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No professional sports organization promotes parity in the manner of the NFL: it defines their identity. However, after the first ten matchups during the current schedule, this doesn't represent a landscape that is equally balanced between the good, the bad and the mediocre. It’s one where most of the league appear to be sufficient.

Clear Picture in NFC

Looking at the NFC side, at least, the picture becomes more distinct. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both at 7-2) appear to be the most balanced franchises in the NFL, and achieved blowout wins on Sunday. The 6-2 Eagles even with their challenges maintain one of the most talented rosters in the league, similar to Green Bay (5-2-1). Even the Lions (6-3 standing), with their fluctuating form on offense and defense and navigating internal staff conflicts, have proven they can hammer good teams. For all five, it's straightforward to put together a championship trajectory.

AFC Confusion

In the AFC however, postseason landscape is thoroughly confusing. The four teams leading their divisions at this stage: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (each with 8-2 records) along with Pittsburgh (five wins, four losses). Read that again. No Chiefs presence. No Bills inclusion. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. Historically strong franchises, featuring the league’s best quarterbacks, possess either obvious team deficiencies or have suffered medical setbacks.

Parity Mechanics

In some ways, this is exactly what the league wants. But watching the current division frontrunners in the American Football Conference remains somewhat odd. Areas of each team suggest title potential, but not in their entirety. Were you questioned to commit to your AFC title game selections right now, would you confidently pick any of these four teams?

Squad Examinations

Indianapolis Colts

First, examining Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn’t quite reached pumpkin status. However, recent performances have caused alarm. He’s back to turning over the ball and struggling against pressure. He suffered seven sacks facing Atlanta on Sunday, and had a short sequence during which he tossed a pick and lost three fumbles. This follows he gave away possessions five times versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts attack thrived early in the season because Jones avoided game-changing errors. Taylor along with the blockers mean the Colts are able to withstand occasional setbacks, as they did in Berlin. But Jones returning to his historically mistake-heavy play would finish any playoff run.

New England Analysis

The Patriots feel relatively comparable. Previously, they were league laughingstocks. Currently, they represent the league’s happiest surprise and the hottest team in football following seven consecutive victories. If not for committing turnover errors a winnable game facing Pittsburgh, they’d be sitting nine wins, one loss with the best record. Last season, they appeared aged and sluggish. Today they appear young, fast and unafraid. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They've encountered the easiest slate in the league, and there have still been cracks. Their quarterback has taken sacks thirty-five times – the second-most in football – including particular impacts he absorbed on Sunday appeared dangerous. With continued play, that punishment compounds.

Denver Analysis

The Broncos are 8–2 as well, and the perception remains as if they’re holding their breath. Their quarterback has performed unevenly, and the offense plodding, with the defense doing the majority of the work. Lacking competent QB performance, the Broncos won't frighten any playoff team. The Chargers are also contending within their division at 7-2, yet medical problems affecting their protection unit will make it tough for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Situation

And then there’s Pittsburgh, surprisingly atop the AFC North even after suffering 25-10 by the Chargers during prime time. They've been outscored overall, their defense too often disappears, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations at this stage of his career regularly manifest. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, yet Baltimore, with their QB returning to health and the schedule softening, are on a three-game win streak. We shouldn't be completely astonished that the Ravens have pulled the gap to just one game, but that it has arrived so quickly is an indictment of Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. Considering the Ravens opened losing five of six and currently seem likely to claim the title speaks volumes regarding the complete conference.

Traditional Powers

Baltimore constitutes part among three elite teams – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who could still create the highest anxiety for opponents if they made the playoffs. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, yet Kansas City and Buffalo continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Bills

Last week, Buffalo was celebrating following victory over Kansas City. On Sunday they suffered one of the most disappointing losses of the season. They didn't merely fall versus the Dolphins; they looked terrible, falling 30-13 on the road. It was Miami’s first win against Buffalo in several seasons.

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