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No major competition markets parity like the NFL: it’s the entire brand. But through ten games of this season, this is not a competition featuring uniform distribution separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. Rather, we see a situation where the bulk of franchises appear to be fine.

NFC Standings Definition

Looking at the NFC side, to some degree, the picture becomes more distinct. Los Angeles and Seattle (both standing at seven wins, two losses) appear to be the most balanced franchises across the league, and secured decisive victories during Sunday's action. Philadelphia at 6-2 notwithstanding their difficulties still have one of the most talented rosters in the league, similar to Green Bay (five wins, two losses, one tie). Even the Lions (six and three), despite their uneven performances on offense and defense while managing internal staff conflicts, have demonstrated they're capable of dominating strong franchises. For each of these squads, one can readily construct a route to the final game.

AFC Playoff Chaos

Over in the AFC, postseason landscape is a jumbled mess. The current division frontrunners through ten weeks: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) along with Pittsburgh (5-4 record). Take another look. Not the Chiefs. Buffalo is missing. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. The traditional powers, backed by the league’s best quarterbacks, have either significant personnel gaps or have been hit by injuries.

Parity Mechanics

In some ways, this is exactly what the league wants. 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 you were asked to commit to your conference championship predictions at this moment, could you assuredly choose any among the current division frontrunners?

Team Breakdowns

Indianapolis Colts

Starting in Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn't descended to pumpkin status. However, recent performances have caused alarm. He’s back to committing turnovers and struggling against pressure. He took seven sacks against the Falcons in the weekend game, and had a five-minute stretch in which he threw an interception and lost three fumbles. This follows he gave away possessions five separate times against the Steelers.

Indianapolis' offensive unit excelled during early games as Jones prevented catastrophic mistakes. Taylor along with the blockers mean the Colts are capable of overcoming occasional setbacks, as demonstrated overseas. But Jones returning to his previous error-filled form would end any playoff run.

New England Analysis

New England appears relatively comparable. Previously, they were considered jokes. Currently, they represent football's most unexpected success and the strongest squad across the league after seven straight wins. Had it not been for losing due to fumbles a winnable game versus the Steelers, they'd possess at 9–1 as the league's best. Previously, they were old and slow. Now they’re youthful, quick and confident. Still, it’s hard to ignore how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They've played against the easiest slate in the league, and there have still been cracks. The signal-caller has been sacked 35 times – the second-most in football – with several hits he absorbed on Sunday were vicious. Over time, that punishment compounds.

Broncos Situation

The Broncos are 8–2 as well, yet it seems like they're nervously waiting. Their quarterback has shown inconsistency, and the offense plodding, as the defense handles most of the responsibility. Lacking competent QB performance, the Broncos aren’t scaring any playoff team. The Chargers are also hovering in the AFC West at 7-2, however, health issues affecting their protection unit will make it tough to achieve championship contention.

Pittsburgh Situation

And then there’s Pittsburgh, inexplicably frontrunning the AFC North despite being thumped a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers during prime time. They have a negative point differential, their defensive unit frequently falters, and the QB's current constraints given his veteran status continue to show up. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, but Baltimore, featuring a recovered Jackson and facing easier opponents, have won three consecutive. This development isn't entirely shocking that the Ravens have narrowed to within one game of Pittsburgh, though the speed of this shift highlights deficiencies within the Steelers' uneven performances. The fact Baltimore began losing five of six and currently seem likely to claim the title is telling about the entire AFC.

Traditional Powers

The Ravens represent a segment of the Big Three – together with Bills and Chiefs – driven by elite quarterback play, who would still strike the highest anxiety for opponents if they made the playoffs. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, however, both franchises persistently undermine themselves.

Buffalo Analysis

Previously, Buffalo was celebrating post Chiefs triumph. This weekend they encountered among the season's worst defeats of the season. They didn’t just lose versus the Dolphins; they looked terrible, losing 30-13 as visitors. The Dolphins secured their first triumph versus Buffalo in over three years.

For those searching for a microcosm of the day, look no further: Allen transforming {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt