Buffalo's Disappointing Performance Gives New England Path to AFC East Lead - Highlights of NFL Week 10
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Week 10 once more provided excitement, with a major surprise for the Bills proving the 'any Sunday can bring surprises' mantra that attracts so many fans into the National Football League
That result may have opened opportunities for the New England Patriots to creep back into a leading position they used to occupy, with a schedule that gives them an edge over their eight and two rivals
Meanwhile in the National Football Conference the Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams had ideal outcomes to arrange a major confrontation in week 11, while our top performer is pursuing milestones as well as the MVP award
Analysis - Simply an Off Day for Buffalo?
Could it simply have been an emotional comedown from defeating Kansas City last week or a deeper issue? This remains the question for the Bills to address
The Buffalo squad had won seven in a consecutive games against Miami but were second best from the start as the Miami team ran out 30-13 winners in an eye-opening result - and performance
MVP Josh Allen only achieved the team's initial first down in the third quarter and initial scoring in the fourth - yes the Dolphins had 10 days to prepare but it was nonetheless a significant failure laid by one of the NFL's best offenses
Dolphins quarterback Tua threw two touchdowns but rusher De'Von Achane was the game-changing factor, with 225 total yards and two scores
Containing the NFL's top rushing attack was also key, with James Cook and teammates registering just 86 yards, their fewest of the season and slightly more than fifty percent their 161.5-yard average
Then there were the three crucial ball losses, and the pair from Josh Allen in particular. An pass caught by defense in the scoring area resulting in a nine-minute possession produced nothing, and his final quarter dropped ball that Miami converted to seven points just two plays
It was typical 'previous Bills teams' as they shot themselves in the foot, getting into a hole on defensive side and Allen trying to overcompensate to dig his team out of it - rather than the calm, disciplined, well-balanced Bills we've witnessed this year
Miami have served up a varied performances this season so the jury's out on if this is the start of a trend, but for the Bills they'll need an instant response in a difficult matchup against the Buccaneers in week 11 as the Patriots are sneaking into a comfortable advantage at the top of the American Football Conference East
Spotlight - New England See Path to Unexpected First Place
Regarding the New England, they're among three different 8-2 squads in the NFL, all AFC teams, but could they be the best?
One could pick holes in New England, the Broncos and the Colts actually for dominating the weaker opponents, with only five of their total 24 wins achieved against teams with a positive record - and one example was the Colts beating the Broncos
The Broncos beat the champion Eagles in Philadelphia and are masters of the fourth-quarter while Indianapolis can ride Jonathan Taylor, but the Patriots including Sunday's win in Tampa Bay to their primtime win in Buffalo appears to be a declaration
Their pair of losses came in recently appointed coach Vrabel's initial three contests, with seven consecutive victories, just like the Broncos, from that point - but defeating Mayfield after the Bucs had a week off to get ready was significant
Drake Maye's MVP claims won't go away, and he definitely earns point for courage after taking some hard tackles in Tampa Bay but persevering to guide his side to victory
The defense is solid and rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson exploded on Sunday with 147 rushing yards and two exciting scores of fifty-five and sixty-nine yards - becoming just the fifth different runner to break 22mph this season on his initial touchdown
While you can argue who 'the top team' is technically, the Patriots should be favorites to end with the top record thanks to their schedule - which includes just a single matchup against a successful opponent, albeit a huge one against the Bills
Visiting the Ravens is also tough, but the Broncos have it more difficult in the AFC West division with the Chiefs to face two times, the Los Angeles Chargers (who might also compete for top seed but encounter the identical challenge) and also the Green Bay on the schedule
The Indianapolis also face the Chiefs, and have the Seattle, 49ers and two matchups with the 5-4 Jaguars to face. There is a considerable distance to travel but the opportunity is open for a shock top seed in the AFC
Next Week - Rams & Seahawks Prepare for Week 11 Clash
Both squads with solid claims to be superior to all of the three eight and two teams are National Football Conference West opponents the Seattle and Los Angeles, who each scored 40 burgers to reach 7-2 before next week's Hollywood blockbuster game between the pair in Los Angeles
They've both won four in a consecutive games, have quarterbacks in Matthew Stafford and Darnold playing at an high standard (although Sam Darnold had ball security problems on game day) with top receivers, and defenses allowing fewer than twenty points a game
Each could realistically be without a loss as well - especially the Rams as their pair of losses came in extra time against the 49ers and then that agonising loss in Philly when they had a game-winning field goal with the last kick blocked and returned by the Eagles for a score
Seattle also lost to San Francisco, with a late touchdown in the opening week, before falling to the last kick of the game against the Tampa Bay - so they are genuinely two of the best sides in the league
The upcoming game on Sunday could be the most exciting of the season so far
Player of the Week - Jonathan Taylor
Jonathan Taylor might be on for a historic year after his incredible display in Germany - running for 244 yards, registering three touchdowns and adding another 42 {receiving yards