Buffalo's Bay Day Opens New England Path to AFC East Lead - Highlights of NFL Week 10
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Week 10 again delivered, with a major surprise for the Buffalo Bills demonstrating the 'any given Sunday' mantra that draws so many fans into the NFL
This outcome may have opened opportunities for the New England Patriots to creep back into a top spot 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 Rams had ideal outcomes to set up a major confrontation next week, while our top performer is chasing records as well as the Most Valuable Player award
Analysis - Simply an Off Day for Buffalo?
Was it just an emotional letdown from beating the Chiefs last week or a deeper issue? This remains the question for the Bills to address
The Buffalo squad had secured seven victories in a consecutive games against Miami but were second best from the beginning as the Dolphins emerged as 30-13 winners in an eye-opening outcome - and performance
MVP Josh Allen only achieved the squad's initial first down in the third period and initial scoring in the final quarter - yes Miami had 10 days to prepare but it was still a significant failure produced by one of the NFL's best offenses
Tua Tagovailoa passed for two touchdowns but running back Achane was the devastating difference, with 225 total yards and two scores
Bottling up the NFL's top rushing attack was crucial too, with James Cook and teammates registering just eighty-six yards, their fewest of the season and just over half their 161.5 yard season average
Then there were the three crucial turnovers, and the pair from Allen in particular. An pass caught by defense in the scoring area meaning a nine-minute drive yielded no points, and his final quarter fumble that the Dolphins converted to a touchdown just two plays
It was typical 'old Buffalo' as they hurt themselves in the foot, getting into a deficit on defensive side and Allen attempting to do too much to rescue his squad out of it - rather than the calm, controlled, well-balanced Buffalo team we've seen this season
The Dolphins have demonstrated a varied performances this season so the jury's out on if this is the start of something, but for Buffalo they'll require an immediate bounce-back in a difficult matchup against Tampa Bay next week as the Patriots are sneaking into a comfortable advantage 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 eight and two squads in the league, all American Football Conference teams, but are they the top team?
You can pick holes in the Patriots, the Broncos and Indianapolis really for feasting on the weaker opponents, with only five of their combined 24 victories achieved against opponents with a winning record - and one example was the Colts beating the Broncos
Denver defeated the reigning champion Eagles in Philadelphia and are kings of the fourth-quarter while Indy can rely on Jonathan Taylor, but the Patriots adding Sunday's win in Tampa Bay to their primtime success in Buffalo seems like a statement
Their two defeats occurred in new head coach Vrabel's initial three games, with seven straight wins, just like Denver, from that point - but taking down Baker Mayfield after the Buccaneers had a bye to prepare was huge
Drake Maye's Most Valuable Player credentials continue to be discussed, and he certainly earns point for courage after absorbing some savage hits in Tampa but persevering to steer his team to victory
The defense is solid and first-year running back TreVeyon Henderson exploded on Sunday with 147 yards and two exciting touchdowns of 55 and 69 yards - establishing himself as just the fifth different ball carrier to exceed 22mph this season on his initial touchdown
Although you can debate who 'the best' is technically, the Pats should be favorites to end with the top record thanks to their remaining opponents - which features just one game against a successful opponent, albeit a huge one against Buffalo
Visiting the Ravens is challenging too, but Denver have it more difficult in the AFC West division with the Kansas City to face two times, the Los Angeles Chargers (who might also challenge for first place but encounter the identical challenge) and also the Green Bay on the fixture list
The Indianapolis also play the Chiefs, and have the Seattle, 49ers and two games with the five and four Jaguars to face. There's a considerable distance to travel but the opportunity is available for a surprise top seed in the American Football Conference
Next Week - Los Angeles and Seattle Set for Next Week Clash
Both squads with strong arguments to be superior to all of the three different 8-2 sides are NFC West rivals the Seattle and Los Angeles, who each scored 40 burgers to go to 7-2 before the upcoming Hollywood blockbuster game between the two in LA
They've both won four in a consecutive games, have quarterbacks in Stafford and Darnold playing at an elite level (although Sam Darnold had turnover issues on Sunday) with excellent pass catchers, and defensive units allowing fewer than twenty points a contest
Both could realistically be undefeated as well - especially the Los Angeles as their pair of losses came in extra time against the San Francisco and then that agonising loss in Philly when they had a game-winning field goal with the last kick deflected and returned by the Philadelphia for a touchdown
Seattle were also defeated to the 49ers, with a late touchdown in the opening week, before losing to the last kick of the contest against the Tampa Bay - so they're genuinely two of the top teams in the NFL
The next matchup on Sunday could be the best of the season to date
Player of the Week - Jonathan Taylor
Taylor could be on for a record season after his remarkable performance in Berlin - running for 244 yards, scoring three touchdowns and adding an additional 42 {receiving yards