Buffalo's Bay Day Opens Patriots Route to AFC East Lead - Highlights of Week 10 NFL Action
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Week 10 again delivered, with a huge upset for the Bills demonstrating the 'any given Sunday' mantra that draws so many fans into the NFL
That result may have opened opportunities for the New England Patriots to move back into a top spot they used to occupy, with a remaining games that provides them an advantage over their eight and two rivals
Meanwhile in the NFC the Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams had ideal outcomes to set up a major confrontation in week 11, while our player of the week is pursuing milestones as well as the Most Valuable Player award
The Breakdown - Simply an Off Day for Buffalo?
Was it just an emotional comedown from defeating Kansas City last week or a deeper issue? This remains the question for the Buffalo team to answer
The Bills had won seven in a consecutive games against Miami but were second best from the start as the Dolphins emerged as 30-13 winners in an surprising outcome - and display
MVP quarterback Josh Allen only got the squad's opening first down in the third quarter and first points in the final quarter - yes the Dolphins had 10 days to prepare but it was nonetheless a massive egg produced by one of the NFL's top offences
Dolphins quarterback Tua threw two touchdowns but running back Achane was the devastating difference, with 225 combined yards and two scores
Bottling up the NFL's top rushing attack was also key, with James Cook and teammates recording just 86 yards, their fewest of the season and slightly more than half their 161.5 yard average
Then there were the three critical ball losses, and the pair from Allen specifically. An interception in the scoring area resulting in a nine minute drive produced nothing, and his final quarter fumble that the Dolphins converted to a touchdown just later
It was classic 'previous Bills teams' as they shot themselves in the foot, falling into a deficit on defense and Allen trying to overcompensate to dig his team out of it - rather than the calm, disciplined, well-balanced Bills we've witnessed this season
Miami have served up a bit of everything this season so the verdict is uncertain on whether this is the start 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 sneaking into a nice lead at the summit of the AFC East
In Focus - Patriots Identify Route to Unexpected First Place
Speaking of the New England, they're one of three 8-2 squads in the NFL, all American Football Conference sides, but could they be the best?
You can find flaws in the Patriots, the Broncos and the Colts really for dominating the weaker opponents, with just five of their total 24 wins coming against teams with a positive record - and one of those was the Colts beating the Broncos
Denver defeated the champion Eagles in Philadelphia and are kings of the fourth-quarter while Indianapolis can rely on Jonathan Taylor, but the New England adding Sunday's victory in Tampa to their prime time success in Orchard Park seems like a statement
Their pair of losses occurred in recently appointed coach Mike Vrabel's initial three contests, with seven consecutive wins, similar to the Broncos, from that point - but taking down Mayfield after the Buccaneers had a week off to prepare was huge
Maye's Most Valuable Player credentials continue to be discussed, and he definitely earns point for bravery after absorbing some savage hits in Tampa Bay but hanging in there to guide his side to success
The defense is reliable and rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson exploded on Sunday with 147 yards and two exciting scores of 55 and 69 yards - establishing himself as just the fifth runner to exceed 22 miles per hour this year on his initial touchdown
While you can argue who 'the top team' is technically, the Pats should be favourites to finish with the top record due 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 Denver have it more difficult in the AFC West division with the Chiefs to play twice, the Los Angeles Chargers (who might also challenge for top seed but face the identical challenge) and also the Green Bay on the fixture list
The Indianapolis also play the Kansas City, and have the Seattle, 49ers and two matchups with the five and four Jacksonville to face. There is a long way to go but the opportunity is available for a shock number one position in the American Football Conference
Coming Up - Los Angeles and Seattle Prepare for Next Week Clash
Both squads with strong arguments to be better than all of the three different 8-2 teams are National Football Conference West opponents the Seahawks and Rams, who both scored 40 burgers to reach 7-2 ahead of next week's major meeting between the two in Los Angeles
Both have won four in a row, have quarterbacks in Matthew Stafford and Darnold performing at an high standard (although Darnold had ball security problems on Sunday) with excellent pass catchers, and defenses allowing under 20 points a contest
Both could realistically be without a loss as well - especially the Los Angeles as their pair of losses occurred in extra time against the 49ers and then that agonising loss in Philly when they had a potentially winning kick with the final play blocked and run back by the Philadelphia for a score
Seattle were also defeated to the 49ers, with a last-minute score in the opening week, before falling to the last kick of the contest against the Buccaneers - so they're genuinely two of the best sides in the league
The next matchup on Sunday could be the best of the year to date
Top Performer - Taylor
Taylor might be on for a historic year after his incredible display in Germany - running for 244 yards, registering three scores and adding an additional 42 {receiving yards