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No major competition promotes parity in the manner of the NFL: it's their core marketing message. But through 10 weeks in this campaign, this doesn't represent a landscape that is equally balanced between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Rather, we see a situation where the bulk of franchises appear to be fine.

Clear Picture in NFC

In the NFC, for the most part, the picture becomes more distinct. Los Angeles and Seattle (each holding 7-2 records) look like the most complete teams in the NFL, and secured overwhelming triumphs in their weekend matchups. Philadelphia at 6-2 even with their challenges continue to possess one of the most talented rosters in the league, similar to Green Bay (five wins, two losses, one tie). Even the Lions (6-3 standing), with their fluctuating form on offense and defense while managing coaching drama, have demonstrated they can defeat strong franchises. For all five, you can still easily envision a Super Bowl path.

AFC Playoff Chaos

In the AFC however, the playoff picture remains completely chaotic. The current division frontrunners through ten weeks: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all at 8-2) and the Steelers (five wins, four losses). Read that again. Not the Chiefs. No Bills inclusion. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. The traditional powers, backed by elite NFL signal-callers, have either significant personnel gaps or are dealing with health issues.

Parity Mechanics

In some ways, it’s the league’s ideal. However, witnessing this season's top AFC teams in the American Football Conference continues to seem unusual. Aspects of each franchise suggest title potential, but not in their entirety. Were you questioned to commit to your AFC title game selections at this moment, would you comfortably select any one of these four teams?

Squad Examinations

Indianapolis Colts

First, examining Indianapolis, Daniel Jones hasn't descended to pumpkin status. But the last two weeks have raised concerns. He's reverting to committing turnovers and faltering under duress. He was sacked seven times versus Atlanta on Sunday, and endured a five-minute stretch during which he tossed an intercepted pass and coughed up the ball thrice. This comes after he committed turnovers on five occasions facing the Steelers.

The Colts attack performed well initially since Jones evaded the disaster plays. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line ensure Indianapolis remains able to withstand occasional setbacks, as they did in Berlin. However, if Jones reverts to his historically mistake-heavy play would finish postseason aspirations.

New England Patriots

The Patriots seem somewhat similar. Previously, they were considered jokes. Today, they stand as football's most unexpected success and the hottest team in the NFL following seven consecutive victories. Had it not been for committing turnover errors a winnable game against Pittsburgh, they would currently hold a 9-1 record with the top standing. Last season, they were old and slow. Today they appear youthful, quick and confident. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the weakness of New England's opponents. They have faced the easiest slate throughout football, and there have still been cracks. Drake Maye has been brought down on 35 occasions – the second-most in football – and some of the shots he absorbed on Sunday proved brutal. With continued play, that punishment compounds.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos hold 8–2 as well, and the perception remains that they're barely surviving. Bo Nix has been erratic, and the offense plodding, with the defense doing the majority of the work. Without serviceable quarterback play, Denver cannot intimidate playoff opponents. The Chargers are also contending in the Western division holding a 7-2 record, however, health issues affecting their protection unit will present challenges to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Steelers Examination

Then we have the Steelers, somehow still leading the AFC North despite being thumped 25-10 by the Chargers on Sunday night. They've been outscored overall, their defense regularly vanishes, and the QB's current constraints given his veteran status persistently appear. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, yet Baltimore, with their QB returning to health and facing easier opponents, are on a three-game win streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have pulled the gap to just one game, though the speed of this shift represents criticism toward Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. That the Ravens started the season 1-5 and still look like they should win the division reveals much about the conference as a whole.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens' form part within a trio of powerhouses – together with Bills and Chiefs – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, that would continue to generate the most fear in opposing teams if they made the playoffs. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, yet Kansas City and Buffalo cannot get out of their own way.

Bills Struggles

A week ago, Buffalo was celebrating following victory over Kansas City. On Sunday they suffered one of the most disappointing losses this year. They didn’t just lose against Miami; they were embarrassed, falling 30-13 on the road. This represented Miami's initial victory versus Buffalo in more than 1,000 days.

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