The NFL is built on parity. But this season the NFC only has a few contenders while even the best teams in the AFC have worrying flaws
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o league sells parity like the NFL: it’s the entire brand. But through 10 weeks of this season, 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 fine.
In the NFC, at least, there is some clarity. The Rams and Seahawks (both 7-2) look like the most complete teams in football, and secured blowout wins on Sunday. The 6-2 Eagles, despite their struggles, still have one of the most talented rosters in the league, likewise with the Packers (5-2-1). Even the Lions (6-3), who have been inconsistent along both lines of scrimmage and have been dealing with tension on their coaching staff, have proven they can hammer good teams. For all five, you can still easily put together a Super Bowl path.
Over in the AFC, though, the playoff picture is a jumbled mess. Your four division leaders through ten weeks: the Colts, Patriots, Broncos (all at 8-2) and Steelers (5-4). Read that again. Not the Chiefs. Not the Bills. Not the Ravens or Bengals. The traditional powers, backed by the league’s best quarterbacks, have either glaring roster weaknesses or have been hit by injuries.
