Bills' Disappointing Performance Gives New England Path to Top Spot - Best of Week 10 NFL Action
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The tenth week once more provided excitement, with a major surprise for the Bills demonstrating the 'any Sunday can bring surprises' mantra that draws so many fans into the NFL
That result may have opened opportunities for the Patriots to creep back into a leading position they used to occupy, with a schedule that gives them an advantage over their 8-2 competitors
Meanwhile in the NFC the Seahawks and Rams had ideal outcomes to set up a major confrontation next week, while our player of the week is chasing records as well as the Most Valuable Player award
The Breakdown - Simply an Off Day for Buffalo?
Could it simply have been an emotional comedown from defeating Kansas City the previous week or a deeper issue? That's the question for the Bills to answer
The Bills had secured seven victories in a row against the Dolphins but were second best from the beginning as the Dolphins ran out 30-13 winners in an surprising outcome - and display
MVP quarterback Josh Allen only got the team's opening first down in the third quarter and initial scoring in the fourth - yes the Dolphins had 10 days to get ready but it was nonetheless a significant failure produced by one of the NFL's top offences
Tua Tagovailoa passed for two scores but rusher De'Von Achane was the game-changing factor, with 225 combined yards and two scores
Bottling up the NFL's top rushing attack was also key, with Cook and company recording just 86 yards, their lowest of the year and just over fifty percent their 161.5-yard season average
Then there were the three crucial ball losses, and the pair from Allen specifically. An pass caught by defense in the scoring area meaning a nine minute possession produced nothing, and his final quarter fumble that the Dolphins turned into 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 Allen trying to do too much to dig his team out of it - rather than the composed, disciplined, well-balanced Buffalo team we've seen this season
The Dolphins have served up a bit of everything this season so the verdict is uncertain on if this is the beginning of a trend, but for the Bills they'll need an instant response in a tough game against the Buccaneers next week as the New England are quietly moving into a comfortable advantage at the summit of the AFC East
In Focus - Patriots Identify Route to Surprise Top Seed
Regarding the Patriots, they're among three 8-2 teams in the league, all AFC teams, but could they be the top team?
You can find flaws in the Patriots, Denver and the Colts actually for dominating the lesser sides, with only five of their combined 24 victories coming against teams with a positive record - and one of those was the Indianapolis beating the Broncos
Denver beat the reigning champion Eagles in Philadelphia and are kings of the fourth-quarter while Indianapolis can rely on Taylor, but the New England adding Sunday's victory in Tampa Bay to their prime time win in Buffalo appears to be a declaration
Their two defeats came in recently appointed coach Vrabel's initial three games, with seven straight wins, just like the Broncos, from that point - but defeating Baker Mayfield after the Bucs had a bye to get ready was significant
Maye's MVP claims won't go away, and he certainly deserves point for bravery after taking some hard tackles in Tampa Bay but persevering to steer his side to victory
The defensive unit is solid and rookie rusher TreVeyon Henderson exploded on Sunday with 147 rushing yards and two exhilerating scores of fifty-five and sixty-nine yards - establishing himself as just the fifth ball carrier to exceed 22mph this season on his first score
While you can argue who 'the top team' is statistically, the Pats should be favourites to end with the top record due to their remaining opponents - which includes just one game against a successful opponent, although a significant contest against the Bills
Traveling to Baltimore 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 could also compete for top seed but encounter the same problem) and additionally the Green Bay on the schedule
The Colts also play the Kansas City, and have the Seahawks, 49ers and two matchups with the 5-4 Jacksonville to face. There's a considerable distance to go but the opportunity is open for a shock number one position in the AFC
Coming Up - Los Angeles and Seattle Set for Week 11 Showdown
Both squads with solid claims to be better than all of the three 8-2 sides are NFC West opponents the Seattle and Rams, who both scored forty points to reach seven and two before next week's major meeting between the pair in Los Angeles
Both have secured four victories in a row, have signal callers in Stafford and Darnold playing at an elite level (although Sam Darnold had turnover issues on Sunday) with top receivers, and defensive units allowing fewer than twenty points a contest
Both could realistically be without a loss as well - especially the Los Angeles as their two defeats occurred in extra time against the San Francisco and then that painful defeat in Philadelphia when they had a potentially winning field goal with the final play deflected and run back by the Philadelphia for a touchdown
The Seahawks were also defeated 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 truly two of the top teams in the NFL
The next matchup on Sunday could be the most exciting of the season to date
Player of the Week - Taylor
Taylor might be on for a historic year after his incredible display in Germany - rushing for 244 rushing yards, scoring three scores and adding an additional forty-two {receiving yards