Bills' Bay Day Gives Patriots Route to Top Spot - Highlights of Week 10 NFL Action
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Week 10 once more provided excitement, with a major surprise for the Bills demonstrating the 'any Sunday can bring surprises' mantra that draws so many fans into the NFL
That result could have created things up 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 NFC the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams had perfect results to set up a monster clash in week 11, while our player of the week is pursuing milestones as well as the MVP award
Analysis - Just a Bad Day for the Bills?
Was it just an emotional comedown from defeating Kansas City last week or something more? That's the question for the Buffalo team to answer
The Buffalo squad had secured seven victories in a row against Miami but were second best from the beginning as the Dolphins ran out 30-13 winners in an eye-opening result - and display
MVP quarterback Josh Allen only got the team's initial first down in the third period and first points in the final quarter - yes Miami had 10 days to get ready but it was nonetheless a significant failure produced by one of the league's best offenses
Dolphins quarterback Tua passed for two scores but rusher De'Von Achane was the devastating difference, with 225 combined yards and two scores
Containing the NFL's top running game was also key, with James Cook and teammates recording just 86 yards, their fewest of the season and slightly more than half their 161.5-yard season average
Then there were the three critical turnovers, and the two from Josh Allen specifically. An interception in the scoring area resulting in a nine minute possession produced nothing, and his final quarter dropped ball that the Dolphins converted to seven points just later
It was typical 'previous Bills teams' as they shot themselves in the foot, getting into a deficit on defensive side and Allen attempting to do too much to rescue his squad out of it - not the calm, disciplined, well-balanced Bills we've seen this season
Miami have served up a varied performances this year so the jury's out on if this is the beginning of something, but for the Bills they'll require an immediate bounce-back in a tough game against the Buccaneers next week as the New England are sneaking into a nice lead at the top of the AFC 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 sides, but could they be the top team?
One could find flaws in the Patriots, Denver and Indianapolis actually for feasting on the lesser sides, with only five of their combined 24 wins coming against teams with a winning record - and one example was the Indianapolis defeating the Denver
Denver beat the reigning champion Eagles in Philadelphia and are masters of the fourth-quarter while Indianapolis can ride Taylor, but the Patriots adding Sunday's victory in Tampa Bay to their prime time win in Orchard Park seems like a declaration
Their pair of losses came in recently appointed coach Vrabel's first three games, with seven consecutive victories, just like Denver, since then - but defeating Baker Mayfield after the Bucs had a bye to prepare was huge
Drake Maye's MVP claims won't go away, and he definitely earns credit for bravery after absorbing some hard tackles in Tampa Bay but persevering to guide his side to success
The defense is solid and first-year rusher Henderson burst onto the scene on game day with 147 yards and two exhilerating touchdowns of 55 and 69 yards - becoming just the fifth different runner to break 22mph this season on his initial touchdown
While you can debate who 'the best' is technically, the Patriots should be favourites to finish with the top record thanks to their remaining opponents - which includes just one game against a winning team, albeit a huge one against the Bills
Traveling to the Ravens is challenging too, but Denver have it even tougher in the AFC West with the Chiefs to face two times, the Chargers (who could also challenge for first place but encounter the same problem) and additionally the Green Bay on the schedule
The Indianapolis also face the Kansas City, and have the Seattle, 49ers and two games with the 5-4 Jaguars to face. There's a long way to go but the opportunity is open for a surprise top seed in the AFC
Next Week - Los Angeles and Seattle Prepare for Week 11 Showdown
Both squads with solid claims to be superior to all of the three 8-2 teams are National Football Conference West rivals the Seattle and Rams, who each put up 40 burgers to reach 7-2 before the upcoming major game between the two in LA
They've both won four in a consecutive games, have signal callers in Matthew Stafford and Darnold playing at an elite level (although Sam Darnold had turnover issues on game day) with top receivers, and defensive units allowing fewer than twenty points a game
Each could realistically be without a loss as well - particularly the Los Angeles as their pair of losses came in overtime against the 49ers and then that painful defeat in Philadelphia when they had a game-winning kick with the final play blocked and returned by the Eagles for a score
The Seahawks also lost to the 49ers, with a late touchdown in the opening week, before falling to the final play of the contest against the Tampa Bay - so they are genuinely two of the best sides in the league
The next matchup on Sunday could be the best of the year to date
Top Performer - Jonathan Taylor
Jonathan Taylor might be on for a historic year after his remarkable performance in Berlin - rushing for 244 rushing yards, registering three scores and contributing another forty-two {receiving yards