Buffalo's Disappointing Performance Gives Patriots Route to AFC East Lead - Highlights of Week 10 NFL Action
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Week 10 again delivered, with a huge upset for the Buffalo Bills proving the 'any Sunday can bring surprises' mantra that draws so many people into the National Football League
That result may have opened opportunities for the New England Patriots to creep back into a top spot they formerly held, with a schedule that provides them an edge over their 8-2 rivals
Over in the National Football Conference 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 Most Valuable Player award
The Breakdown - Just a Bad Day for Buffalo?
Was it just an emotional letdown from beating the Chiefs last week or a deeper issue? That's the question for the Bills to answer
The Bills had won seven in a row against Miami but were outperformed from the beginning as the Miami team ran out 30-13 winners in an surprising result - and display
MVP Josh Allen only achieved the squad's initial first down in the third quarter and initial scoring in the final quarter - yes the Dolphins had 10 days to get ready but it was still a massive egg produced by one of the NFL's best offenses
Tua Tagovailoa passed for two touchdowns but running back De'Von Achane was the devastating difference, with 225 total yards and two scores
Containing the league's best running game was also key, with James Cook and company recording just 86 yards, their fewest of the year and just over fifty percent their 161.5 yard average
Then there were the three critical ball losses, and the pair from Josh Allen in particular. An interception in the scoring area meaning a nine minute possession produced nothing, and his fourth-quarter dropped ball that Miami converted to seven points just later
It was typical 'previous Bills teams' as they hurt themselves in the foot, falling into a deficit on defense and Allen attempting to overcompensate to dig his team out of it - rather than the calm, controlled, well-balanced Buffalo team we've witnessed this year
Miami have demonstrated a varied performances this season so the jury's out on whether this is the start of something, but for Buffalo they'll need an instant response in a difficult matchup against the Buccaneers next week as the Patriots are quietly moving into a nice lead at the top of the American Football Conference East
In Focus - Patriots See Path to Unexpected First Place
Regarding the New England, they're among three 8-2 squads in the league, all AFC sides, but could they be the best?
One could find flaws in the Patriots, Denver and the Colts really for dominating the weaker opponents, with only five of their total twenty-four victories coming against opponents with a winning record - and one of those was the Indianapolis beating the Broncos
The Broncos beat the reigning champion Eagles in Philly and are kings of the fourth-quarter while Indy can ride Taylor, but the Patriots including Sunday's victory in Tampa Bay to their prime time win in Orchard Park seems like a declaration
Their two defeats occurred in recently appointed coach Vrabel's initial three games, with seven straight wins, just like Denver, since then - but defeating Mayfield after the Bucs had a bye to get ready was significant
Maye's MVP claims continue to be discussed, and he definitely earns credit for bravery after absorbing some savage hits in Tampa but hanging in there to steer his side to success
The defense is solid and first-year running back Henderson burst onto the scene on game day with 147 yards and two exciting scores of 55 and 69 yards - becoming just the fifth ball carrier to exceed 22 miles per hour this year on his initial touchdown
Although you can argue who 'the top team' is technically, the Pats should be favourites to end with the best record thanks to their remaining opponents - which features just a single matchup against a successful opponent, albeit a significant contest against Buffalo
Traveling to the Ravens is also tough, but the Broncos have it more difficult in the AFC West division with the Chiefs to play twice, the Los Angeles Chargers (who might also compete for first place but encounter the same problem) and also the Packers on the fixture list
The Colts also face the Chiefs, and have the Seahawks, San Francisco and two matchups with the 5-4 Jaguars to contend with. There is a considerable distance to go but the door is open for a surprise top seed in the American Football Conference
Next Week - Rams & Seahawks Set for Next Week Showdown
Two teams with strong arguments to be superior to all of the three different 8-2 sides are NFC West rivals the Seattle and Rams, who both put up 40 burgers to go to 7-2 before next week's major game between the two in LA
They've both won four in a row, have signal callers in Stafford and Sam Darnold performing at an high standard (although Darnold had ball security problems on Sunday) with excellent pass catchers, and defenses giving up under 20 points a game
Both could easily be without a loss as well - especially the Los Angeles as their pair of losses came in extra time against the San Francisco and then that painful defeat in Philadelphia when they had a potentially winning field goal with the final play deflected and returned by the Philadelphia for a score
Seattle also lost to San Francisco, with a late touchdown in week one, before falling to the last kick of the game against the Buccaneers - so they are genuinely among the best sides in the NFL
The next matchup on Sunday could be the best of the season to date
Top Performer - Taylor
Taylor could be on for a record season after his incredible display in Berlin - rushing for 244 yards, scoring three scores and adding an additional 42 {receiving yards