Buffalo's Disappointing Performance Gives Patriots Route 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 proving the 'any given Sunday' saying that draws so many fans into the National Football League
This outcome could have created opportunities for the New England Patriots to creep back into a leading position they used to occupy, with a schedule that provides them an edge over their eight and two competitors
Meanwhile in the NFC the Seattle Seahawks and Rams had perfect results to arrange a monster clash in week 11, while our top performer is pursuing milestones as well as the MVP award
Analysis - Simply an Off Day for the Bills?
Was it just an emotional letdown from defeating Kansas City last week or a deeper issue? This remains the question for the Bills to address
The Buffalo squad had won seven in a row against the Dolphins but were outperformed from the start as the Dolphins ran out 30-13 victors in an eye-opening outcome - and performance
MVP quarterback Josh Allen only got the squad's opening first down in the third quarter and first points in the fourth - admittedly Miami had ten days to prepare but it was nonetheless a significant failure produced by one of the NFL's best offenses
Dolphins quarterback Tua passed for two touchdowns but running back Achane was the game-changing factor, with 225 combined yards and two scores
Containing the NFL's top rushing attack was crucial too, with Cook and company recording just eighty-six yards, their lowest of the season and slightly more than half their 161.5 yard average
Then there were the three crucial ball losses, and the two from Josh Allen in particular. An interception in the end zone meaning a nine-minute drive yielded no points, and his final quarter dropped ball that the Dolphins turned into a touchdown just later
It was typical 'old Buffalo' as they hurt themselves in the foot, falling into a hole on defense and Allen attempting to do too much to rescue his squad from the situation - not the composed, disciplined, well-balanced Bills we've seen this year
Miami have demonstrated a bit of everything this season so the jury's out on whether this is the start of something, but for the Bills they'll require an instant response in a difficult matchup against the Buccaneers next week as the New England are sneaking into a nice lead at the summit of the American Football Conference East
In Focus - New England Identify Route to Unexpected First Place
Speaking of the Patriots, they're among three different eight and two teams in the NFL, all American Football Conference teams, but could they be the best?
One could pick holes in the Patriots, the Broncos and the Colts actually for feasting on the weaker opponents, with just five of their total twenty-four wins achieved against opponents with a positive record - and one of those was the Colts beating the Broncos
The Broncos defeated the champion Eagles in Philly and are masters of the final quarter while Indy can rely on Taylor, but the New England adding Sunday's win in Tampa to their prime time win in Buffalo appears to be a statement
Their two defeats occurred in recently appointed coach Mike Vrabel's initial three contests, with seven consecutive victories, similar to the Broncos, since then - but taking down Baker Mayfield after the Buccaneers had a week off to get ready was huge
Drake Maye's MVP claims won't go away, and he certainly earns point for bravery after absorbing some savage hits in Tampa Bay but persevering to guide his side to victory
The defense is solid and rookie rusher Henderson exploded on game day with 147 rushing yards and two exhilerating scores of 55 and 69 yards - establishing himself as just the fifth ball carrier to exceed 22mph this season on his initial touchdown
While you can debate who 'the top team' is technically, the Patriots should be favorites to finish with the best record due to their remaining opponents - which includes just a single matchup against a winning team, 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 Chiefs to play twice, the Chargers (who could also challenge for first place but face the same problem) and additionally the Packers on the fixture list
The Colts also play the Kansas City, and have the Seattle, San Francisco and two games with the five and four Jacksonville to contend with. There is a considerable distance to travel but the door is open for a shock number one position in the American Football Conference
Coming Up - Rams & Seahawks Set for Next Week Showdown
Two teams with solid claims to be better than all of the three eight and two teams are NFC West rivals the Seattle and Rams, who each scored 40 burgers to go to 7-2 before the upcoming Hollywood blockbuster meeting between the two in Los Angeles
They've both secured four victories in a consecutive games, have signal callers in Matthew Stafford and Darnold performing at an elite level (although Sam Darnold had ball security problems on Sunday) with top receivers, and defensive units giving up under 20 points a game
Both could realistically be without a loss as well - especially the Los Angeles as their pair of losses came in overtime against the San Francisco and then that painful defeat in Philadelphia when they had a game-winning kick with the final play deflected and returned by the Eagles for a touchdown
The Seahawks also lost to San Francisco, with a late touchdown in the opening week, before losing to the final play of the game against the Tampa Bay - so they are truly two of the top teams in the NFL
The upcoming game on Sunday could be the most exciting of the season so far
Player of the Week - Taylor
Jonathan Taylor might be on for a record season after his remarkable performance in Germany - running for 244 yards, scoring three touchdowns and contributing an additional forty-two {receiving yards