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No league markets equal footing like the NFL: it's their core marketing message. However, after ten games of this season, this isn’t a league with perfect equilibrium separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. Instead, it's a scenario where most of the league are merely fine.

NFC Clarity

In the NFC, at least, there is some clarity. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both at 7-2) look like the most complete teams across the league, and secured blowout wins on Sunday. Philadelphia at 6-2 despite their struggles continue to possess one of the most talented rosters in the league, comparable to the Packers (5-2-1 record). The Lions also (6-3), who have been inconsistent along both lines of scrimmage while managing tension on their coaching staff, have demonstrated they're capable of dominating good teams. For all five, one can readily construct a championship trajectory.

AFC Playoff Chaos

Over in the AFC, postseason landscape is thoroughly confusing. The current division frontrunners at this stage: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (each with 8-2 records) along with Pittsburgh (five wins, four losses). Consider that carefully. Not the Chiefs. Buffalo is missing. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. The usual contenders, backed by elite NFL signal-callers, possess either glaring roster weaknesses or have suffered medical setbacks.

Parity Mechanics

To some extent, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. But watching this season's top AFC teams in the AFC still feels strange. Components of every squad suggest title potential, but not in their entirety. If you were asked to finalize your AFC Championship game picks at this moment, would you comfortably select any one of the current division frontrunners?

Squad Examinations

Indianapolis Colts

Beginning with the Colts, their quarterback hasn't yet achieved pumpkin status. But the last two weeks have caused alarm. He's reverting to committing turnovers and struggling against pressure. He suffered seven sacks versus Atlanta on Sunday, and experienced a brief period where he delivered an intercepted pass and coughed up the ball thrice. This comes after he turned the ball over five separate times versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts’ offense excelled during early games since Jones evaded the disaster plays. Taylor along with the blockers mean the Colts are good enough to survive some negative plays, as demonstrated overseas. However, if Jones reverts to his historically mistake-heavy play would end any playoff run.

Patriots Examination

The Patriots feel relatively comparable. Last season, they were considered jokes. Currently, they represent football's most unexpected success and the hottest team in football following seven consecutive victories. Except for committing turnover errors a manageable matchup against Pittsburgh, they’d be sitting a 9-1 record with the best record. Previously, they appeared aged and sluggish. Today they appear youthful, quick and confident. Still, it’s hard to ignore the weakness of New England's opponents. They have faced the easiest slate across the NFL, and flaws have still emerged. Their quarterback has been sacked on 35 occasions – ranking second league-wide – with several hits he suffered last weekend appeared dangerous. Over time, those beatings accumulate.

Denver Broncos

Denver stands at 8–2 as well, and it still feels as if they’re holding their breath. The Denver signal-caller has shown inconsistency, with the attack struggling, while the defensive unit provides most of the responsibility. Absent adequate signal-calling, the Broncos won't frighten any playoff team. The Chargers are also hovering within their division holding a 7-2 record, but the injuries within their blocking corps will present challenges to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Steelers Examination

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, somehow still leading the AFC North even after suffering a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers 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, but Baltimore, with their QB returning to health and the schedule softening, are riding a three-game streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have narrowed to within one game of Pittsburgh, though the speed of this shift highlights deficiencies within the Steelers' uneven performances. Considering the Ravens opened the season 1-5 and still look like likely to claim the title speaks volumes regarding the entire AFC.

Established Contenders

The Ravens represent a segment among three elite teams – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who could still create the most fear among competitors if they made the playoffs. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, yet Kansas City and Buffalo continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Bills

Last week, the Bills were riding high following victory over Kansas City. On Sunday they suffered among the season's worst defeats this year. They didn’t just lose versus the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, falling 30-13 on the road. The Dolphins secured their first triumph over the Bills in more than 1,000 days.

Should you seek a perfect summary of Sunday, consider this: Allen transforming {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt