Buffalo's Bay Day Opens New England 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 Bills demonstrating the 'any given Sunday' saying that attracts so many fans into the NFL
This outcome may have opened opportunities for the New England Patriots to move back into a top spot they formerly held, with a schedule that gives them an advantage over their 8-2 rivals
Over in the NFC the Seattle Seahawks and Rams had perfect results to arrange a monster clash in week 11, while our top performer is chasing records as well as the MVP award
Analysis - Just a Bad Day for Buffalo?
Could it simply have been an emotional letdown from defeating Kansas City the previous week or a deeper issue? This remains the question for the Bills to address
The Bills had won seven in a row against the Dolphins but were outperformed from the start as the Miami team emerged as 30-13 winners in an eye-opening result - and performance
MVP quarterback Josh Allen only achieved the team's opening first down in the third quarter and first points in the fourth - yes the Dolphins had ten days to prepare but it was still a massive egg laid by one of the NFL's best offenses
Dolphins quarterback Tua threw two touchdowns but running back De'Von Achane was the game-changing factor, with 225 total yards and two touchdowns
Bottling up the NFL's top rushing attack was also key, with Cook and company recording just eighty-six yards, their fewest of the season and just over half their 161.5-yard average
Additionally there were the three crucial ball losses, and the pair from Allen specifically. An pass caught by defense in the end zone resulting in a nine-minute drive yielded no points, and his final quarter dropped ball that the Dolphins turned into a touchdown just two plays
It was classic 'previous Bills teams' as they shot themselves in the foot, getting into a hole on defensive side and Allen attempting to overcompensate to dig his team out of it - rather than the calm, disciplined, balanced Buffalo team we've seen this season
Miami have demonstrated a varied performances this season so the jury's out on if this is the beginning of a trend, but for Buffalo they'll need an instant response 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 - Patriots See Path to Surprise Top Seed
Regarding the New England, they're one of three 8-2 squads in the NFL, all American Football Conference teams, but are they the best?
You can pick holes in the Patriots, the Broncos and Indianapolis actually for dominating the lesser sides, with just five of their combined twenty-four victories achieved against teams with a winning record - and one example was the Colts beating the Broncos
Denver defeated the champion Eagles in Philly and are kings of the final quarter while Indy can rely on Jonathan Taylor, but the Patriots including Sunday's victory in Tampa to their primtime success in Buffalo appears to be a statement
Their pair of losses occurred in recently appointed coach Mike Vrabel's initial three contests, with seven consecutive wins, just like the Broncos, since then - but defeating Mayfield after the Buccaneers had a bye to prepare was significant
Drake Maye's Most Valuable Player credentials won't go away, and he certainly earns credit for bravery after absorbing some hard tackles in Tampa but persevering to guide his side to victory
The defense is solid and rookie rusher 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 best' is technically, the Patriots should be favorites to finish with the top record thanks to their schedule - which includes just one game against a successful opponent, although a significant contest against the Bills
Visiting Baltimore is challenging too, but the Broncos have it more difficult in the AFC West division with the Chiefs to face two times, the Los Angeles Chargers (who might also compete for first place but face the same problem) and also the Packers on the schedule
The Colts also face the Chiefs, and have the Seattle, 49ers and two matchups with the five and four Jacksonville to contend with. There is a long way to go but the opportunity is available for a shock top seed in the AFC
Coming Up - Rams & Seahawks Prepare for Week 11 Showdown
Two teams with solid claims to be superior to all of the three different 8-2 sides are NFC West rivals the Seattle and Rams, who both scored 40 burgers to go to seven and two ahead of the upcoming Hollywood blockbuster game between the pair in LA
Both have secured four victories in a row, have quarterbacks in Stafford and Darnold performing at an high standard (although Darnold had turnover issues on game day) with top receivers, and defensive units allowing fewer than twenty points a game
Each could easily be undefeated as well - especially the Rams as their two defeats came in overtime against the 49ers and then that painful defeat in Philadelphia when they had a potentially winning field goal with the last kick blocked and returned by the Philadelphia for a touchdown
The Seahawks also lost to the 49ers, with a late touchdown in the opening week, before falling to the last kick of the contest against the Buccaneers - so they're truly among the top teams in the league
The next matchup on Sunday could be the most exciting of the season so far
Top Performer - Taylor
Jonathan Taylor might be on for a record season after his incredible display in Berlin - running for 244 rushing yards, scoring three touchdowns and adding another 42 {receiving yards