Buffalo's Bay Day Gives Patriots Route to AFC East Lead - Highlights of Week 10 NFL Action
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The tenth week once more provided excitement, with a major surprise for the Bills demonstrating the 'any Sunday can bring surprises' saying that draws so many people into the NFL
That result may have opened opportunities for the Patriots to move back into a leading position they formerly held, with a remaining games that provides them an advantage over their eight and two rivals
Over in the NFC the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams had perfect results to arrange a monster clash 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 the previous week or something more? This remains the question for the Bills to address
The Bills had won seven in a consecutive games against the Dolphins but were second best from the start as the Miami team emerged as 30-13 winners in an surprising outcome - and display
MVP Josh Allen only got the squad's opening first down in the third quarter and initial scoring in the final quarter - admittedly Miami had ten days to get ready but it was still a massive egg produced by one of the league's best offenses
Tua Tagovailoa threw two touchdowns but running back Achane was the devastating difference, with 225 combined yards and two touchdowns
Containing the league's best running game was also key, with James Cook and company recording just eighty-six yards, their fewest of the season and slightly more than fifty percent their 161.5-yard average
Then there were the three crucial turnovers, and the two from Allen in particular. An interception in the scoring area meaning a nine minute possession yielded no points, and his final quarter dropped ball that the Dolphins converted to seven points just two plays
It was typical 'previous Bills teams' as they shot themselves in the foot, falling into a hole on defensive side and Josh Allen trying to do too much to rescue his squad out of it - not the calm, disciplined, well-balanced Bills we've seen this season
Miami have demonstrated a bit of everything this year so the jury's out on if this is the start of a trend, but for Buffalo they'll require an instant response in a difficult matchup against the Buccaneers in week 11 as the Patriots are quietly moving into a comfortable advantage at the top of the AFC East
In Focus - Patriots Identify Route to Unexpected First Place
Regarding the Patriots, they're among three different 8-2 squads in the league, all AFC teams, but are they the best?
One could pick holes in the Patriots, the Broncos and the Colts actually for feasting on the lesser sides, with just five of their total 24 victories achieved against teams with a positive record - and one example was the Colts beating the Broncos
The Broncos beat the reigning champion Eagles in Philly and are masters of the fourth-quarter while Indy can rely on Jonathan Taylor, but the New England including Sunday's win in Tampa Bay to their primtime success in Orchard Park appears to be a declaration
Their two defeats occurred in new head coach Vrabel's first three contests, with seven straight victories, similar to the Broncos, since then - but defeating Mayfield after the Bucs had a week off to prepare was significant
Maye's MVP claims continue to be discussed, and he definitely earns credit for bravery after taking some savage hits in Tampa Bay but persevering to guide his side to success
The defensive unit is solid and first-year running back TreVeyon Henderson exploded on Sunday with 147 rushing yards and two exciting scores of 55 and 69 yards - becoming just the fifth ball carrier to exceed 22 miles per hour this season on his first score
Although you can argue who 'the top team' is statistically, the Pats should be favorites to finish with the best record due to their remaining opponents - which features just a single matchup against a successful opponent, albeit a significant contest against Buffalo
Visiting the Ravens is challenging too, but Denver have it even tougher in the AFC West division with the Kansas City to play twice, the Chargers (who could also challenge for top seed but encounter the same problem) and additionally the Packers on the fixture list
The Colts also play the Chiefs, and have the Seattle, 49ers and two matchups with the five and four Jacksonville to contend with. There is a long way to go but the door is available for a shock top seed in the American Football Conference
Next Week - Rams & Seahawks Prepare for Week 11 Clash
Both squads with strong arguments to be superior to all of the three different 8-2 sides are National Football Conference West rivals the Seattle and Rams, who each put up forty points to go to 7-2 before the upcoming Hollywood blockbuster meeting between the pair in Los Angeles
They've both won four in a row, have quarterbacks in Stafford and Darnold performing at an elite level (although Sam Darnold had turnover issues on game day) with top receivers, and defensive units allowing fewer than twenty points a contest
Each could easily be without a loss as well - particularly the Los Angeles as their two defeats occurred in overtime against the 49ers and then that painful defeat in Philadelphia when they had a potentially winning field goal with the last kick deflected and run back by the Eagles for a touchdown
The Seahawks also lost to the 49ers, with a last-minute score in week one, before losing to the last kick of the contest against the Tampa Bay - so they are genuinely among the best sides in the league
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 historic year after his incredible display in Germany - rushing for 244 yards, registering three touchdowns and adding another forty-two {receiving yards