Buffalo's Bay Day Gives New England Path to AFC East Lead - Highlights of NFL Week 10
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The tenth week again delivered, with a major surprise for the Buffalo Bills demonstrating the 'any given Sunday' saying that draws so many fans into the National Football League
This outcome may have opened opportunities for the Patriots to creep back into a top spot they formerly held, with a remaining games that gives them an advantage over their eight and two rivals
Meanwhile in the NFC the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams had perfect results to set up a monster clash next week, while our top performer is pursuing milestones as well as the Most Valuable Player award
The Breakdown - Simply an Off Day for Buffalo?
Was it just an emotional letdown from defeating Kansas City the previous week or something more? That's the question for the Buffalo team 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 outcome - and performance
MVP quarterback Josh Allen only got the squad's initial first down in the third period and first points in the final quarter - yes Miami had 10 days to prepare but it was nonetheless a significant failure produced by one of the league's top offences
Dolphins quarterback Tua passed for two touchdowns but running back De'Von Achane was the game-changing factor, with 225 combined yards and two scores
Containing the NFL's top running game was crucial too, with Cook and company recording just 86 yards, their lowest of the year and just over half their 161.5 yard average
Then there were the three crucial ball losses, and the pair from Josh Allen specifically. An interception in the scoring area meaning a nine minute possession produced nothing, and his final quarter dropped ball that Miami converted to a touchdown just two plays
It was typical 'old Buffalo' as they hurt themselves in the foot, falling into a deficit on defensive side and Josh Allen trying to do too much to dig his team out of it - not the calm, controlled, balanced Bills we've seen this year
The Dolphins have demonstrated a varied performances this season so the verdict is uncertain on if this is the beginning of a trend, but for the Bills they'll require an immediate bounce-back in a difficult matchup against Tampa Bay next week as the Patriots are quietly moving into a comfortable advantage at the summit of the AFC East
Spotlight - Patriots Identify Route to Unexpected First Place
Speaking of the New England, they're among three 8-2 squads in the NFL, all American Football Conference sides, but could they be the top team?
You can find flaws in New England, the Broncos and the Colts really for dominating the weaker opponents, with just five of their total 24 victories coming against opponents with a winning record - and one example was the Indianapolis beating the Denver
Denver beat the reigning champion Eagles in Philly and are masters of the fourth-quarter while Indianapolis can rely on Taylor, but the New England including Sunday's win in Tampa Bay to their prime time success in Buffalo appears to be a declaration
Their two defeats came in recently appointed coach Mike Vrabel's first three contests, with seven straight wins, just like Denver, from that point - but taking down Baker Mayfield after the Bucs had a bye to prepare was huge
Drake Maye's Most Valuable Player credentials continue to be discussed, and he certainly earns credit for courage after absorbing some hard tackles in Tampa but persevering to guide his team to success
The defense is solid and rookie rusher TreVeyon Henderson burst onto the scene on Sunday with 147 rushing yards and two exciting scores of 55 and 69 yards - becoming just the fifth runner to break 22mph this year on his initial touchdown
Although you can argue who 'the top team' is statistically, the Pats should be favorites to end with the top record due to their schedule - which includes just a single matchup against a successful opponent, although a huge one against the Bills
Visiting Baltimore is also tough, but Denver have it more difficult in the AFC West division with the Kansas City to play twice, the Los Angeles Chargers (who could also challenge for top seed but encounter the same problem) and additionally the Packers on the schedule
The Colts also face the Chiefs, and have the Seattle, 49ers and two games with the five and four Jaguars to face. There's a considerable distance to go but the door is open for a surprise number one position in the American Football Conference
Coming Up - Los Angeles and Seattle Set for Next Week Clash
Both squads with solid claims to be superior to all of the three eight and two teams are NFC West rivals the Seattle and Los Angeles, who each put up 40 burgers to reach seven and two before next week's major game between the two in LA
Both have secured four victories in a row, have quarterbacks in Matthew Stafford and Sam Darnold playing at an high standard (although Sam Darnold had turnover issues on game day) with excellent pass catchers, and defenses allowing under 20 points a contest
Each could easily be undefeated as well - especially the Rams as their two defeats occurred in overtime against the San Francisco and then that agonising loss in Philadelphia when they had a game-winning field goal with the final play blocked and returned by the Philadelphia for a touchdown
Seattle were also defeated to San Francisco, with a last-minute score in the opening week, before losing to the final play of the game against the Tampa Bay - so they're truly among the best sides in the NFL
The next matchup on Sunday could be the most exciting of the season so far
Top Performer - Jonathan Taylor
Jonathan Taylor might be on for a historic year after his incredible display in Germany - running for 244 rushing yards, registering three touchdowns and adding an additional forty-two {receiving yards