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 proving the 'any Sunday can bring surprises' saying 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 formerly held, with a schedule that provides them an advantage over their 8-2 rivals
Over in the NFC the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams had perfect results to arrange a major confrontation next week, while our top performer is chasing records as well as the Most Valuable Player award
Analysis - Just a Bad Day for the Bills?
Could it simply have been an emotional letdown from defeating Kansas City the previous week or something more? That's the question for the Bills to address
The Buffalo squad had won seven in a consecutive games against the Dolphins but were second best from the start as the Miami team ran out 30-13 victors in an surprising result - and performance
MVP Josh Allen only achieved the squad's initial first down in the third period and initial scoring in the final quarter - admittedly the Dolphins had 10 days to prepare but it was nonetheless a significant failure laid by one of the league's best offenses
Tua Tagovailoa threw two touchdowns but running back Achane was the devastating difference, with 225 combined yards and two touchdowns
Containing the league's best running game was also key, with James Cook and company registering just 86 yards, their fewest of the year and slightly more than fifty percent their 161.5-yard average
Then there were the three critical ball losses, and the two from Josh Allen in particular. An interception in the scoring area resulting in a nine minute drive yielded no points, and his final quarter dropped ball that the Dolphins converted to a touchdown just later
It was typical 'old Buffalo' as they hurt themselves in the foot, getting into a deficit on defensive side and Allen trying to do too much to rescue his squad from the situation - not the composed, disciplined, well-balanced Buffalo team we've witnessed this season
The Dolphins have served up a varied performances this year so the jury's out on whether this is the beginning of something, but for the Bills they'll need an instant response in a tough game against Tampa Bay in week 11 as the New England are sneaking into a comfortable advantage at the top of the American Football Conference East
In Focus - New England Identify Route to Unexpected First Place
Regarding the Patriots, they're one of three different eight and two squads in the NFL, all American Football Conference sides, but are they the top team?
You can find flaws in New England, Denver and the Colts really for feasting on the weaker opponents, with only five of their combined 24 wins achieved against opponents with a winning record - and one of those was the Indianapolis defeating the Broncos
The Broncos defeated the champion Eagles in Philly and are masters of the final quarter while Indianapolis can rely on Taylor, but the New England adding Sunday's win in Tampa Bay to their prime time win in Orchard Park seems like a statement
Their pair of losses came in new head coach Mike Vrabel's initial three contests, with seven consecutive victories, just like Denver, from that point - but defeating Baker Mayfield after the Bucs had a week off to get ready was significant
Maye's MVP claims continue to be discussed, and he definitely earns point for courage after absorbing some savage hits in Tampa Bay but persevering to guide his team to success
The defense is solid and first-year running back TreVeyon Henderson exploded on game day with 147 rushing yards and two exciting touchdowns of 55 and 69 yards - establishing himself as just the fifth runner to exceed 22mph this year on his initial touchdown
Although you can debate who 'the top team' is statistically, the Pats should be favorites to end with the top record thanks to their remaining opponents - which includes just one game against a winning team, although a significant contest against Buffalo
Visiting the Ravens is challenging too, but the Broncos have it more difficult in the AFC West with the Kansas City to play twice, the Los Angeles Chargers (who could also compete for top seed but face the same problem) and additionally the Green Bay on the fixture list
The Indianapolis also face the Chiefs, and have the Seattle, 49ers and two matchups with the 5-4 Jacksonville to face. There is a long way to go but the opportunity is available for a shock number one position in the AFC
Next Week - Los Angeles and Seattle Set for Next Week Clash
Two teams with strong arguments to be better than all of the three eight and two sides are NFC West opponents the Seattle and Rams, who both scored 40 burgers to reach 7-2 ahead of next week's Hollywood blockbuster game between the two in Los Angeles
They've both won four in a row, have quarterbacks in Stafford and Darnold performing at an high standard (although Sam Darnold had turnover issues on Sunday) with excellent pass catchers, and defenses giving up under 20 points a contest
Each could realistically be undefeated as too - especially the Rams as their two defeats occurred in overtime against the 49ers 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
Seattle also lost to San Francisco, with a late touchdown in week one, before losing to the last kick of the contest against the Buccaneers - so they're truly two of the top teams in the NFL
The upcoming game on Sunday could be the best of the year so far
Player of the Week - Jonathan Taylor
Taylor could be on for a record season after his remarkable performance in Germany - rushing for 244 yards, registering three scores and adding another forty-two {receiving yards