From Disappointing to Defective – Is There Any Team Truly Desiring to Secure the Big Game This Season?

No major competition sells competitive balance like the NFL: it’s the entire brand. Yet following 10 weeks during the current schedule, this is not a competition with perfect equilibrium separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. It’s one where the bulk of franchises appear to be sufficient.

NFC Clarity

Within the National Football Conference, at least, there is some clarity. The Rams and Seahawks (each holding 7-2 records) seem like the most complete teams in the NFL, and delivered decisive victories in their weekend matchups. The 6-2 Eagles despite their struggles continue to possess a deeply skilled squad in the league, likewise with Green Bay (five wins, two losses, one tie). Detroit as well (6-3 standing), with their fluctuating form in trench play and have been dealing with internal staff conflicts, have shown they're capable of dominating strong franchises. Regarding these five teams, you can still easily construct a route to the final game.

AFC Confusion

In the AFC however, postseason landscape is thoroughly confusing. Your four division leaders through ten weeks: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all standing at eight wins) and the Steelers (5-4 record). Consider that carefully. Not the Chiefs. Not the Bills. Not the Ravens or Bengals. The traditional powers, backed by elite NFL signal-callers, display either obvious team deficiencies or have been hit by injuries.

League Equality Design

To some extent, this is exactly what the league wants. Yet observing this year’s four division leaders in the AFC remains somewhat odd. Areas of each team meet championship standards, yet not completely. If you were asked to lock in your conference championship predictions at this moment, would you confidently select any one of the four division leaders?

Franchise Analysis

Indianapolis Colts

Beginning with the Colts, Daniel Jones hasn't yet achieved pumpkin status. But the last two weeks have raised concerns. He's reverting to committing turnovers and struggling against pressure. He was sacked seven times against the Falcons on Sunday, and had a five-minute stretch in which he threw a pick and fumbled three times. This follows he gave away possessions five separate times versus Pittsburgh.

The Colts’ offense excelled during early games as Jones prevented the disaster plays. Taylor along with the blockers mean the Colts are able to withstand occasional setbacks, as they did in Berlin. However, if Jones reverts to his old blunder-prone days would end championship hopes.

New England Analysis

The Patriots seem somewhat similar. Last season, they were a punchline. Now, they’re the league’s happiest surprise and the hottest team in the NFL after seven straight wins. Except for committing turnover errors a manageable matchup against Pittsburgh, they’d be sitting at 9–1 with the best record. Last season, they appeared aged and sluggish. Now they’re youthful, quick and confident. Still, it’s hard to ignore the ease of the Patriots' matchups. They've played against the easiest slate throughout football, and flaws have still emerged. The signal-caller has taken sacks on 35 occasions – the second-most in football – with several hits he endured during the game proved brutal. With continued play, those hits add up.

Broncos Situation

The Broncos hold 8–2 as well, and the perception remains that they're barely surviving. The Denver signal-caller has performed unevenly, and the offense plodding, with the defense doing the majority of the work. Lacking competent QB performance, the Broncos aren’t scaring any playoff team. The Chargers are also contending within their division at 7-2, but the injuries within their blocking corps will present challenges for extended playoff success.

Pittsburgh Situation

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh exists, surprisingly atop the Northern division even after suffering 25-10 by the Chargers during prime time. 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’re 5–4 and holding on, however, the Ravens, with their QB returning to health and facing easier opponents, are on a three-game win streak. This development isn't entirely shocking that Baltimore has closed the gap to just one game, but how rapidly this occurred represents criticism toward Pittsburgh's fluctuating form. That the Ravens started the season 1-5 and still look like likely to claim the title reveals much about the complete conference.

Traditional Powers

The Ravens' form part among three elite teams – joined by Buffalo and Kansas City – fueled by former MVP signal-callers, who would still strike the most fear in opposing teams if they qualified. They're the teams everyone hopes to avoid, however, both franchises cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Analysis

Last week, Buffalo was celebrating after beating the Chiefs. During Sunday's action they experienced among the season's worst defeats during the campaign. They didn't simply fail versus the Dolphins; they were embarrassed, falling 30-13 on the road. The Dolphins secured their first triumph against Buffalo in several seasons.

Should you seek a microcosm of the day, look no further: Josh Allen turning {a quarterback sneak|a short-yardage play|a sneak attempt