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No league markets equal footing as effectively as the NFL: it’s the entire brand. Yet following 10 weeks of this season, this is not a competition featuring uniform distribution between the good, the bad and the mediocre. It’s one where the majority of teams appear to be adequate.

Clear Picture in NFC

In the NFC, to some degree, we see clearer definition. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both standing at seven wins, two losses) look like the most well-rounded squads across the league, and secured overwhelming triumphs during Sunday's action. The 6-2 Eagles despite their struggles continue to possess one of the most talented rosters in the league, comparable to the Packers franchise (five wins, two losses, one tie). The Lions also (6-3 standing), with their fluctuating form in trench play and have been dealing with internal staff conflicts, have shown they can hammer quality opponents. For each of these squads, it's straightforward to put together a Super Bowl path.

AFC Playoff Chaos

Over in the AFC, postseason landscape remains completely chaotic. Your four division leaders at this stage: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all at 8-2) and Steelers (five wins, four losses). Take another look. Not the Chiefs. No Bills inclusion. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. The usual contenders, backed by elite NFL signal-callers, have either glaring roster weaknesses or have been hit by injuries.

Competitive Balance System

From certain perspectives, this is exactly what the league wants. But watching this year’s four division leaders in the AFC still feels strange. Aspects of each franchise pass the championship smell test, though not comprehensively. Were you questioned to commit to your AFC title game selections right now, would you confidently choose any among the four division leaders?

Franchise Analysis

Indianapolis Colts

Starting in Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn’t quite reached pumpkin status. But the last two weeks have been worrying. He’s back to turning over the ball and failing against blitzes. He suffered seven sacks against the Falcons on Sunday, and experienced a five-minute stretch where he delivered an intercepted pass and coughed up the ball thrice. This is a week after he gave away possessions on five occasions facing the Steelers.

The Colts’ offense thrived early in the season as Jones prevented catastrophic mistakes. The running back and protection unit ensure Indianapolis remains capable of overcoming occasional setbacks, as demonstrated overseas. But Jones returning to his historically mistake-heavy play would finish championship hopes.

New England Analysis

The Patriots feel fairly alike. A year ago, they were considered jokes. Today, they stand as the league’s happiest surprise and the hottest team across the league after seven straight wins. If not for committing turnover errors a manageable matchup versus the Steelers, they’d be sitting at 9–1 as the league's best. In the prior year, they seemed veteran and plodding. Today they appear inexperienced, speedy and bold. Still, it’s hard to ignore how soft the Patriots’ schedule has been. They've played against the easiest slate throughout football, and there have still been cracks. The signal-caller has taken sacks 35 times – among the highest totals – and some of the shots he endured during the game were vicious. With continued play, those beatings accumulate.

Denver Analysis

The Broncos are also 8-2, yet it seems like they're nervously waiting. The Denver signal-caller has performed unevenly, with the attack struggling, as the defense handles the majority of the work. Absent adequate signal-calling, the Broncos won't frighten any playoff team. The Chargers are also contending in the AFC West with seven wins, but the injuries affecting their protection unit will present challenges to achieve championship contention.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Then we have the Steelers, inexplicably frontrunning their division even after suffering a decisive loss to Los Angeles in the evening game. They've been outscored overall, their defense regularly vanishes, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations given his veteran status continue to show up. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, yet Baltimore, with their QB returning to health with manageable games ahead, have won three consecutive. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that Baltimore has closed within a game of the Steelers, but that it has arrived so quickly represents criticism toward the Steelers' uneven performances. The fact Baltimore began losing five of six yet still appear likely to claim the title speaks volumes regarding the conference as a whole.

Historical Favorites

Baltimore constitutes part among three elite teams – together with Bills and Chiefs – driven by elite quarterback play, who could still create the highest anxiety for opponents if they qualified. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, however, both franchises cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Analysis

A week ago, the Bills felt confident post Chiefs triumph. This weekend they encountered a particularly discouraging setback this year. They didn't simply fail against Miami; they were embarrassed, dropping a 30-13 road game. It was Miami’s first win over the Bills in more than 1,000 days.

If you’re looking for a microcosm of the day, consider this: the quarterback converting {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt