As we approach the first international of the 2017 season, we have a much better idea of where teams stand. 1/3 through the season and a clear 6 team playoff race has emerged. North Carolina, Portland, and Chicago are looking for home field in the semis. Seattle, Sky Blue and Kansas City are all in the mix for that last spot.
Clearly there is enough time left in the season for things to shake up and teams to rise and fall. Right now those are the two tiers in the league.
After slow starts, Chicago and Portland have established themselves as top teams and should only get better as reinforcements arrive.