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No major competition markets equal footing like the NFL: it's their core marketing message. However, after ten games of this season, this doesn't represent a landscape with perfect equilibrium 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

Within the National Football Conference, to some degree, there is some clarity. The Rams and Seahawks (both standing at seven wins, two losses) seem like the most complete teams in football, and achieved overwhelming triumphs during Sunday's action. The 6-2 Eagles even with their challenges continue to possess a deeply skilled squad across the NFL, comparable to the Packers (5-2-1 record). Detroit as well (6-3), who have been inconsistent along both lines of scrimmage and have been dealing with coaching drama, have shown they can hammer strong franchises. For each of these squads, one can readily put together a route to the final game.

AFC Confusion

Over in the AFC, the playoff picture remains completely chaotic. Your four division leaders through ten weeks: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all at 8-2) and the Steelers (5-4 record). Read that again. Kansas City isn't there. No Bills inclusion. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. The usual contenders, backed by premier quarterback talent, have either significant personnel gaps or have been hit by injuries.

Parity Mechanics

From certain perspectives, this is exactly what the league wants. But watching this year’s four division leaders in the American Football Conference still feels strange. Areas of each team pass the championship smell test, though not comprehensively. Were you questioned to finalize your AFC Championship game picks right now, would you comfortably select any one of these four teams?

Team Breakdowns

Indianapolis Outlook

First, examining Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn't yet achieved total collapse. But the last two weeks have caused alarm. He has returned to turning over the ball and faltering under duress. He was sacked seven times versus Atlanta on Sunday, and experienced a brief period during which he tossed an intercepted pass and fumbled three times. This comes after he gave away possessions five separate times versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts attack thrived early in the season because Jones avoided catastrophic mistakes. Taylor along with the blockers mean the Colts are able to withstand some negative plays, like their German performance. But Jones returning to his historically mistake-heavy play would end any playoff run.

New England Analysis

New England appears somewhat similar. Last season, they were league laughingstocks. Currently, they represent the NFL's most pleasant shock and the strongest squad across the league post seven wins in a row. Except for fumbling away a contest they should have won facing Pittsburgh, they would currently hold at 9–1 with the best record. Previously, they seemed veteran and plodding. Today they appear inexperienced, speedy and bold. Still, it’s hard to ignore the weakness of New England's opponents. They've encountered the easiest slate across the NFL, yet vulnerabilities remain. Their quarterback has taken sacks thirty-five times – among the highest totals – and some of the shots he suffered last weekend proved brutal. With continued play, those beatings accumulate.

Broncos Situation

The Broncos are also 8-2, yet it seems like they're nervously waiting. Their quarterback has performed unevenly, and the offensive unit laboring, with the defense doing most of the responsibility. Lacking competent QB performance, the Broncos won't frighten any playoff team. Los Angeles remains nearby in the Western division with seven wins, however, health issues affecting their protection unit will present challenges to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Situation

Then we have the Steelers, inexplicably frontrunning their division even after suffering a decisive loss to Los Angeles during prime time. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defense regularly vanishes, and the QB's current constraints given his veteran status persistently appear. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, but Baltimore, with their QB returning to health with manageable games ahead, are riding a three-game streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that Baltimore has closed the gap to just one game, but how rapidly this occurred is an indictment of the Steelers' uneven performances. Considering the Ravens opened with a 1-5 record and currently seem they should win the division is telling about the entire AFC.

Traditional Powers

Baltimore constitutes part among three elite teams – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who would still strike the most fear among competitors if they qualified. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, but the Chiefs and Bills persistently undermine themselves.

Buffalo Bills

A week ago, the Bills were riding high post Chiefs triumph. On Sunday they suffered one of the most disappointing losses this year. They didn't simply fail against Miami; they looked terrible, dropping a 30-13 road game. It was Miami’s first win versus Buffalo in several seasons.

Should you seek a microcosm of the day, here you go: the quarterback converting {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt