Buffalo's Disappointing Performance Opens New England Route 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 Buffalo Bills demonstrating the 'any Sunday can bring surprises' mantra that draws so many fans into the National Football League
This outcome may have opened things up for the Patriots to creep back into a leading position they used to occupy, with a remaining games that provides them an advantage over their eight and two competitors
Over in the National Football Conference the Seahawks and Rams had ideal outcomes to arrange a major confrontation in week 11, while our player of the week is chasing records as well as the MVP award
The Breakdown - Just a Bad Day for Buffalo?
Could it simply have been an emotional comedown from beating the Chiefs the previous week or something more? This remains the question for the Buffalo team to answer
The Bills had secured seven victories in a row against the Dolphins but were outperformed from the beginning as the Dolphins emerged as 30-13 victors in an surprising outcome - and performance
MVP Josh Allen only got the team's opening first down in the third quarter and initial scoring in the fourth - yes the Dolphins had ten days to get ready but it was nonetheless a significant failure produced by one of the league's top offences
Dolphins quarterback Tua passed for two scores but running back 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 James Cook and teammates registering just eighty-six yards, their fewest of the year and just over fifty percent their 161.5-yard average
Additionally there were the three crucial turnovers, and the two from Josh Allen specifically. An interception in the scoring area meaning a nine minute possession yielded no points, and his fourth-quarter fumble that the Dolphins turned into seven points just two plays
It was typical 'old Buffalo' as they shot themselves in the foot, falling into a hole on defense and Allen attempting to overcompensate to rescue his squad from the situation - not the calm, disciplined, well-balanced Buffalo team we've seen this year
Miami have demonstrated 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 next week as the Patriots are sneaking into a nice lead at the top of the American Football Conference East
Spotlight - Patriots See Path to Unexpected First Place
Regarding the New England, they're one of three different eight and two teams in the league, all AFC sides, but could they be the top team?
You can pick holes in New England, Denver and Indianapolis really for dominating the weaker opponents, with just five of their combined 24 victories achieved against teams with a positive record - and one of those was the Colts beating the Denver
The Broncos defeated the champion Eagles in Philadelphia and are kings of the final quarter while Indy can rely on Taylor, but the New England including Sunday's win in Tampa to their primtime win in Orchard Park appears to be a statement
Their pair of losses came in recently appointed coach Mike Vrabel's first three contests, with seven consecutive victories, similar to the Broncos, since then - but defeating Baker Mayfield after the Bucs had a week off to prepare was huge
Drake Maye's MVP claims won't go away, and he certainly earns credit for bravery after absorbing some hard tackles in Tampa Bay but persevering to guide his team to victory
The defense is reliable and first-year running back TreVeyon Henderson burst onto the scene on game day with 147 rushing yards and two exhilerating scores of fifty-five and sixty-nine yards - establishing himself as just the fifth different ball carrier to break 22mph this season on his first score
While you can debate who 'the best' is technically, the Patriots should be favorites to finish with the top record due to their remaining opponents - which features just a single matchup against a winning team, although a significant contest against the Bills
Visiting Baltimore is challenging too, but Denver have it more difficult in the AFC West division with the Kansas City to play twice, the Los Angeles Chargers (who might also challenge for top seed but face the same problem) and additionally the Green Bay on the fixture list
The Colts also face the Kansas City, and have the Seahawks, San Francisco and two matchups with the 5-4 Jacksonville to face. There's a considerable distance to travel but the opportunity is open for a shock top seed in the American Football Conference
Coming Up - Rams & Seahawks Prepare for Week 11 Clash
Both squads with strong arguments to be superior to all of the three 8-2 sides are National Football Conference West rivals the Seattle and Rams, who both scored 40 burgers to go to 7-2 before next week's Hollywood blockbuster game between the two in Los Angeles
They've both secured four victories in a consecutive games, have signal callers in Matthew Stafford and Sam Darnold playing at an elite level (although Darnold had ball security problems on Sunday) with excellent pass catchers, and defensive units allowing under 20 points a contest
Each could easily be undefeated as well - especially the Rams as their two defeats occurred in extra time against the 49ers and then that painful defeat in Philadelphia when they had a game-winning kick with the final play deflected and returned by the Philadelphia for a touchdown
Seattle were also defeated to the 49ers, with a late touchdown in week one, before losing to the last kick of the game against the Buccaneers - so they are genuinely two of the top teams in the league
The upcoming game on Sunday could be the best 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 Germany - running for 244 rushing yards, scoring three touchdowns and contributing another forty-two {receiving yards