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No professional sports organization promotes competitive balance in the manner of the NFL: it’s the entire brand. However, after the first ten matchups in this campaign, this is not a competition with perfect equilibrium between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Rather, we see a situation where the bulk of franchises are merely fine.

Clear Picture in NFC

Looking at the NFC side, at least, we see clearer definition. The Rams and Seahawks (both at 7-2) look like the most well-rounded squads in the NFL, and secured overwhelming triumphs during Sunday's action. Philadelphia at 6-2 despite their struggles maintain a deeply skilled squad in the league, comparable to the Packers (five wins, two losses, one tie). Detroit as well (six and three), who have been inconsistent on offense and defense and have been dealing with tension on their coaching staff, have proven they can hammer quality opponents. For each of these squads, you can still easily put together a championship trajectory.

AFC Confusion

Over in the AFC, championship race is thoroughly confusing. The current division frontrunners at this stage: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) along with Pittsburgh (5-4 record). Consider that carefully. Kansas City isn't there. Buffalo is missing. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. Historically strong franchises, supported by premier quarterback talent, have either glaring roster weaknesses or are dealing with health issues.

Parity Mechanics

From certain perspectives, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. But watching this season's top AFC teams in the AFC remains somewhat odd. Aspects of each franchise meet championship standards, yet not completely. If someone requested to finalize your conference championship predictions right now, could you assuredly select any one of these four teams?

Team Breakdowns

Indianapolis Outlook

Starting in Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn't yet achieved total collapse. But the last two weeks have been worrying. He has returned to turning over the ball and failing against blitzes. He suffered seven sacks against the Falcons during Sunday's contest, and had a brief period during which he tossed an intercepted pass and coughed up the ball thrice. This comes after he gave away possessions five separate times facing the Steelers.

Indianapolis' offensive unit performed well initially as Jones prevented game-changing errors. Taylor along with the blockers ensure Indianapolis remains good enough to survive occasional setbacks, as demonstrated overseas. But Jones returning to his previous error-filled form would terminate postseason aspirations.

Patriots Examination

New England appears somewhat similar. Previously, they were considered jokes. Today, they stand as the league’s happiest surprise and the hottest team in football post seven wins in a row. Had it not been for losing due to fumbles a manageable matchup versus the Steelers, they would currently hold at 9–1 as the league's best. Last season, they appeared aged and sluggish. Now they’re inexperienced, speedy and bold. Still, it’s hard to ignore the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They have faced the most manageable schedule in the league, yet vulnerabilities remain. The signal-caller has been sacked thirty-five times – the second-most in football – including particular impacts he suffered last weekend appeared dangerous. As the season progresses, those hits add up.

Denver Broncos

Denver stands at eight wins similarly, and the perception remains like they're nervously waiting. The Denver signal-caller has shown inconsistency, with the attack struggling, as the defense handles all the heavy lifting. Lacking competent QB performance, Denver cannot intimidate playoff opponents. Los Angeles remains nearby in the AFC West holding a 7-2 record, yet medical problems affecting their protection unit will create difficulties to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Then we have the Steelers, surprisingly atop the Northern division despite being thumped a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers in the evening game. They've been outscored overall, their defensive unit frequently falters, with their quarterback's restrictions during his career phase regularly manifest. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, yet Baltimore, with Lamar Jackson healthy again and facing easier opponents, are riding a three-game streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have pulled to within one game of Pittsburgh, but how rapidly this occurred represents criticism toward the Steelers' uneven performances. That the Ravens started with a 1-5 record and currently seem likely to claim the title reveals much about the conference as a whole.

Traditional Powers

The Ravens represent a segment among three elite teams – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, that would continue to generate the greatest concern in opposing teams should they reach postseason. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, however, both franchises continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Bills

Last week, the Bills felt confident following victory over Kansas City. During Sunday's action they experienced one of the most disappointing losses of the season. They didn't simply fail to the Dolphins; they suffered humiliation, losing 30-13 as visitors. The Dolphins secured their first triumph versus Buffalo in over three years.

If you’re looking for an example representing the day, look no further: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt