Buffalo's Disappointing Performance Gives New England Path to AFC East Lead - Best of NFL Week 10
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Week 10 once more provided excitement, with a major surprise for the Buffalo Bills proving the 'any given Sunday' mantra that attracts so many people into the NFL
This outcome may have opened opportunities for the New England Patriots to move back into a top spot they formerly held, with a remaining games that gives them an edge over their 8-2 competitors
Over in the NFC the Seattle 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 the Bills?
Could it simply have been an emotional letdown from beating the Chiefs last week or something more? That's the question for the Buffalo team to address
The Buffalo squad had won seven in a row against Miami but were outperformed from the start as the Miami team ran out 30-13 winners in an surprising outcome - and display
MVP quarterback Josh Allen only achieved the squad's initial first down in the third period and initial scoring in the fourth - admittedly the Dolphins had 10 days to prepare but it was still a significant failure produced by one of the league's best offenses
Tua Tagovailoa passed for two scores but rusher Achane was the devastating difference, with 225 combined yards and two scores
Bottling up the NFL's top running game was also key, with Cook and teammates registering just 86 yards, their fewest of the year and slightly more than fifty percent their 161.5-yard average
Additionally there were the three crucial ball losses, and the pair from Allen in particular. An pass caught by defense in the scoring area resulting in a nine minute possession produced nothing, and his final quarter fumble that Miami turned into seven points just two plays
It was typical 'old Buffalo' as they shot themselves in the foot, falling into a hole on defense and Allen attempting to do too much to dig his team out of it - rather than the composed, disciplined, balanced Bills we've witnessed this year
Miami have demonstrated a varied performances this season so the verdict is uncertain on whether this is the start of something, but for the Bills they'll need an instant response in a tough game against the Buccaneers in week 11 as the Patriots are quietly moving into a nice lead at the top of the American Football Conference East
In Focus - New England Identify Route to Unexpected First Place
Regarding the Patriots, they're among three 8-2 teams in the NFL, all AFC teams, but could they be the best?
You can find flaws in the Patriots, Denver and the Colts actually for feasting on the weaker opponents, with just five of their total twenty-four victories achieved against opponents with a positive record - and one of those was the Indianapolis beating the Denver
Denver defeated the champion Eagles in Philadelphia and are kings of the final quarter while Indianapolis can rely on Jonathan Taylor, but the Patriots adding Sunday's victory in Tampa to their prime time success in Buffalo appears to be a statement
Their two defeats occurred in recently appointed coach Vrabel's first three games, with seven straight victories, similar to the Broncos, from that point - but defeating Mayfield after the Bucs had a week off to prepare was huge
Maye's Most Valuable Player credentials continue to be discussed, and he certainly earns credit for courage after absorbing some hard tackles in Tampa Bay but persevering to guide his side to victory
The defense is solid and rookie rusher Henderson exploded on game day with 147 yards and two exhilerating scores of 55 and 69 yards - becoming just the fifth runner to exceed 22 miles per hour this season on his first score
Although you can debate who 'the top team' is statistically, the Patriots should be favourites to end with the top record thanks to their schedule - which features just one game against a winning team, although a significant contest against Buffalo
Traveling to Baltimore is challenging too, but the Broncos have it even tougher in the AFC West division with the Chiefs to face two times, the Chargers (who could also challenge for first place but face the same problem) and also the Packers on the schedule
The Indianapolis also play the Chiefs, and have the Seattle, San Francisco and two matchups with the 5-4 Jaguars to contend with. There's a considerable distance to go but the door is available for a shock top seed in the AFC
Coming Up - Los Angeles and Seattle Set for Next Week Clash
Two teams with strong arguments to be better than all of the three eight and two teams are National Football Conference West opponents the Seattle and Los Angeles, who each put up forty points to reach 7-2 ahead of the upcoming Hollywood blockbuster meeting between the pair in Los Angeles
Both have secured four victories in a consecutive games, have signal callers in Stafford and Darnold performing at an high standard (although Darnold had turnover issues on Sunday) with excellent pass catchers, and defensive units allowing under 20 points a contest
Both could easily be undefeated as too - particularly the Los Angeles as their pair of losses came in extra time against the 49ers and then that agonising loss in Philadelphia when they had a game-winning kick with the final play deflected and run back by the Philadelphia for a touchdown
The Seahawks were also defeated to San Francisco, with a late touchdown in week one, before losing to the final play of the game against the Tampa Bay - so they are truly among the top teams in the league
The next matchup on Sunday could be the most exciting of the year so far
Top Performer - Taylor
Taylor could be on for a record season after his incredible display in Germany - rushing for 244 rushing yards, registering three touchdowns and adding an additional forty-two {receiving yards