Buffalo's Disappointing Performance Gives Patriots Path to Top Spot - Highlights of Week 10 NFL Action
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The tenth week once more provided excitement, with a huge upset for the Buffalo Bills demonstrating the 'any Sunday can bring surprises' mantra that draws so many people into the National Football League
This outcome may have opened things up for the Patriots to creep back into a leading position they used to occupy, with a schedule that gives them an edge over their 8-2 competitors
Over in the National Football Conference the Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams had perfect results to set up a major confrontation in week 11, while our top performer is chasing records as well as the MVP award
Analysis - Simply an Off Day for the Bills?
Could it simply have been an emotional comedown from defeating Kansas City the previous week or something more? That's the question for the Bills to answer
The Buffalo squad had won seven in a consecutive games against the Dolphins but were outperformed from the start as the Miami team ran out 30-13 victors in an surprising outcome - and display
MVP quarterback Josh Allen only achieved the team's opening first down in the third period and initial scoring in the fourth - yes the Dolphins had ten days to prepare but it was still a significant failure laid by one of the league's best offenses
Dolphins quarterback Tua passed for two scores but running back Achane was the game-changing factor, with 225 total yards and two scores
Bottling up the NFL's top running game was also key, with Cook and teammates registering just 86 yards, their fewest of the season and slightly more than half their 161.5 yard season average
Additionally there were the three critical turnovers, and the two from Josh Allen specifically. An pass caught by defense in the scoring area meaning a nine minute drive yielded no points, and his fourth-quarter dropped ball that Miami turned into a touchdown just two plays
It was typical 'previous Bills teams' as they hurt themselves in the foot, falling into a deficit on defensive side and Allen trying to overcompensate to dig his team from the situation - rather than the composed, controlled, balanced Buffalo team we've witnessed this year
The Dolphins have demonstrated a bit of everything this year so the verdict is uncertain on if this is the beginning of something, but for Buffalo they'll need an instant response in a tough game against Tampa Bay in week 11 as the Patriots are sneaking into a comfortable advantage at the top of the AFC East
In Focus - Patriots Identify Route to Surprise Top Seed
Speaking of the Patriots, they're one of three 8-2 teams in the NFL, all American Football Conference sides, but are they the top team?
You can pick holes in the Patriots, Denver and Indianapolis actually for feasting on the weaker opponents, with only five of their total 24 wins coming against opponents with a positive record - and one of those was the Indianapolis defeating the Broncos
Denver beat the champion Eagles in Philly and are masters of the final quarter while Indianapolis can ride Taylor, but the New England adding Sunday's win in Tampa to their prime time success in Orchard Park seems like a declaration
Their pair of losses occurred in recently appointed coach Mike Vrabel's first three games, with seven straight victories, similar to Denver, from that point - but taking down Baker Mayfield after the Bucs had a week off to get ready was significant
Maye's Most Valuable Player credentials continue to be discussed, and he definitely earns point for courage after taking some savage hits in Tampa Bay but persevering to steer his side to success
The defensive unit is reliable and first-year running back Henderson exploded on Sunday with 147 yards and two exhilerating touchdowns of 55 and 69 yards - establishing himself as just the fifth ball carrier to exceed 22mph this year on his first score
Although you can debate who 'the best' is statistically, the Pats should be favorites to finish with the best record due to their schedule - which includes just a single matchup against a winning team, although a significant contest against the Bills
Visiting the Ravens is challenging too, but the Broncos have it more difficult in the AFC West with the Kansas City to play twice, the Los Angeles Chargers (who might also challenge for first place but face the same problem) and also the Packers on the fixture list
The Colts also face the Chiefs, and have the Seattle, 49ers and two games with the 5-4 Jaguars to contend with. There's a considerable distance to go but the opportunity is available for a shock number one position in the American Football Conference
Coming Up - Rams & Seahawks Set for Next Week Clash
Two teams with strong arguments to be better than all of the three 8-2 sides are NFC West rivals the Seahawks and Rams, who both put up forty points to reach 7-2 ahead of next week's Hollywood blockbuster game between the pair in LA
They've both secured four victories in a row, have signal callers in Stafford and Sam Darnold performing at an high standard (although Sam Darnold had turnover issues on Sunday) with top receivers, and defensive units allowing under 20 points a game
Each could easily be without a loss as well - particularly the Los Angeles as their two defeats occurred in extra time against the San Francisco and then that agonising loss in Philadelphia when they had a potentially winning field goal with the final play deflected and run back by the Eagles for a score
The Seahawks also lost to San Francisco, with a late touchdown in the opening week, before falling to the final play of the game against the Buccaneers - so they are genuinely two of the top teams in the league
The upcoming game on Sunday could be the best of the season to date
Top Performer - Jonathan Taylor
Jonathan Taylor could be on for a historic year after his remarkable performance in Berlin - rushing for 244 rushing yards, registering three scores and contributing an additional 42 {receiving yards