Buffalo's Disappointing Performance Opens Patriots Path to AFC East Lead - Best of Week 10 NFL Action
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The tenth week again delivered, with a huge upset for the Bills demonstrating the 'any Sunday can bring surprises' mantra that attracts so many fans into the National Football League
This outcome may have opened things up for the Patriots to creep back into a top spot they used to occupy, with a schedule that gives them an advantage over their 8-2 rivals
Meanwhile in the NFC the Seattle Seahawks and Rams had ideal outcomes to arrange a major confrontation next week, while our player of the week is chasing records as well as the MVP award
The Breakdown - Simply an Off Day for the Bills?
Was it just an emotional comedown from beating the Chiefs last week or something more? That's the question for the Bills to address
The Buffalo squad had won seven in a consecutive games against Miami but were second best from the beginning as the Dolphins ran out 30-13 victors in an eye-opening outcome - and display
MVP Josh Allen only achieved the squad's initial first down in the third period and initial scoring in the fourth - yes the Dolphins had 10 days to prepare but it was nonetheless a significant failure produced by one of the league's best offenses
Tua Tagovailoa passed for two touchdowns but rusher De'Von Achane was the devastating difference, with 225 combined yards and two touchdowns
Bottling up the league's best running game was also key, with Cook and teammates recording just 86 yards, their lowest of the season and just over half their 161.5 yard average
Additionally there were the three critical turnovers, and the two from 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 the Dolphins turned into seven points just later
It was typical 'previous Bills teams' as they shot themselves in the foot, getting into a deficit on defense and Josh Allen attempting to overcompensate to dig his team out of it - rather than the calm, disciplined, well-balanced Buffalo team we've witnessed this season
Miami have demonstrated a varied performances this year so the verdict is uncertain on whether this is the beginning of a trend, but for the Bills they'll need an immediate bounce-back in a difficult matchup against Tampa Bay next week as the Patriots are quietly moving into a comfortable advantage at the summit of the AFC East
In Focus - New England Identify Route to Surprise Top Seed
Regarding the New England, they're among three different 8-2 squads in the league, all American Football Conference teams, but could they be the top team?
One could find flaws in the Patriots, the Broncos and Indianapolis really for dominating the weaker opponents, with only five of their total 24 wins achieved against teams with a winning record - and one of those was the Colts defeating the Broncos
The Broncos defeated the champion Eagles in Philly and are masters of the fourth-quarter while Indy can rely on Taylor, but the New England adding Sunday's victory in Tampa to their primtime win in Buffalo seems like a statement
Their pair of losses occurred in recently appointed coach Mike Vrabel's first three contests, with seven straight wins, similar to Denver, since then - but defeating Baker Mayfield after the Bucs had a bye to prepare was significant
Maye's MVP claims won't go away, and he certainly earns credit for bravery after taking some hard tackles in Tampa Bay but hanging in there to guide his side to success
The defense is reliable and first-year rusher Henderson exploded on Sunday with 147 yards and two exhilerating scores of fifty-five and sixty-nine yards - establishing himself as just the fifth ball carrier to exceed 22mph this season on his first score
While you can argue who 'the top team' is technically, the Pats should be favourites to end with the best record due to their schedule - which includes just a single matchup against a successful opponent, although a significant contest against Buffalo
Traveling to the Ravens is challenging too, but Denver have it more difficult in the AFC West with the Kansas City to face two times, the Chargers (who might also compete for top seed but face the same problem) and additionally the Packers on the schedule
The Colts also play the Chiefs, and have the Seahawks, 49ers and two matchups with the 5-4 Jacksonville to face. There's a considerable distance to travel but the opportunity is open for a shock number one position in the American Football Conference
Next Week - Rams & Seahawks Prepare for Week 11 Clash
Two teams with strong arguments to be superior to all of the three 8-2 teams are NFC West opponents the Seahawks and Rams, who both put up 40 burgers to go to 7-2 before next week's Hollywood blockbuster meeting between the two in Los Angeles
They've both won four in a consecutive games, have signal callers in Stafford and Sam Darnold playing at an elite level (although Sam Darnold had turnover issues on Sunday) with top receivers, and defenses giving up under 20 points a game
Each could easily be without a loss as well - especially the Rams as their two defeats occurred in extra time against the San Francisco and then that agonising loss in Philly when they had a potentially winning kick with the final play deflected and run back by the Eagles for a touchdown
The Seahawks were also defeated to San Francisco, with a late touchdown in week one, before losing to the last kick of the game against the Tampa Bay - so they're genuinely among the best sides in the league
The next matchup on Sunday could be the best of the year to date
Top Performer - Jonathan Taylor
Taylor could be on for a record season after his remarkable performance in Germany - rushing for 244 rushing yards, scoring three scores and adding an additional forty-two {receiving yards