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No professional sports organization promotes parity like the NFL: it's their core marketing message. Yet following ten games of this season, this is not a competition that is equally balanced among elite teams, poor performers, and average squads. It’s one where the bulk of franchises appear to be fine.

NFC Clarity

In the NFC, at least, the picture becomes more distinct. Los Angeles and Seattle (each holding 7-2 records) appear to be the most complete teams in the NFL, and achieved blowout wins on Sunday. The Eagles with six wins despite their struggles maintain a deeply skilled squad across the NFL, likewise with the Packers franchise (5-2-1). The Lions also (six and three), with their fluctuating form in trench play while managing internal staff conflicts, have proven they can defeat quality opponents. For all five, you can still easily construct a route to the final game.

AFC Playoff Chaos

Turning to the American Football Conference, the playoff picture is thoroughly confusing. The four teams leading their divisions through ten weeks: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all standing at eight wins) and Steelers (5-4 record). Consider that carefully. Not the Chiefs. Not the Bills. Not the Ravens or Bengals. Historically strong franchises, backed by elite NFL signal-callers, display either obvious team deficiencies or have suffered medical setbacks.

Parity Mechanics

In some ways, this is exactly what the league wants. However, witnessing the current division frontrunners in the American Football Conference remains somewhat odd. Areas of each team pass the championship smell test, but not in their entirety. If you were asked to lock in your AFC title game selections right now, would you confidently select any one of the current division frontrunners?

Squad Examinations

Colts Situation

First, examining Indianapolis, Daniel Jones hasn't yet achieved complete disaster level. Yet the past two games have been worrying. He's reverting to committing turnovers and struggling against pressure. He was sacked seven times facing Atlanta during Sunday's contest, and endured a five-minute stretch where he delivered an intercepted pass and fumbled three times. This comes after he turned the ball over on five occasions against the Steelers.

The Colts attack excelled during early games because Jones avoided game-changing errors. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line make the Colts able to withstand periodic mistakes, like their German performance. Yet Jones going back to his old blunder-prone days would finish any playoff run.

New England Analysis

The Patriots feel fairly alike. Previously, they were a punchline. Currently, they represent the league’s happiest surprise and the strongest squad in football following seven consecutive victories. Had it not been for losing due to fumbles a manageable matchup against Pittsburgh, they’d be sitting nine wins, one loss with the top standing. Last season, they were old and slow. Today they appear inexperienced, speedy and bold. Still, it’s hard to ignore the weakness of New England's opponents. They've encountered the most manageable schedule across the NFL, and flaws have still emerged. Drake Maye has been sacked thirty-five times – the second-most in football – with several hits he suffered last weekend proved brutal. Over time, that punishment compounds.

Broncos Situation

The Broncos hold eight wins similarly, and the perception remains that they're barely surviving. Their quarterback has been erratic, with the attack struggling, with the defense doing all the heavy lifting. Lacking competent QB performance, the Broncos won't frighten any playoff team. 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.

Pittsburgh Situation

And then there’s Pittsburgh, surprisingly atop the AFC North notwithstanding receiving a decisive loss to Los Angeles on Sunday night. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defense regularly vanishes, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations during his career phase persistently appear. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, but Baltimore, with Lamar Jackson healthy again with manageable games ahead, are riding a three-game streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have narrowed the gap to just one game, but how rapidly this occurred is an indictment of Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. That the Ravens started losing five of six and currently seem likely to claim the title is telling about the entire AFC.

Traditional Powers

The Ravens' form part within a trio of powerhouses – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who would still strike the greatest concern among competitors should they reach postseason. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, however, both franchises continue to self-destruct.

Bills Struggles

A week ago, the Bills were riding high after beating the Chiefs. On Sunday they suffered one of the most disappointing losses of the season. They didn’t just lose to the Dolphins; they suffered humiliation, losing 30-13 as visitors. It was Miami’s first win over the Bills in several seasons.

If you’re looking for a microcosm of the day, here you go: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt