From Floored to Flawed – Does Anyone Truly Desiring to Win the NFL Championship This Season?

No major competition sells equal footing as effectively as the NFL: it’s the entire brand. Yet following 10 weeks during the current schedule, this isn’t a league that is equally balanced between the good, the bad and the mediocre. It’s one where most of the league is simply sufficient.

NFC Clarity

Looking at the NFC side, to some degree, there is some clarity. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both standing at seven wins, two losses) seem like the most well-rounded squads in the NFL, and secured blowout wins in their weekend matchups. Philadelphia at 6-2 despite their struggles continue to possess among the most gifted lineups in the league, comparable to the Packers (5-2-1). Detroit as well (6-3), despite their uneven performances along both lines of scrimmage and have been dealing with internal staff conflicts, have shown they can defeat good teams. For each of these squads, it's straightforward to envision a route to the final game.

Muddled AFC Picture

Over in the AFC, the playoff picture is a jumbled mess. The four teams leading their divisions after ten games: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (each with 8-2 records) and the Steelers (5-4). Take another look. No Chiefs presence. Not the Bills. Baltimore and Cincinnati are absent. The traditional powers, backed by premier quarterback talent, display either obvious team deficiencies or have been hit by injuries.

Competitive Balance System

In some ways, this represents the NFL's perfect scenario. Yet observing this season's top AFC teams in the AFC still feels strange. Aspects of each franchise suggest title potential, but not in their entirety. Were you questioned to lock in your AFC title game selections at this moment, would you comfortably choose any among these four teams?

Team Breakdowns

Indianapolis Outlook

First, examining Indianapolis, the signal-caller hasn't descended to total collapse. But the last two weeks have raised concerns. He has returned to committing turnovers and failing against blitzes. He was sacked seven times against the Falcons on Sunday, and endured a short sequence where he delivered an interception and lost three fumbles. This comes after he turned the ball over on five occasions against the Steelers.

Indianapolis' offensive unit excelled during early games as Jones prevented the disaster plays. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line make the Colts capable of overcoming periodic mistakes, as they did in Berlin. However, if Jones reverts to his previous error-filled form would terminate any playoff run.

New England Analysis

New England appears relatively comparable. Previously, they were a punchline. Currently, they represent the league’s happiest surprise and the most successful franchise in football after seven straight wins. Had it not been for committing turnover errors a contest they should have won against Pittsburgh, they'd possess nine wins, one loss as the league's best. In the prior year, they appeared aged and sluggish. Currently they're youthful, quick and confident. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They have faced the most manageable schedule in the league, and there have still been cracks. The signal-caller has taken sacks on 35 occasions – the second-most in football – including particular impacts he endured during the game appeared dangerous. With continued play, those beatings accumulate.

Denver Analysis

Denver stands at eight wins similarly, and it still feels that they're barely surviving. The Denver signal-caller has performed unevenly, and the offense plodding, as the defense handles the majority of the work. Lacking competent QB performance, the Broncos won't frighten any playoff team. The Chargers are also hovering in the Western division holding a 7-2 record, but the injuries along their offensive line will make it tough to mount a deep postseason tilt.

Pittsburgh Steelers

And then there’s Pittsburgh, somehow still leading the Northern division notwithstanding receiving a decisive loss to Los Angeles on Sunday night. They've been outscored overall, their defense regularly vanishes, and the QB's current constraints given his veteran status continue to show up. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, yet Baltimore, with Lamar Jackson healthy again with manageable games ahead, have won three consecutive. This development isn't entirely shocking that Baltimore has closed within a game of the Steelers, though the speed of this shift represents criticism toward the Steelers' uneven performances. The fact Baltimore began the season 1-5 and still look like they should win the division speaks volumes regarding the complete conference.

Traditional Powers

Baltimore constitutes part within a trio of powerhouses – together with Bills and Chiefs – driven by elite quarterback play, who would still strike the highest anxiety among competitors if they qualified. They represent undesirable playoff matchups, but the Chiefs and Bills continue to self-destruct.

Buffalo Bills

Previously, Buffalo was celebrating post Chiefs triumph. On Sunday they suffered one of the most disappointing losses this year. They didn't merely fall against Miami; they suffered humiliation, losing 30-13 as visitors. The Dolphins secured their first triumph against Buffalo in several seasons.

For those searching for a perfect summary of Sunday, here you go: the quarterback converting {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt