Buffalo's Disappointing Performance Gives 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 Buffalo Bills proving the 'any Sunday can bring surprises' saying that attracts so many people into the National Football League
That result could have created opportunities for the New England Patriots to creep back into a top spot they formerly held, with a schedule that gives them an edge over their 8-2 rivals
Meanwhile in the National Football Conference the Seahawks and Rams had ideal outcomes to arrange a major confrontation in week 11, while our top performer is chasing records as well as the MVP award
Analysis - Just a Bad Day for Buffalo?
Was it just an emotional letdown from beating the Chiefs last week or something more? This remains the question for the Buffalo team to address
The Buffalo squad had won seven in a row against the Dolphins but were outperformed from the beginning as the Dolphins emerged as 30-13 winners in an surprising outcome - and display
MVP Josh Allen only achieved the team's opening first down in the third quarter and first points in the fourth - yes Miami had 10 days to prepare but it was nonetheless a significant failure produced by one of the NFL's best offenses
Tua Tagovailoa threw two scores but running back Achane was the game-changing factor, with 225 total yards and two scores
Containing the NFL's top running game was also key, with James Cook and company recording just eighty-six yards, their lowest of the season and slightly more than fifty percent their 161.5-yard season average
Additionally there were the three critical ball losses, and the pair from Allen in particular. An interception in the scoring area meaning a nine-minute possession produced nothing, and his fourth-quarter fumble that Miami turned into seven points just later
It was classic 'previous Bills teams' as they shot themselves in the foot, getting into a deficit on defense and Josh Allen attempting to overcompensate to dig his team out of it - not the composed, controlled, balanced Bills we've seen this year
The Dolphins have served up a varied performances this year so the verdict is uncertain on if this is the beginning of something, but for Buffalo they'll require an instant response in a tough game against Tampa Bay in week 11 as the Patriots are quietly moving into a nice lead at the top of the American Football Conference East
Spotlight - Patriots Identify Route to Surprise Top Seed
Speaking of the New England, they're among three eight and two squads in the league, all American Football Conference sides, but could they be the top team?
You can find flaws in New England, the Broncos and Indianapolis actually for dominating the lesser sides, with only five of their total 24 victories coming against opponents with a winning record - and one example was the Indianapolis defeating the Broncos
Denver beat the champion Eagles in Philly and are masters of the fourth-quarter while Indianapolis can rely on Taylor, but the Patriots including Sunday's win in Tampa to their primtime success in Buffalo appears to be a statement
Their pair of losses came in new head coach Mike Vrabel's first three contests, with seven consecutive wins, just like Denver, since then - but defeating Mayfield after the Buccaneers had a bye to prepare was huge
Drake Maye's MVP claims won't go away, and he definitely earns point for bravery after absorbing some hard tackles in Tampa Bay but persevering to steer his team to success
The defensive unit is solid and rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson burst onto the scene on Sunday with 147 rushing yards and two exciting scores of fifty-five and sixty-nine yards - becoming just the fifth different ball carrier to break 22mph this season on his first score
Although you can debate who 'the best' is technically, the Patriots should be favorites to end with the top record thanks to their schedule - which includes just one game against a successful opponent, although a significant contest against Buffalo
Visiting the Ravens is also tough, but Denver have it more difficult in the AFC West with the Kansas City to play twice, the Chargers (who might also challenge for top seed but face the identical challenge) and additionally the Packers on the fixture list
The Colts also face the Chiefs, and have the Seattle, 49ers and two games with the five and four Jacksonville to face. There's a considerable distance to travel but the opportunity is open for a shock number one position in the American Football Conference
Coming Up - Rams & Seahawks Prepare for Week 11 Clash
Both squads with solid claims to be superior to all of the three 8-2 sides are NFC West rivals the Seahawks and Rams, who each scored 40 burgers to reach seven and two before the upcoming Hollywood blockbuster game between the two in LA
Both have secured four victories in a consecutive games, have quarterbacks in Matthew Stafford and Darnold playing at an high standard (although Sam Darnold had ball security problems on Sunday) with excellent pass catchers, and defensive units allowing under 20 points a game
Both could realistically be without a loss as well - particularly the Rams as their two defeats came in extra time against the San Francisco and then that agonising loss in Philadelphia when they had a potentially winning kick with the final play blocked and run back by the Philadelphia for a touchdown
Seattle also lost to the 49ers, with a last-minute score in the opening week, before losing to the final play of the game against the Tampa Bay - so they are genuinely among the best sides in the NFL
The next matchup on Sunday could be the best of the year so far
Player of the Week - Taylor
Taylor could be on for a record season after his remarkable performance in Berlin - running for 244 yards, scoring three touchdowns and contributing another 42 {receiving yards