No league markets parity as effectively as the NFL: it defines their identity. However, after ten games in this campaign, this isn’t a league that is equally balanced separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. Rather, we see a situation where the majority of teams appear to be sufficient.
Within the National Football Conference, at least, we see clearer definition. The Rams and Seahawks (both standing at seven wins, two losses) seem like the most complete teams in football, and delivered decisive victories during Sunday's action. Philadelphia at 6-2 despite their struggles still have a deeply skilled squad throughout football, likewise with the Packers franchise (five wins, two losses, one tie). Detroit as well (six and three), who have been inconsistent in trench play and have been dealing with coaching drama, have demonstrated they can defeat good teams. Regarding these five teams, it's straightforward to put together a championship trajectory.
Turning to the American Football Conference, the playoff picture remains completely chaotic. The current division frontrunners through ten weeks: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all at 8-2) and the Steelers (5-4 record). Take another look. Not the Chiefs. Not the Bills. Not the Ravens or Bengals. The usual contenders, featuring elite NFL signal-callers, have either glaring roster weaknesses or are dealing with health issues.
From certain perspectives, this is exactly what the league wants. However, witnessing the current division frontrunners in the AFC still feels strange. Components of every squad pass the championship smell test, though not comprehensively. If someone requested to commit to your AFC Championship game picks right now, would you confidently pick any of the four division leaders?
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 failing against blitzes. He was sacked seven times against the Falcons on Sunday, and endured a short sequence in which he threw an interception and coughed up the ball thrice. This is a week after he turned the ball over five times against the Steelers.
Indianapolis' offensive unit excelled during early games because Jones avoided game-changing errors. Taylor along with the blockers mean the Colts are able to withstand occasional setbacks, as demonstrated overseas. Yet Jones going back to his old blunder-prone days would finish any playoff run.
The Patriots seem somewhat similar. Previously, they were considered jokes. Currently, they represent the league’s happiest surprise and the hottest team in football after seven straight wins. Except for committing turnover errors a contest they should have won facing Pittsburgh, they'd possess a 9-1 record as the league's best. Last season, they appeared aged and sluggish. Currently they're youthful, quick and confident. However, we must acknowledge the weakness of New England's opponents. They've played against the most manageable schedule across the NFL, and there have still been cracks. Their quarterback has been brought down thirty-five times – among the highest totals – and some of the shots he endured during the game were vicious. As the season progresses, those beatings accumulate.
Denver stands at also 8-2, and the perception remains like they're nervously waiting. Their quarterback has shown inconsistency, and the offensive unit laboring, as the defense handles all the heavy lifting. Without serviceable quarterback play, Denver cannot intimidate any playoff team. Los Angeles remains nearby in the Western division holding a 7-2 record, but the injuries along their offensive line will create difficulties to mount a deep postseason tilt.
And then there’s Pittsburgh, somehow still leading their division despite being thumped 25-10 by the Chargers on Sunday night. They've been outscored overall, their defense regularly vanishes, with their quarterback's restrictions given his veteran status persistently appear. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, yet Baltimore, with their QB returning to health and the schedule softening, have won three consecutive. This development isn't entirely shocking that the Ravens have narrowed within a game of the Steelers, but how rapidly this occurred represents criticism toward the Steelers' uneven performances. Considering the Ravens opened losing five of six and currently seem they should win the division speaks volumes regarding the complete conference.
The Ravens represent a segment of the Big Three – alongside the Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, that would continue to generate the greatest concern for opponents should they reach postseason. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, but the Chiefs and Bills continue to self-destruct.
Last week, the Bills felt confident post Chiefs triumph. This weekend they encountered one of the most disappointing losses this year. They didn't merely fall versus the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, falling 30-13 on the road. The Dolphins secured their first triumph versus Buffalo in over three years.
For those searching for a microcosm of the day, look no further: the quarterback converting {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt
