in the postseason. The Chargers are also hovering within their division with seven wins, however, health issues along their offensive line will present challenges to achieve championship contention.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, inexplicably frontrunning the AFC North even after suffering 25-10 by the Chargers on Sunday night. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defensive unit frequently falters, with their quarterback's restrictions given his veteran status regularly manifest. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, yet Baltimore, featuring a recovered Jackson and the schedule softening, have won three consecutive. We shouldn't be completely astonished that the Ravens have narrowed within a game of the Steelers, but that it has arrived so quickly is an indictment of the Steelers' uneven performances. The fact Baltimore began losing five of six and still look like capable of division victory reveals much about the complete conference.

Traditional Powers

The Ravens represent a segment of the Big Three – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who could still create the greatest concern for opponents if they made the playoffs. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, but the Chiefs and Bills persistently undermine themselves.

Buffalo Analysis

Previously, Buffalo was celebrating after beating the Chiefs. During Sunday's action they experienced a particularly discouraging setback this year. They didn't merely fall versus the Dolphins; they looked terrible, falling 30-13 on the road. It was Miami’s first win versus Buffalo in several seasons.

For those searching for a perfect summary of Sunday, look no further: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt