From Disappointing to Defective – Are There Any Contenders Truly Desiring to Secure the NFL Championship This Season?

No professional sports organization promotes equal footing in the manner of the NFL: it defines their identity. But through 10 weeks in this campaign, this is not a competition that is equally balanced separating contenders, pretenders, and middle-of-the-pack clubs. Rather, we see a situation where most of the league are merely adequate.

Clear Picture in NFC

Within the National Football Conference, for the most part, there is some clarity. The Rams and Seahawks (both at 7-2) appear to be the most complete teams in the NFL, and achieved blowout wins on Sunday. The Eagles with six wins even with their challenges continue to possess among the most gifted lineups in the league, comparable to Green Bay (five wins, two losses, one tie). Detroit as well (6-3), despite their uneven performances along both lines of scrimmage and have been dealing with internal staff conflicts, have proven they can defeat strong franchises. For each of these squads, it's straightforward to put together a Super Bowl path.

Muddled AFC Picture

In the AFC however, the playoff picture is thoroughly confusing. The current division frontrunners at this stage: Indianapolis, New England, Denver (all standing at eight wins) and Steelers (5-4 record). Read that again. No Chiefs presence. No Bills inclusion. Not the Ravens or Bengals. Historically strong franchises, featuring elite NFL signal-callers, display either glaring roster weaknesses or are dealing with health issues.

Parity Mechanics

From certain perspectives, this is exactly what the league wants. However, witnessing the current division frontrunners in the American Football Conference continues to seem unusual. Aspects of each franchise meet championship standards, though not comprehensively. If you were asked to lock in your AFC Championship game picks today, could you assuredly choose any among these four teams?

Franchise Analysis

Indianapolis Outlook

First, examining Indianapolis, their quarterback hasn’t quite reached total collapse. However, recent performances have been worrying. He’s back to committing turnovers and faltering under duress. He took seven sacks against the Falcons on Sunday, and endured a short sequence during which he tossed a pick and coughed up the ball thrice. This follows he gave away possessions five separate times facing the Steelers.

The Colts’ offense performed well initially as Jones prevented game-changing errors. Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line ensure Indianapolis remains capable of overcoming some negative plays, as they did in Berlin. Yet Jones going back to his historically mistake-heavy play would finish postseason aspirations.

Patriots Examination

New England appears somewhat similar. Previously, they were a punchline. Today, they stand as football's most unexpected success and the hottest team in the NFL after seven straight wins. If not for losing due to fumbles a winnable game versus the Steelers, they’d be sitting a 9-1 record as the league's best. In the prior year, they seemed veteran and plodding. Now they’re young, fast and unafraid. Still, it’s hard to ignore the weakness of New England's opponents. They have faced the least challenging lineup throughout football, yet vulnerabilities remain. The signal-caller has taken sacks on 35 occasions – the second-most in football – with several hits he endured during the game appeared dangerous. Over time, those hits add up.

Broncos Situation

Denver stands at 8–2 as well, and it still feels like they're nervously waiting. The Denver signal-caller has shown inconsistency, and the offensive unit laboring, while the defensive unit provides most of the responsibility. Absent adequate signal-calling, the Broncos aren’t scaring any playoff team. Los Angeles remains nearby in the Western division with seven wins, yet medical problems affecting their protection unit will make it tough to achieve championship contention.

Steelers Examination

Then we have the Steelers, surprisingly atop the AFC North notwithstanding receiving 25-10 by the Chargers on Sunday night. They have a negative point differential, their defensive unit frequently falters, and the QB's current constraints at this stage of his career persistently appear. At 5-4, they're barely clinging, but Baltimore, with Lamar Jackson healthy again and the schedule softening, are riding a three-game streak. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that Baltimore has closed within a game of the Steelers, but that it has arrived so quickly represents criticism toward Pittsburgh’s inconsistencies. That the Ravens started the season 1-5 yet still appear they should win the division speaks volumes regarding the entire AFC.

Historical Favorites

The Ravens' form part among three elite teams – together with Bills and Chiefs – driven by elite quarterback play, that would continue to generate the highest anxiety in opposing teams if they qualified. They’re the No One Wants To See ‘Em teams, but the Chiefs and Bills cannot get out of their own way.

Buffalo Bills

A week ago, the Bills felt confident after beating the Chiefs. This weekend they encountered a particularly discouraging setback this year. They didn’t just lose to the Dolphins; they suffered humiliation, losing 30-13 as visitors. The Dolphins secured their first triumph over the Bills in over three years.

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