Buffalo's Disappointing Performance Gives Patriots Path 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 Buffalo Bills proving the 'any Sunday can bring surprises' saying that draws so many people into the National Football League
That result could have created opportunities for the Patriots to move back into a leading position they formerly held, with a remaining games that gives them an edge over their 8-2 competitors
Over in the NFC the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams had perfect results to set up a major confrontation next week, while our player of the week is pursuing milestones as well as the Most Valuable Player award
Analysis - Simply an Off Day for Buffalo?
Was it just an emotional comedown from beating the Chiefs the previous week or something more? That's the question for the Buffalo team to address
The Buffalo squad had secured seven victories in a consecutive games 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 Josh Allen only got the squad's opening first down in the third quarter and first points in the final quarter - admittedly the Dolphins had ten days to prepare but it was nonetheless a massive egg laid by one of the league's best offenses
Tua Tagovailoa threw two scores but rusher De'Von Achane was the devastating difference, with 225 total yards and two scores
Containing the league's best rushing attack was crucial too, with Cook and teammates registering just 86 yards, their fewest of the season and just over half their 161.5-yard average
Additionally there were the three critical turnovers, and the two from Josh Allen specifically. An pass caught by defense in the end zone resulting in a nine minute possession yielded no points, and his final quarter fumble that Miami converted to a touchdown just two plays
It was typical 'previous Bills teams' as they hurt themselves in the foot, falling into a deficit on defensive side and Allen attempting to overcompensate to rescue his squad from the situation - not the composed, controlled, 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 a trend, but for the Bills they'll need an immediate bounce-back in a tough game against Tampa Bay next week as the New England are quietly moving into a comfortable advantage at the summit of the American Football Conference East
Spotlight - Patriots Identify Route to Unexpected First Place
Regarding the New England, they're one of three eight and two squads in the league, all American Football Conference sides, but could they be the top team?
You can pick holes in New England, Denver and the Colts really for dominating the weaker opponents, with just five of their combined 24 wins coming against opponents with a winning record - and one example was the Indianapolis defeating the Broncos
The Broncos defeated the reigning champion Eagles in Philly and are masters of the final quarter while Indy can rely on Jonathan Taylor, but the New England including Sunday's victory in Tampa Bay to their prime time success in Orchard Park appears to be a statement
Their two defeats came in recently appointed coach Vrabel's initial three games, with seven straight victories, just like the Broncos, since then - but defeating Mayfield after the Buccaneers had a bye to get ready was huge
Maye's Most Valuable Player credentials continue to be discussed, and he certainly deserves credit for bravery after absorbing some savage hits in Tampa Bay but hanging in there to guide his side to victory
The defensive unit is reliable and rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson exploded on game day with 147 yards and two exhilerating scores of fifty-five and sixty-nine yards - establishing himself as just the fifth different ball carrier to exceed 22mph this year on his first score
While you can argue who 'the best' is technically, the Pats should be favorites to finish with the best record thanks to their remaining opponents - which includes just one game against a winning team, although a significant contest against Buffalo
Visiting Baltimore is challenging too, but the Broncos have it more difficult in the AFC West with the Chiefs to play twice, the Los Angeles Chargers (who might also compete for first place but face the identical challenge) and also the Packers on the schedule
The Indianapolis also face the Chiefs, and have the Seahawks, 49ers and two games with the 5-4 Jaguars to contend with. There is a considerable distance to go but the opportunity is open for a shock number one position in the American Football Conference
Coming Up - Rams & Seahawks Set for Next Week Showdown
Both squads with strong arguments to be better than all of the three eight and two teams are NFC West rivals the Seahawks and Rams, who each scored 40 burgers to go to 7-2 ahead of the upcoming Hollywood blockbuster game between the pair in Los Angeles
Both have secured four victories in a row, have signal callers in Matthew Stafford and Sam Darnold performing at an elite level (although Sam Darnold had turnover issues on game day) with excellent pass catchers, and defensive units allowing fewer than twenty points a game
Each could realistically be without a loss as well - especially the Los Angeles as their two defeats came in extra time against the San Francisco and then that painful defeat in Philly when they had a potentially winning field goal with the final play deflected and run back by the Eagles for a score
Seattle also lost to San Francisco, with a last-minute score in the opening week, before losing to the final play of the contest against the Tampa Bay - so they are truly two of the top teams in the NFL
The next matchup on Sunday could be the most exciting of the year so far
Player of the Week - Jonathan Taylor
Jonathan Taylor might be on for a record season after his incredible display in Berlin - rushing for 244 yards, registering three scores and adding another forty-two {receiving yards