Buffalo's Disappointing Performance Opens Patriots Route to Top Spot - Best of NFL Week 10
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Week 10 again delivered, with a huge upset for the Buffalo Bills proving the 'any given Sunday' mantra that draws so many fans into the NFL
This outcome could have created opportunities for the New England Patriots to move back into a top spot they formerly held, with a remaining games that provides them an edge over their 8-2 rivals
Meanwhile in the National Football Conference the Seahawks and Rams had perfect results to set up a major confrontation next week, 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?
Could it simply have been an emotional comedown from beating the Chiefs last week or something more? This remains the question for the Buffalo team to address
The Buffalo squad had secured seven victories in a consecutive games against the Dolphins but were second best from the start as the Dolphins ran out 30-13 winners in an surprising outcome - and performance
MVP Josh Allen only achieved the team's opening first down in the third quarter and first points in the final quarter - admittedly Miami had ten days to prepare but it was nonetheless a significant failure laid by one of the league's best offenses
Dolphins quarterback Tua passed for two touchdowns but rusher De'Von Achane was the devastating difference, with 225 total yards and two scores
Containing the NFL's top rushing attack was also key, with Cook and company registering just eighty-six yards, their fewest of the year and just over half their 161.5-yard average
Additionally there were the three critical ball losses, and the pair from Josh Allen in particular. An interception in the end zone meaning a nine minute possession produced nothing, and his final quarter fumble that the Dolphins turned into seven points just two plays
It was classic 'old Buffalo' as they hurt themselves in the foot, getting into a hole on defense and Josh Allen trying to do too much to dig his team from the situation - rather than the composed, controlled, well-balanced Buffalo team we've witnessed this season
The Dolphins have demonstrated a bit of everything this season so the jury's out on if this is the start of a trend, but for the Bills they'll require an instant response in a difficult matchup against the Buccaneers next week as the New England are quietly moving into a nice lead at the summit of the AFC East
Spotlight - New England Identify Route to Unexpected First Place
Speaking of the New England, they're among three different 8-2 squads in the league, all American Football Conference teams, but are they the top team?
You can find flaws in New England, the Broncos and the Colts actually for feasting on the weaker opponents, with only five of their total 24 victories coming against opponents with a winning record - and one of those was the Colts defeating the Denver
Denver beat the reigning champion Eagles in Philly and are masters of the final quarter while Indy can rely on Taylor, but the New England including Sunday's win in Tampa Bay to their prime time win in Buffalo seems like a statement
Their two defeats occurred in recently appointed coach Vrabel's initial three games, with seven straight wins, similar to the Broncos, from that point - but defeating Baker Mayfield after the Bucs had a week off to prepare was huge
Drake Maye's MVP claims continue to be discussed, and he definitely deserves credit for courage after absorbing some savage hits in Tampa but persevering to guide his side to victory
The defense is reliable and rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson exploded on Sunday with 147 yards and two exhilerating touchdowns of 55 and 69 yards - becoming just the fifth different runner to exceed 22mph this season on his initial touchdown
Although you can argue who 'the top team' is statistically, the Patriots should be favourites to finish with the top record thanks to their schedule - which includes just a single matchup against a winning team, although a significant contest against Buffalo
Visiting the Ravens is also tough, but the Broncos have it more difficult in the AFC West with the Chiefs to play twice, the Los Angeles Chargers (who might also challenge for top seed but encounter the identical challenge) and additionally the Green Bay on the schedule
The Colts also face the Chiefs, and have the Seattle, 49ers and two games with the five and four Jaguars to face. There's a long way to go but the opportunity is open for a surprise number one position in the American Football Conference
Next Week - Rams & Seahawks Set for Next Week Clash
Two teams with solid claims to be superior to all of the three different eight and two teams are NFC West opponents the Seahawks and Los Angeles, who each put up 40 burgers to reach seven and two before next week's major meeting between the two in Los Angeles
Both have won four in a row, have quarterbacks in Stafford and Darnold performing at an elite level (although Darnold had ball security problems on Sunday) with top receivers, and defensive units giving up under 20 points a contest
Each could easily be without a loss as well - especially the Los Angeles as their pair of losses occurred in overtime against the San Francisco and then that painful defeat in Philadelphia when they had a game-winning kick with the final play blocked and run back by the Eagles for a score
The Seahawks were also defeated to San Francisco, with a last-minute score in week one, before falling to the final play of the game against the Buccaneers - so they're genuinely two of the top teams in the NFL
The upcoming game on Sunday could be the most exciting of the season to date
Top Performer - Taylor
Taylor could be on for a historic year after his remarkable performance in Berlin - running for 244 rushing yards, registering three touchdowns and contributing another 42 {receiving yards