🔗 Share this article From Disappointing to Defective – Is There Any Team Truly Desiring to Claim Victory in the NFL Championship During This Campaign? No major competition sells parity in the manner of the NFL: it defines their identity. But through 10 weeks of this season, this doesn't represent a landscape featuring uniform distribution separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. Instead, it's a scenario where most of the league is simply fine. Clear Picture in NFC Looking at the NFC side, to some degree, we see clearer definition. Los Angeles and Seattle (each holding 7-2 records) seem like the most well-rounded squads in the NFL, and achieved overwhelming triumphs in their weekend matchups. The 6-2 Eagles even with their challenges still have one of the most talented rosters throughout football, comparable to the Packers franchise (five wins, two losses, one tie). Even the Lions (six and three), who have been inconsistent on offense and defense while managing coaching drama, have proven they can hammer quality opponents. Regarding these five teams, it's straightforward to put together a championship trajectory. AFC Confusion Over in the AFC, the playoff picture is thoroughly confusing. The four teams leading their divisions after ten games: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) and the Steelers (five wins, four losses). Take another look. Not the Chiefs. Buffalo is missing. Not the Ravens or Bengals. The usual contenders, backed by premier quarterback talent, have either significant personnel gaps or are dealing with health issues. Parity Mechanics In some ways, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. Yet observing this season's top AFC teams in the AFC continues to seem unusual. Aspects of each franchise suggest title potential, though not comprehensively. Were you questioned to finalize your AFC title game selections today, could you assuredly pick any of these four teams? Squad Examinations Indianapolis Outlook Beginning with the Colts, the signal-caller hasn’t quite reached total collapse. But the last two weeks have caused alarm. He has returned to turning over the ball and struggling against pressure. He was sacked seven times facing Atlanta during Sunday's contest, and experienced a brief period where he delivered an intercepted pass and coughed up the ball thrice. This comes after he committed turnovers on five occasions against the Steelers. Indianapolis' offensive unit excelled during early games since Jones evaded catastrophic mistakes. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line ensure Indianapolis remains good enough to survive occasional setbacks, as they did in Berlin. However, if Jones reverts to his old blunder-prone days would finish championship hopes. New England Analysis The Patriots feel somewhat similar. A year ago, they were considered jokes. Now, they’re the league’s happiest surprise and the hottest team in football post seven wins in a row. Had it not been for fumbling away a winnable game against Pittsburgh, they'd possess nine wins, one loss with the top standing. Last season, they were old and slow. Today they appear youthful, quick and confident. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They have faced the most manageable schedule throughout football, and there have still been cracks. The signal-caller has been brought down thirty-five times – the second-most in football – including particular impacts he absorbed on Sunday appeared dangerous. As the season progresses, those hits add up. Denver Broncos The Broncos hold 8–2 as well, and it still feels like they're nervously waiting. Bo Nix has performed unevenly, and the offensive unit laboring, as the defense handles the majority of the work. Absent adequate signal-calling, the Broncos won't frighten anyone in the postseason. The Chargers are also contending in the Western division holding a 7-2 record, but the injuries within their blocking corps will create difficulties to achieve championship contention. Pittsburgh Situation Then we have the Steelers, somehow still leading the AFC North even after suffering a decisive loss to Los Angeles in the evening game. They've been outscored overall, their defense too often disappears, with their quarterback's restrictions at this stage of his career persistently appear. They’re 5–4 and holding on, but Baltimore, with Lamar Jackson healthy again and facing easier opponents, are on a three-game win streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the Ravens have narrowed to within one game of Pittsburgh, but that it has arrived so quickly is an indictment of Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. Considering the Ravens opened losing five of six and currently seem capable of division victory speaks volumes regarding the entire AFC. Traditional Powers The Ravens represent a segment of the Big Three – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – driven by elite quarterback play, who would still strike the most fear in opposing teams should they reach postseason. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, however, both franchises persistently undermine themselves. Buffalo Analysis Previously, Buffalo was celebrating after beating the Chiefs. This weekend they encountered among the season's worst defeats this year. They didn't merely fall against Miami; they were embarrassed, falling 30-13 on the road. The Dolphins secured their first triumph versus Buffalo in several seasons. If you’re looking for an example representing the day, here you go: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt