From Floored to Flawed – Is There Any Team Want to Win the NFL Championship In the Current Year?

No league markets equal footing in the manner of the NFL: it’s the entire brand. Yet following 10 weeks in this campaign, this isn’t a league that is equally balanced between the good, the bad and the mediocre. It’s one where the bulk of franchises is simply fine.

NFC Clarity

In the NFC, at least, we see clearer definition. The Rams along with the Seahawks (both standing at seven wins, two losses) appear to be the most balanced franchises across the league, and achieved blowout wins in their weekend matchups. The 6-2 Eagles even with their challenges continue to possess among the most gifted lineups across the NFL, similar to the Packers (5-2-1). The Lions also (six and three), with their fluctuating form along both lines of scrimmage and have been dealing with internal staff conflicts, have proven they're capable of dominating good teams. For all five, you can still easily put together a Super Bowl path.

Muddled AFC Picture

Turning to the American Football Conference, championship race is a jumbled mess. The four teams leading their divisions after ten games: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all standing at eight wins) and the Steelers (5-4). Take another look. Not the Chiefs. Buffalo is missing. Neither Ravens nor Bengals. Historically strong franchises, backed by the league’s best quarterbacks, possess either glaring roster weaknesses or have suffered medical setbacks.

Parity Mechanics

From certain perspectives, this is exactly what the league wants. However, witnessing this season's top AFC teams in the American Football Conference remains somewhat odd. Areas of each team suggest title potential, though not comprehensively. If you were asked to finalize your conference championship predictions right now, could you assuredly choose any among the four division leaders?

Franchise Analysis

Colts Situation

First, examining Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn't yet achieved total collapse. Yet the past two games have caused alarm. He has returned to giving away possessions and faltering under duress. He took seven sacks versus Atlanta on Sunday, and endured a five-minute stretch where he delivered a pick and coughed up the ball thrice. This is a week after he turned the ball over five separate times versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts attack excelled during early games because Jones avoided game-changing errors. The running back and protection unit make the Colts good enough to survive occasional setbacks, like their German performance. However, if Jones reverts to his previous error-filled form would end any playoff run.

New England Analysis

The Patriots seem relatively comparable. Last season, they were league laughingstocks. Currently, they represent the NFL's most pleasant shock and the strongest squad across the league post seven wins in a row. Had it not been for fumbling away a manageable matchup against Pittsburgh, they'd possess nine wins, one loss as the league's best. Previously, they appeared aged and sluggish. Now they’re young, fast and unafraid. However, we must acknowledge the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They've played against the easiest slate in the league, and there have still been cracks. Drake Maye has taken sacks thirty-five times – among the highest totals – and some of the shots he suffered last weekend appeared dangerous. Over time, that punishment compounds.

Denver Analysis

The Broncos hold also 8-2, and it still feels as if they’re holding their breath. Their quarterback has performed unevenly, and the offensive unit laboring, while the defensive unit provides the majority of the work. Without serviceable quarterback play, Denver cannot intimidate playoff opponents. The Chargers are also hovering within their division holding a 7-2 record, yet medical problems within their blocking corps will make it tough to achieve championship contention.

Steelers Examination

And then there’s Pittsburgh, surprisingly atop the Northern division notwithstanding receiving a decisive loss to Los Angeles on Sunday night. They have a negative point differential, their defense too often disappears, with their quarterback's restrictions given his veteran status continue to show up. They maintain a 5-4 record while surviving, but Baltimore, with their QB returning to health and the schedule softening, are on a three-game win streak. This development isn't entirely shocking that the Ravens have pulled to within one game of Pittsburgh, though the speed of this shift is an indictment of the Steelers' uneven performances. That the Ravens started the season 1-5 and currently seem likely to claim the title reveals much about the entire AFC.

Traditional Powers

Baltimore constitutes part among three elite teams – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – powered by their MVP quarterbacks, who could still create the greatest concern for opponents should they reach postseason. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, however, both franchises cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Bills

A week ago, the Bills were riding high following victory over Kansas City. This weekend they encountered one of the most disappointing losses this year. They didn’t just lose versus the Dolphins; they looked terrible, falling 30-13 on the road. It was Miami’s first win against Buffalo in over three years.

If you’re looking for a microcosm of the day, look no further: Allen transforming {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt