Bills' Disappointing Performance Gives Patriots Path to Top Spot - Highlights of Week 10 NFL Action
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The tenth week again delivered, with a major surprise for the Buffalo Bills demonstrating the 'any Sunday can bring surprises' mantra that draws so many fans into the National Football League
This outcome could have created opportunities for the Patriots to move back into a top spot they formerly held, with a remaining games that gives them an edge over their eight and two rivals
Over in the National Football Conference the Seattle Seahawks and Rams had perfect results to set up a monster clash in week 11, while our player of the week is chasing records as well as the MVP award
Analysis - Just a Bad 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 Buffalo team to answer
The Bills had won seven in a consecutive games against the Dolphins but were second best from the start as the Dolphins emerged as 30-13 winners in an surprising outcome - and display
MVP quarterback Josh Allen only achieved the squad's opening first down in the third period and initial scoring in the fourth - admittedly Miami had 10 days to prepare but it was nonetheless a massive egg produced by one of the NFL's best offenses
Dolphins quarterback Tua threw two touchdowns but rusher Achane was the game-changing factor, with 225 combined yards and two scores
Containing the league's best running game was crucial too, with James Cook and teammates recording just eighty-six yards, their lowest of the year and slightly more than half their 161.5-yard season average
Then there were the three crucial turnovers, and the two from Allen specifically. An interception in the scoring area meaning a nine-minute drive yielded no points, and his fourth-quarter dropped ball that the Dolphins converted to a touchdown just two plays
It was typical 'old Buffalo' as they shot themselves in the foot, getting into a hole on defensive side and Josh Allen trying to do too much to rescue his squad out of it - not the calm, disciplined, well-balanced Bills we've seen this year
Miami have served up a varied performances this season so the verdict is uncertain on if this is the start of a trend, but for Buffalo they'll need an immediate bounce-back in a difficult matchup against the Buccaneers in week 11 as the New England are sneaking into a nice lead at the top of the American Football Conference East
Spotlight - New England Identify Route to Surprise Top Seed
Speaking of the Patriots, they're among three eight and two squads in the NFL, all American Football Conference teams, but could they be the top team?
You can find flaws in the Patriots, the Broncos and Indianapolis really for feasting on the lesser sides, with just five of their total 24 victories coming against opponents with a positive record - and one of those was the Colts defeating the Denver
The Broncos beat the champion Eagles in Philadelphia and are masters of the fourth-quarter while Indianapolis can rely on Jonathan Taylor, but the New England adding Sunday's victory in Tampa to their prime time success in Orchard Park seems like a statement
Their two defeats occurred in recently appointed coach Mike Vrabel's initial three contests, with seven straight victories, just like the Broncos, since then - but taking down Mayfield after the Bucs had a week off to get ready was huge
Drake Maye's MVP claims continue to be discussed, and he definitely deserves credit for bravery after absorbing some savage hits in Tampa Bay but persevering to guide his side to victory
The defensive unit is reliable and rookie running back Henderson exploded on game day with 147 yards and two exciting scores of fifty-five and sixty-nine yards - establishing himself as just the fifth ball carrier to exceed 22mph this year on his first score
While you can debate who 'the top team' is technically, the Pats should be favourites to finish with the top record thanks to their remaining opponents - which includes just one game against a winning team, although a significant contest against the Bills
Visiting Baltimore is also tough, but the Broncos have it more difficult in the AFC West with the Kansas City to face two times, the Los Angeles Chargers (who might also challenge for first place but face the identical challenge) and additionally the Packers on the fixture list
The Colts also play the Kansas City, and have the Seahawks, 49ers and two games with the five and four Jaguars to face. There's a considerable distance to travel but the door is open for a shock number one position in the American Football Conference
Coming Up - Los Angeles and Seattle Prepare for Next Week Clash
Both squads with solid claims to be superior to all of the three 8-2 sides are National Football Conference West rivals the Seattle and Rams, who each put up forty points to go to 7-2 ahead of next week's major game between the two in Los Angeles
They've both won four in a row, have signal callers in Stafford and Sam Darnold performing at an elite level (although Darnold had turnover issues on game day) with excellent pass catchers, and defenses giving up under 20 points a contest
Both could easily be undefeated as well - particularly the Los Angeles as their pair of losses occurred in overtime against the San Francisco and then that painful defeat in Philly when they had a game-winning kick with the final play deflected and run back by the Philadelphia for a score
Seattle also lost to San Francisco, with a late touchdown in week one, before losing to the final play of the game against the Buccaneers - so they are truly among the best sides in the NFL
The upcoming game on Sunday could be the best of the year so far
Top Performer - Taylor
Jonathan Taylor could be on for a historic year after his incredible display in Berlin - running for 244 yards, scoring three touchdowns and contributing an additional 42 {receiving yards