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No professional sports organization markets competitive balance as effectively as the NFL: it's their core marketing message. Yet following ten games during the current schedule, this doesn't represent a landscape featuring uniform distribution between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Instead, it's a scenario where the bulk of franchises is simply sufficient.

Clear Picture in NFC

In the NFC, to some degree, we see clearer definition. Los Angeles and Seattle (each holding 7-2 records) look like the most complete teams across the league, and achieved decisive victories during Sunday's action. The Eagles with six wins notwithstanding their difficulties continue to possess a deeply skilled squad across the NFL, similar to the Packers franchise (5-2-1). The Lions also (6-3 standing), who have been inconsistent in trench play and navigating tension on their coaching staff, have demonstrated they can hammer strong franchises. For each of these squads, you can still easily envision a championship trajectory.

Muddled AFC Picture

Over in the AFC, championship race is a jumbled mess. The current division frontrunners after ten games: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (each with 8-2 records) and the Steelers (5-4 record). Consider that carefully. Kansas City isn't there. Not the Bills. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. The usual contenders, backed by premier quarterback talent, have either significant personnel gaps or have suffered medical setbacks.

League Equality Design

To some extent, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. But watching this season's top AFC teams in the AFC continues to seem unusual. Aspects of each franchise suggest title potential, but not in their entirety. If someone requested to commit to your AFC Championship game picks at this moment, would you confidently choose any among these four teams?

Squad Examinations

Colts Situation

Beginning with the Colts, the signal-caller hasn't descended to complete disaster level. However, recent performances have raised concerns. He's reverting to turning over the ball and faltering under duress. He suffered seven sacks against the Falcons during Sunday's contest, and experienced a five-minute stretch in which he threw a pick and fumbled three times. This is a week after he gave away possessions five separate times facing the Steelers.

The Colts attack excelled during early games as Jones prevented game-changing errors. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line make the Colts capable of overcoming some negative plays, like their German performance. Yet Jones going back to his old blunder-prone days would end any playoff run.

New England Patriots

New England appears fairly alike. Last season, they were considered jokes. Today, they stand as the NFL's most pleasant shock and the most successful franchise across the league after seven straight wins. Except for fumbling away a winnable game versus the Steelers, they’d be sitting at 9–1 with the best record. Last season, they were old and slow. Today they appear inexperienced, speedy and bold. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They have faced the least challenging lineup across the NFL, yet vulnerabilities remain. Their quarterback has been brought down 35 times – among the highest totals – including particular impacts he suffered last weekend were vicious. As the season progresses, that punishment compounds.

Broncos Situation

Denver stands at also 8-2, yet it seems that they're barely surviving. The Denver signal-caller has been erratic, and the offense plodding, as the defense handles the majority of the work. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos won't frighten anyone in the postseason. Los Angeles remains nearby within their division with seven wins, yet medical problems affecting their protection unit will create difficulties to achieve championship contention.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Then we have the Steelers, surprisingly atop the Northern division even after suffering 25-10 by the Chargers during prime time. 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, but Baltimore, with their QB returning to health and the schedule softening, are riding a three-game streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have pulled within a game of the Steelers, but that it has arrived so quickly represents criticism toward Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. That the Ravens started losing five of six and currently seem they should win the division speaks volumes regarding the complete conference.

Established Contenders

The Ravens' form part within a trio of powerhouses – together with Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, that would continue to generate the most fear for opponents should they reach postseason. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, however, both franchises cannot get out of their own way.

Bills Struggles

Previously, the Bills felt confident post Chiefs triumph. This weekend they encountered one of the most disappointing losses of the season. They didn't simply fail versus the Dolphins; they looked terrible, losing 30-13 as visitors. This represented Miami's initial victory versus Buffalo in more than 1,000 days.

If you’re looking for a perfect summary of Sunday, here you go: Allen transforming {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt