🔗 Share this article From Struggling to Imperfect – Does Anyone Want to Secure the Super Bowl During This Campaign? No major competition promotes equal footing like the NFL: it’s the entire brand. Yet following 10 weeks of this season, this is not a competition that is equally balanced separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. Rather, we see a situation where the majority of teams is simply sufficient. NFC Clarity In the NFC, at least, the picture becomes more distinct. Los Angeles and Seattle (each holding 7-2 records) appear to be the most balanced franchises in the NFL, and achieved blowout wins in their weekend matchups. Philadelphia at 6-2 even with their challenges still have a deeply skilled squad throughout football, likewise with the Packers franchise (5-2-1). Detroit as well (6-3 standing), with their fluctuating form on offense and defense while managing tension on their coaching staff, have demonstrated they're capable of dominating quality opponents. Regarding these five teams, one can readily construct a Super Bowl path. Muddled AFC Picture In the AFC however, championship race remains completely chaotic. Your four division leaders through ten weeks: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all at 8-2) and the Steelers (5-4 record). Consider that carefully. Kansas City isn't there. Buffalo is missing. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. Historically strong franchises, featuring premier quarterback talent, possess either glaring roster weaknesses or are dealing with health issues. Parity Mechanics In some ways, it’s the league’s ideal. Yet observing this season's top AFC teams in the AFC remains somewhat odd. Aspects of each franchise suggest title potential, but not in their entirety. If someone requested to finalize your AFC title game selections at this moment, would you comfortably choose any among these four teams? Franchise Analysis Indianapolis Outlook Beginning with the Colts, their quarterback hasn't descended to pumpkin status. However, recent performances have been worrying. He’s back to turning over the ball and faltering under duress. He suffered seven sacks versus Atlanta during Sunday's contest, and experienced a short sequence where he delivered a pick and coughed up the ball thrice. This follows he turned the ball over five times facing the Steelers. The Colts attack thrived early in the season because Jones avoided the disaster plays. Taylor along with the blockers mean the Colts are capable of overcoming periodic mistakes, as they did in Berlin. Yet Jones going back to his historically mistake-heavy play would end postseason aspirations. Patriots Examination The Patriots seem fairly alike. Previously, they were considered jokes. Today, they stand as football's most unexpected success and the most successful franchise in football following seven consecutive victories. If not for fumbling away a manageable matchup facing Pittsburgh, they would currently hold a 9-1 record with the best record. Previously, they seemed veteran and plodding. Currently they're youthful, quick and confident. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook 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 on 35 occasions – ranking second league-wide – and some of the shots he suffered last weekend were vicious. Over time, that punishment compounds. Denver Analysis Denver stands at eight wins similarly, yet it seems that they're barely surviving. Bo Nix has been erratic, and the offense plodding, with the defense doing the majority of the work. Without serviceable quarterback play, the Broncos won't frighten anyone in the postseason. The Chargers are also hovering within their division at 7-2, however, health issues within their blocking corps will create difficulties for extended playoff success. Pittsburgh Steelers Then we have the Steelers, somehow still leading the AFC North even after suffering a 25-10 defeat from the Chargers in the evening game. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defense regularly vanishes, and the QB's current constraints given his veteran status continue to show up. They’re 5–4 and holding on, however, the Ravens, with Lamar Jackson healthy again and the schedule softening, are on a three-game win streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that Baltimore has closed to within one game of Pittsburgh, but how rapidly this occurred represents criticism toward Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. That the Ravens started the season 1-5 and still look like they should win the division speaks volumes regarding the complete conference. Established Contenders Baltimore constitutes part among three elite teams – together with Bills and Chiefs – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, that would continue to generate the greatest concern for opponents if they made the playoffs. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, yet Kansas City and Buffalo continue to self-destruct. Buffalo Analysis Last week, Buffalo was celebrating following victory over Kansas City. During Sunday's action they experienced one of the most disappointing losses of the season. They didn't merely fall to the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, dropping a 30-13 road game. The Dolphins secured their first triumph versus Buffalo in more than 1,000 days. Should you seek a perfect summary of Sunday, consider this: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt