No professional sports organization sells parity as effectively as the NFL: it’s the entire brand. Yet following the first ten matchups of this season, this isn’t a league that is equally balanced between the good, the bad and the mediocre. It’s one where the majority of teams is simply fine.
In the NFC, to some degree, we see clearer definition. The Rams and Seahawks (both at 7-2) seem like the most complete teams in the NFL, and achieved decisive victories on Sunday. The Eagles with six wins even with their challenges still have a deeply skilled squad throughout football, likewise with the Packers franchise (5-2-1 record). Detroit as well (6-3 standing), with their fluctuating form along both lines of scrimmage and have been dealing with internal staff conflicts, have shown they're capable of dominating strong franchises. For each of these squads, you can still easily put together a championship trajectory.
In the AFC however, championship race is thoroughly confusing. The four teams leading their divisions after ten games: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (each with 8-2 records) along with Pittsburgh (5-4 record). Consider that carefully. Kansas City isn't there. Not the Bills. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. The usual contenders, featuring premier quarterback talent, have either glaring roster weaknesses or have been hit by injuries.
To some extent, it’s the league’s ideal. Yet observing the current division frontrunners in the American Football Conference remains somewhat odd. Components of every squad meet championship standards, yet not completely. Were you questioned to lock in your AFC title game selections right now, would you confidently choose any among the four division leaders?
Beginning with the Colts, their quarterback hasn't descended to complete disaster level. But the last two weeks have been worrying. He’s back to committing turnovers and failing against blitzes. He suffered seven sacks versus Atlanta during Sunday's contest, and experienced a short sequence in which he threw an interception and lost three fumbles. This is a week after he committed turnovers on five occasions versus Pittsburgh.
The Colts attack thrived early in the season as Jones prevented game-changing errors. Taylor along with the blockers mean the Colts are able to withstand occasional setbacks, as they did in Berlin. However, if Jones reverts to his old blunder-prone days would end any playoff run.
The Patriots feel fairly alike. Last season, they were considered jokes. Today, they stand as the league’s happiest surprise and the most successful franchise in the NFL after seven straight wins. Except for fumbling away a manageable matchup versus the Steelers, they would currently hold nine wins, one loss as the league's best. Previously, they appeared aged and sluggish. Currently they're inexperienced, speedy and bold. However, we must acknowledge the weakness of New England's opponents. They've played against the least challenging lineup throughout football, yet vulnerabilities remain. Their quarterback has been brought down thirty-five times – ranking second league-wide – and some of the shots he absorbed on Sunday appeared dangerous. As the season progresses, those beatings accumulate.
Denver stands at eight wins similarly, and it still feels as if they’re holding their breath. The Denver signal-caller has been erratic, with the attack struggling, with the defense doing most of the responsibility. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos won't frighten any playoff team. Los Angeles remains nearby in the Western division at 7-2, however, health issues within their blocking corps will create difficulties for extended playoff success.
And then there’s Pittsburgh, inexplicably frontrunning their division notwithstanding receiving a decisive loss to Los Angeles in the evening game. They have a negative point differential, their defensive unit frequently falters, and Aaron Rodgers’ limitations at this stage of his career persistently appear. They’re 5–4 and holding on, yet Baltimore, featuring a recovered Jackson with manageable games ahead, are on a three-game win streak. We shouldn't be completely astonished that the Ravens have pulled to within one game of Pittsburgh, but how rapidly this occurred is an indictment of Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. That the Ravens started the season 1-5 and currently seem capable of division victory speaks volumes regarding the entire AFC.
The Ravens' form part of the Big Three – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who would still strike the highest anxiety in opposing teams if they qualified. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, but the Chiefs and Bills cannot get out of their own way.
Last week, Buffalo was celebrating following victory over Kansas City. During Sunday's action they experienced one of the most disappointing losses during the campaign. They didn’t just lose against Miami; they looked terrible, losing 30-13 as visitors. The Dolphins secured their first triumph versus Buffalo in more than 1,000 days.
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