From Struggling to Imperfect – Are There Any Contenders Want to Win the Big Game In the Current Year?

No major competition promotes parity as effectively as the NFL: it's their core marketing message. However, after ten games in this campaign, this doesn't represent a landscape that is equally balanced between the good, the bad and the mediocre. Instead, it's a scenario where the majority of teams appear to be sufficient.

NFC Standings Definition

Within the National Football Conference, to some degree, there is some clarity. Los Angeles and Seattle (each holding 7-2 records) look like the most well-rounded squads across the league, and achieved blowout wins in their weekend matchups. Philadelphia at 6-2 notwithstanding their difficulties still have among the most gifted lineups across the NFL, likewise with the Packers franchise (five wins, two losses, one tie). The Lions also (six and three), despite their uneven performances on offense and defense and have been dealing with internal staff conflicts, have proven they're capable of dominating good teams. For each of these squads, you can still easily envision a championship trajectory.

AFC Playoff Chaos

Over in the AFC, championship race is thoroughly confusing. The current division frontrunners after ten games: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (each with 8-2 records) and the Steelers (5-4 record). Consider that carefully. Kansas City isn't there. No Bills inclusion. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. The usual contenders, featuring elite NFL signal-callers, display either significant personnel gaps or have suffered medical setbacks.

Parity Mechanics

From certain perspectives, it’s the league’s ideal. Yet observing this year’s four division leaders in the American Football Conference continues to seem unusual. Components of every squad pass the championship smell test, yet not completely. If you were asked to lock in your conference championship predictions at this moment, would you confidently choose any among these four teams?

Team Breakdowns

Indianapolis Colts

Beginning with the Colts, Daniel Jones hasn't descended to complete disaster level. Yet the past two games have raised concerns. He’s back to turning over the ball and faltering under duress. He was sacked seven times facing Atlanta on Sunday, and endured a short sequence where he delivered a pick and coughed up the ball thrice. This follows he gave away possessions five times versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts attack thrived early in the season since Jones evaded the disaster plays. The running back and protection unit mean the Colts are able to withstand periodic mistakes, as they did in Berlin. Yet Jones going back to his previous error-filled form would end postseason aspirations.

Patriots Examination

The Patriots feel relatively comparable. Previously, they were a punchline. Now, they’re the NFL's most pleasant shock and the hottest team in the NFL after seven straight wins. Had it not been for losing due to fumbles a winnable game against Pittsburgh, they would currently hold at 9–1 with the best record. Previously, they were old and slow. Today they appear inexperienced, speedy and bold. However, we must acknowledge the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They have faced the least challenging lineup in the league, and flaws have still emerged. Their quarterback has been brought down 35 times – the second-most in football – and some of the shots he suffered last weekend appeared dangerous. With continued play, that punishment compounds.

Denver Analysis

The Broncos are also 8-2, and it still feels like they're nervously waiting. Their quarterback has been erratic, and the offense plodding, with the defense doing all the heavy lifting. Without serviceable quarterback play, Denver cannot intimidate anyone in the postseason. Los Angeles remains nearby in the Western division at 7-2, but the injuries along their offensive line will create difficulties to achieve championship contention.

Pittsburgh Situation

Then we have the Steelers, somehow still leading the Northern division notwithstanding receiving a decisive loss to Los Angeles in the evening game. Their scoring margin remains negative, their defensive unit frequently falters, and the QB's current constraints at this stage of his career persistently appear. They’re 5–4 and holding on, however, the Ravens, featuring a recovered Jackson with manageable games ahead, have won three consecutive. This development isn't entirely shocking that the Ravens have pulled within a game of the Steelers, but how rapidly this occurred is an indictment of the Steelers' uneven performances. The fact Baltimore began with a 1-5 record yet still appear they should win the division speaks volumes regarding the complete conference.

Established Contenders

The Ravens represent a segment among three elite teams – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who would still strike the greatest concern among competitors should they reach postseason. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, but the Chiefs and Bills cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Bills

Last week, the Bills were riding high following victory over Kansas City. On Sunday they suffered a particularly discouraging setback of the season. They didn't simply fail versus the Dolphins; they suffered humiliation, losing 30-13 as visitors. It was Miami’s first win over the Bills in more than 1,000 days.

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