- Published:
- Comments: 3
The tenth week once more provided excitement, with a huge upset for the Bills proving the 'any Sunday can bring surprises' mantra that draws so many people into the National Football League
This outcome could have created opportunities for the Patriots to creep back into a leading position they formerly held, with a schedule that gives them an advantage over their eight and two rivals
Over in the National Football Conference the Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams had ideal outcomes to set up a monster clash next week, while our top performer is pursuing milestones as well as the Most Valuable Player award
Analysis - Just a Bad Day for Buffalo?
Was it just an emotional letdown from defeating Kansas City last week or something more? That's the question for the Buffalo team to answer
The Buffalo squad had secured seven victories in a row against the Dolphins but were outperformed from the beginning as the Miami team ran out 30-13 winners in an eye-opening outcome - and display
MVP Josh Allen only achieved the squad's initial first down in the third quarter and first points in the fourth - admittedly Miami had ten days to prepare but it was still a massive egg laid by one of the NFL's top offences
Tua Tagovailoa passed for two touchdowns but rusher Achane was the devastating difference, with 225 combined yards and two scores
Containing the NFL's top rushing attack was also key, with Cook and teammates registering just eighty-six yards, their lowest 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 end zone meaning a nine minute possession yielded no points, and his fourth-quarter fumble that the Dolphins converted to seven points just two plays
It was classic 'previous Bills teams' as they hurt themselves in the foot, falling into a hole on defense and Josh Allen attempting to overcompensate to rescue his squad out of it - not the calm, disciplined, balanced Buffalo team we've witnessed this season
Miami have served up a varied performances this year so the verdict is uncertain on if this is the start of a trend, but for the Bills they'll require an immediate bounce-back in a difficult matchup against the Buccaneers next week as the New England are quietly moving into a nice lead at the top of the AFC East
Spotlight - New England Identify Route to Surprise Top Seed
Regarding the Patriots, they're one of three different 8-2 teams in the NFL, all AFC sides, but could they be the top team?
You can pick holes in the Patriots, the Broncos and the Colts actually for dominating the lesser sides, with just five of their total twenty-four wins achieved against opponents with a winning record - and one example was the Colts beating the Denver
The Broncos defeated the reigning champion Eagles in Philly and are kings of the final quarter while Indianapolis can rely on Jonathan Taylor, but the New England including Sunday's win in Tampa to their primtime win in Orchard Park appears to be a declaration
Their pair of losses came in new head coach Vrabel's first three contests, with seven consecutive wins, similar to the Broncos, from that point - but taking down Baker Mayfield after the Bucs had a bye to prepare was significant
Maye's Most Valuable Player credentials continue to be discussed, and he definitely earns point for bravery after absorbing some hard tackles in Tampa Bay but persevering to steer his team to victory
The defensive unit is reliable and rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson exploded on game day with 147 rushing yards and two exhilerating scores of 55 and 69 yards - establishing himself as just the fifth different runner to exceed 22mph this year on his initial touchdown
While you can argue who 'the top team' is technically, the Pats should be favourites to end with the top record thanks to their remaining opponents - which features just a single matchup against a winning team, albeit a huge one against the Bills
Visiting Baltimore is challenging too, but the Broncos have it even tougher in the AFC West with the Kansas City to play twice, the Chargers (who could also challenge for top seed but face the identical challenge) and also the Green Bay on the fixture list
The Indianapolis also face the Chiefs, and have the Seahawks, San Francisco and two games with the 5-4 Jaguars to contend with. There is a long way to go but the opportunity is open for a shock number one position in the American Football Conference
Next Week - Rams & Seahawks Set for Week 11 Showdown
Both squads with strong arguments to be better than all of the three different 8-2 teams are NFC West rivals the Seattle and Los Angeles, who each put up forty points to reach 7-2 ahead of next week's Hollywood blockbuster meeting between the two in LA
They've both secured four victories in a consecutive games, have quarterbacks in Stafford and Darnold performing at an high standard (although Darnold had turnover issues on game day) with top receivers, and defenses giving up under 20 points a contest
Both could realistically be undefeated as well - particularly the Rams as their two defeats occurred in overtime against the San Francisco and then that painful defeat in Philly when they had a potentially winning kick with the last kick deflected and returned by the Eagles for a touchdown
Seattle also lost to the 49ers, with a last-minute score in week one, before losing to the final play of the game against the Buccaneers - so they are genuinely two of the best sides in the NFL
The next matchup on Sunday could be the best of the year so far
Top Performer - Jonathan Taylor
Taylor might be on for a historic year after his remarkable performance in Berlin - rushing for 244 rushing yards, scoring three scores and adding an additional forty-two {receiving yards