Bills' Bay Day Opens New England Path to AFC East Lead - Best of Week 10 NFL Action
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Week 10 again delivered, with a major surprise for the Bills proving the 'any given Sunday' mantra that attracts so many people into the NFL
This outcome may have opened things up for the Patriots to move back into a top spot they formerly held, with a schedule that provides them an advantage over their 8-2 competitors
Meanwhile in the NFC 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 MVP award
Analysis - Simply an Off Day for the Bills?
Was it just an emotional letdown from beating the Chiefs the previous week or a deeper issue? That's the question for the Bills to address
The Bills had secured seven victories in a row against Miami but were outperformed from the start as the Dolphins ran out 30-13 victors in an surprising result - and display
MVP Josh Allen only achieved the team's opening first down in the third quarter and first points in the fourth - yes Miami had ten days to prepare but it was still a significant failure laid by one of the league's top offences
Tua Tagovailoa passed for two scores but running back De'Von Achane was the devastating difference, with 225 combined yards and two scores
Containing the league's best running game was crucial too, with James Cook and teammates registering just 86 yards, their fewest of the year and just over half their 161.5-yard season average
Additionally there were the three critical turnovers, and the two from Allen in particular. An interception in the scoring area resulting in a nine minute drive produced nothing, and his final quarter dropped ball that the Dolphins turned into a touchdown just two plays
It was classic 'previous Bills teams' as they hurt themselves in the foot, falling into a deficit on defensive side and Josh Allen trying to do too much to rescue his squad from the situation - rather than the calm, disciplined, well-balanced Buffalo team we've witnessed this year
The Dolphins have served up a varied performances this year so the jury's out on if this is the start of something, but for the Bills they'll require an instant response in a tough game against Tampa Bay in week 11 as the New England are sneaking into a comfortable advantage at the top of the AFC East
Spotlight - Patriots See Path to Surprise Top Seed
Speaking of the New England, they're among three different 8-2 teams in the league, all American Football Conference teams, but are they the best?
You can find flaws in New England, Denver and Indianapolis actually for feasting on the weaker opponents, with only five of their total 24 victories coming against teams with a positive record - and one example was the Indianapolis defeating the Denver
The Broncos beat the reigning champion Eagles in Philly and are kings of the final quarter while Indianapolis can ride Taylor, but the Patriots adding Sunday's victory in Tampa to their prime time win in Buffalo seems like a statement
Their two defeats came in new head coach Mike Vrabel's initial three contests, with seven consecutive wins, similar to Denver, from that point - but defeating Baker Mayfield after the Buccaneers had a bye to get ready was huge
Drake Maye's MVP claims won't go away, and he definitely deserves credit for bravery after absorbing some hard tackles in Tampa Bay but hanging in there to guide his team to victory
The defense is solid and first-year running back TreVeyon Henderson exploded on game day with 147 rushing yards and two exciting touchdowns of fifty-five and sixty-nine yards - establishing himself as just the fifth different runner to break 22 miles per hour this season on his initial touchdown
Although you can argue who 'the top team' is statistically, the Pats should be favourites to finish with the top record due to their remaining opponents - which features just one game against a successful opponent, although a huge one against Buffalo
Traveling to Baltimore is challenging too, but Denver have it even tougher in the AFC West division with the Kansas City to face two times, the Los Angeles Chargers (who might also compete for first place but encounter the same problem) and additionally the Packers on the fixture list
The Indianapolis also face the Chiefs, and have the Seattle, 49ers and two matchups with the 5-4 Jaguars to face. There's a long way to travel but the opportunity is open for a surprise top seed in the AFC
Next Week - Rams & Seahawks Set for Next Week Showdown
Both squads with solid claims to be superior to all of the three eight and two sides are NFC West rivals the Seahawks and Los Angeles, who both scored forty points to reach 7-2 ahead of next week's Hollywood blockbuster meeting between the two in Los Angeles
They've both won four in a consecutive games, have quarterbacks in Stafford and Sam Darnold performing at an elite level (although Sam Darnold had ball security problems on Sunday) with top receivers, and defensive units giving up under 20 points a game
Both could realistically be without a loss as too - particularly the Rams as their two defeats came in overtime against the San Francisco and then that painful defeat in Philly when they had a game-winning field goal with the last kick blocked and run back by the Philadelphia for a score
The Seahawks also lost to San Francisco, with a last-minute score in the opening week, before losing to the last kick of the game against the Buccaneers - so they're truly among the best sides in the NFL
The next matchup on Sunday could be the most exciting of the season to date
Top Performer - Jonathan Taylor
Taylor might be on for a historic year after his incredible display in Germany - rushing for 244 rushing yards, scoring three scores and contributing another forty-two {receiving yards