Buffalo's Disappointing Performance Gives New England Route to AFC East Lead - Highlights of Week 10 NFL Action
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The tenth week once more provided excitement, with a major surprise for the Bills proving the 'any given Sunday' saying that attracts so many fans into the NFL
This outcome may have opened things up for the New England Patriots to move back into a top spot they used to occupy, with a schedule that provides them an advantage over their eight and two rivals
Meanwhile in the NFC the Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams had perfect results to set up a monster clash next week, while our player of the week is pursuing milestones as well as the MVP 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? This remains the question for the Buffalo team to address
The Bills had secured seven victories in a consecutive games against the Dolphins but were second best from the beginning as the Miami team ran out 30-13 victors in an surprising outcome - and display
MVP Josh Allen only achieved the team's initial first down in the third quarter and initial scoring in the final quarter - yes Miami had 10 days to get ready but it was still a massive egg produced by one of the NFL's best offenses
Tua Tagovailoa threw two scores but rusher De'Von Achane was the game-changing factor, with 225 total yards and two scores
Bottling up the NFL's top running game was crucial too, with James Cook and company recording just 86 yards, their lowest of the season and just over half their 161.5-yard average
Then there were the three critical ball losses, and the pair from Allen in particular. An pass caught by defense in the scoring area resulting in a nine minute possession yielded no points, and his final quarter fumble that Miami converted to a touchdown just later
It was typical 'previous Bills teams' as they shot themselves in the foot, getting into a deficit on defense and Allen attempting to overcompensate to dig his team from the situation - not the calm, controlled, well-balanced Buffalo team we've seen this year
The Dolphins have demonstrated a bit of everything this season so the verdict is uncertain on if this is the start of something, but for the Bills they'll require 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 summit of the AFC East
In Focus - Patriots Identify Route to Surprise Top Seed
Speaking of the New England, they're one of three 8-2 squads in the league, all AFC sides, but could they be the top team?
You can find flaws in the Patriots, Denver and Indianapolis really for feasting on the lesser sides, with only five of their combined twenty-four wins coming against teams with a winning record - and one of those was the Colts beating the Denver
The Broncos defeated the champion Eagles in Philadelphia and are kings of the fourth-quarter while Indy can ride Jonathan Taylor, but the Patriots including Sunday's win in Tampa Bay to their primtime success in Orchard Park seems like a statement
Their pair of losses occurred in recently appointed coach Mike Vrabel's initial three games, with seven consecutive victories, similar to Denver, since then - but taking down Mayfield after the Buccaneers had a bye to prepare was huge
Drake Maye's MVP claims continue to be discussed, and he definitely deserves credit for courage after absorbing some hard tackles in Tampa but hanging in there to guide his side to success
The defensive unit is reliable and rookie running back Henderson burst onto the scene on game day with 147 yards and two exhilerating touchdowns of 55 and 69 yards - establishing himself as just the fifth different ball carrier to exceed 22mph this season on his first score
While you can argue who 'the top team' is statistically, the Patriots should be favorites to end with the best record due to their schedule - which features just one game against a winning team, although a huge one against the Bills
Visiting the Ravens is challenging too, but Denver have it even tougher in the AFC West with the Kansas City to play twice, the Los Angeles Chargers (who might also challenge for first place but encounter the same problem) and also the Packers on the schedule
The Indianapolis also play the Kansas City, and have the Seattle, 49ers and two matchups with the five and four Jaguars to contend with. There is a considerable distance to travel but the opportunity is available for a surprise 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 eight and two sides are NFC West opponents the Seattle and Rams, who both scored forty points to go to 7-2 before next week's Hollywood blockbuster meeting between the two in Los Angeles
Both have won four in a row, have signal callers in Stafford and Sam Darnold playing at an high standard (although Darnold had ball security problems on game day) with excellent pass catchers, and defensive units allowing fewer than twenty points a contest
Each could easily be undefeated as too - particularly the Rams as their two defeats came in overtime against the San Francisco and then that agonising loss in Philly when they had a potentially winning field goal with the final play deflected and returned by the Eagles for a touchdown
Seattle also lost to the 49ers, with a late touchdown in the opening week, before falling to the last kick of the contest against the Tampa Bay - so they're truly two of the top teams in the league
The upcoming game on Sunday could be the most exciting of the year to date
Top Performer - Taylor
Jonathan Taylor could be on for a record season after his remarkable performance in Berlin - rushing for 244 rushing yards, scoring three touchdowns and adding an additional 42 {receiving yards