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No professional sports organization markets parity as effectively as the NFL: it's their core marketing message. Yet following ten games of this season, this isn’t a league featuring uniform distribution between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Rather, we see a situation where the bulk of franchises are merely sufficient.

Clear Picture in NFC

Looking at the NFC side, for the most part, there is some clarity. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both at 7-2) appear to be the most well-rounded squads in football, and achieved overwhelming triumphs in their weekend matchups. The 6-2 Eagles notwithstanding their difficulties maintain a deeply skilled squad in the league, comparable to Green Bay (5-2-1). Even the Lions (6-3), with their fluctuating form on offense and defense while managing coaching drama, have shown they're capable of dominating strong franchises. Regarding these five teams, you can still easily put together a Super Bowl path.

AFC Playoff Chaos

Over in the AFC, postseason landscape is a jumbled mess. The current division frontrunners after ten games: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all at 8-2) along with Pittsburgh (five wins, four losses). Take another look. Kansas City isn't there. Buffalo is missing. Not the Ravens or Bengals. The usual contenders, featuring elite NFL signal-callers, possess either glaring roster weaknesses or have suffered medical setbacks.

League Equality Design

To some extent, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. However, witnessing this year’s four division leaders within the conference remains somewhat odd. Areas of each team meet championship standards, yet not completely. If you were asked to commit to your conference championship predictions today, would you comfortably select any one of the four division leaders?

Team Breakdowns

Indianapolis Outlook

First, examining Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn't descended to complete disaster level. However, recent performances have been worrying. He has returned to giving away possessions and struggling against pressure. He was sacked seven times against the Falcons in the weekend game, and endured a brief period during which he tossed an intercepted pass and fumbled three times. This comes after he turned the ball over five separate times versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts’ offense performed well initially as Jones prevented the disaster plays. Taylor along with the blockers ensure Indianapolis remains capable of overcoming occasional setbacks, as they did in Berlin. But Jones returning to his historically mistake-heavy play would end championship hopes.

New England Patriots

The Patriots feel relatively comparable. Previously, they were league laughingstocks. Now, they’re the league’s happiest surprise and the hottest team in the NFL after seven straight wins. Had it not been for losing due to fumbles a winnable game versus the Steelers, they would currently hold at 9–1 with the top standing. Previously, they seemed veteran and plodding. Now they’re youthful, quick and confident. Still, it’s hard to ignore the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They've played against the easiest slate across the NFL, and flaws have still emerged. Their quarterback has been brought down 35 times – ranking second league-wide – including particular impacts he suffered last weekend appeared dangerous. With continued play, that punishment compounds.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos are also 8-2, yet it seems like they're nervously waiting. Bo Nix has been erratic, and the offense plodding, with the defense doing the majority of the work. Absent adequate signal-calling, the Broncos aren’t scaring playoff opponents. The Chargers are also hovering in the AFC West with seven wins, but the injuries affecting their protection unit will create difficulties for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Situation

And then there’s Pittsburgh, inexplicably frontrunning the AFC North despite being thumped a decisive loss to Los Angeles during prime time. They've been outscored overall, their defense too often disappears, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations during his career phase continue to show up. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, yet Baltimore, featuring a recovered Jackson with manageable games ahead, have won three consecutive. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that Baltimore has closed the gap to just one game, but that it has arrived so quickly highlights deficiencies within the Steelers' uneven performances. The fact Baltimore began losing five of six yet still appear they should win the division speaks volumes regarding the entire AFC.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens represent a segment among three elite teams – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – driven by elite quarterback play, that would continue to generate the greatest concern among competitors if they made the playoffs. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, yet Kansas City and Buffalo persistently undermine themselves.

Buffalo Bills

Last week, the Bills felt confident following victory over Kansas City. During Sunday's action they experienced among the season's worst defeats during the campaign. They didn't simply fail against Miami; they looked terrible, losing 30-13 as visitors. The Dolphins secured their first triumph against Buffalo in several seasons.

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