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No major competition promotes parity like the NFL: it's their core marketing message. But through 10 weeks of this season, this is not a competition with perfect equilibrium separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. Instead, it's a scenario where the bulk of franchises are merely fine.

NFC Clarity

Within the National Football Conference, to some degree, there is some clarity. Los Angeles and Seattle (both at 7-2) appear to be the most balanced franchises in the NFL, and achieved blowout wins on Sunday. The Eagles with six wins notwithstanding their difficulties continue to possess one of the most talented rosters throughout football, comparable to the Packers franchise (5-2-1). Even the Lions (6-3), with their fluctuating form on offense and defense while managing tension on their coaching staff, have demonstrated they're capable of dominating quality opponents. For all five, it's straightforward to construct a Super Bowl path.

AFC Confusion

In the AFC however, the playoff picture is a jumbled mess. The current division frontrunners through ten weeks: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all at 8-2) and Steelers (5-4 record). Consider that carefully. Kansas City isn't there. Not the Bills. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. Historically strong franchises, backed by premier quarterback talent, have either glaring roster weaknesses or are dealing with health issues.

Parity Mechanics

To some extent, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. Yet observing this season's top AFC teams in the AFC remains somewhat odd. Areas of each team meet championship standards, though not comprehensively. If someone requested to lock in your conference championship predictions today, would you confidently pick any of the current division frontrunners?

Team Breakdowns

Colts Situation

First, examining Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn't yet achieved complete disaster level. But the last two weeks have been worrying. He's reverting to committing turnovers and faltering under duress. He suffered seven sacks facing Atlanta in the weekend game, and had a short sequence in which he threw an interception and fumbled three times. This is a week after he committed turnovers five times versus Pittsburgh.

Indianapolis' offensive unit thrived early in the season as Jones prevented game-changing errors. Taylor along with the blockers make the Colts capable of overcoming periodic mistakes, like their German performance. But Jones returning to his previous error-filled form would end any playoff run.

New England Patriots

The Patriots feel relatively comparable. A year ago, they were a punchline. Today, they stand as the league’s happiest surprise and the hottest team in the NFL after seven straight wins. Had it not been for committing turnover errors a winnable game facing Pittsburgh, they’d be sitting nine wins, one loss with the best record. Previously, they were old and slow. Currently they're inexperienced, speedy and bold. Still, it’s hard to ignore the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They have faced the least challenging lineup across the NFL, and there have still been cracks. Drake Maye has been brought down thirty-five times – the second-most in football – with several hits he absorbed on Sunday were vicious. With continued play, those beatings accumulate.

Broncos Situation

The Broncos are eight wins similarly, yet it seems like they're nervously waiting. Their quarterback has performed unevenly, and the offensive unit laboring, while the defensive unit provides most of the responsibility. Lacking competent QB performance, the Broncos aren’t scaring anyone in the postseason. The Chargers are also hovering in the Western division at 7-2, however, health issues within their blocking corps will present challenges for extended playoff success.

Steelers Examination

And then there’s Pittsburgh, somehow still leading the AFC North despite being thumped a decisive loss to Los Angeles in the evening game. They have a negative point differential, their defense too often disappears, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations given his veteran status regularly manifest. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, however, the Ravens, featuring a recovered Jackson and the schedule softening, are on a three-game win streak. This development isn't entirely shocking that Baltimore has closed the gap to just one game, though the speed of this shift highlights deficiencies within Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. Considering the Ravens opened the season 1-5 and still look like they should win the division reveals much about the complete conference.

Established Contenders

The Ravens' form part of the Big Three – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, that would continue to generate the greatest concern among competitors if they qualified. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, but the Chiefs and Bills persistently undermine themselves.

Bills Struggles

Previously, the Bills were riding high after beating the Chiefs. On Sunday they suffered a particularly discouraging setback this year. They didn't merely fall versus the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, dropping a 30-13 road game. It was Miami’s first win versus Buffalo in more than 1,000 days.

If you’re looking for a perfect summary of Sunday, consider this: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt