Buffalo's Disappointing Performance Opens Patriots Route to AFC East Lead - Highlights of Week 10 NFL Action

The tenth week once more provided excitement, with a major surprise for the Buffalo Bills demonstrating the 'any given Sunday' saying that draws so many fans into the NFL

This outcome may have opened opportunities for the Patriots to creep back into a leading position they formerly held, with a remaining games that gives them an edge over their 8-2 competitors

Over 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 comedown from defeating Kansas City last week or a deeper issue? That's the question for the Buffalo team to address

The Buffalo squad had secured seven victories in a row against the Dolphins but were outperformed from the start as the Miami team emerged as 30-13 victors in an eye-opening outcome - and performance

MVP Josh Allen only got the squad's opening first down in the third quarter and first points in the fourth - admittedly Miami had ten days to prepare but it was still a significant failure laid by one of the league's best offenses

Dolphins quarterback Tua threw two touchdowns but running back De'Von Achane was the devastating difference, with 225 combined yards and two scores

Bottling up the NFL's top running game was also key, with James Cook and teammates registering just eighty-six yards, their fewest of the year and slightly more than half their 161.5-yard average

Then there were the three critical ball losses, and the two from Josh Allen specifically. An pass caught by defense in the end zone meaning a nine minute drive produced nothing, and his fourth-quarter dropped ball that Miami turned into seven points just later

It was typical 'previous Bills teams' as they shot themselves in the foot, getting into a deficit on defensive side and Allen attempting to do too much to rescue his squad from the situation - rather than the composed, disciplined, balanced Bills we've witnessed this season

Miami have demonstrated a bit of everything this season so the verdict is uncertain on if this is the beginning of something, but for Buffalo they'll need an instant response in a difficult matchup against Tampa Bay 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 See Path to Surprise Top Seed

Regarding the Patriots, they're among three different eight and two teams in the league, all AFC teams, but could they be the best?

You can find flaws in New England, Denver and Indianapolis actually for dominating the weaker opponents, with only five of their total twenty-four victories coming against teams with a winning record - and one of those was the Colts beating the Broncos

Denver defeated the champion Eagles in Philly and are kings of the fourth-quarter while Indianapolis can rely on Jonathan Taylor, but the Patriots including Sunday's victory in Tampa Bay to their primtime success in Orchard Park appears to be a declaration

Their two defeats occurred in recently appointed coach Vrabel's initial three games, with seven straight victories, just like Denver, from that point - but defeating Mayfield after the Buccaneers had a bye to prepare was significant

Maye's Most Valuable Player credentials continue to be discussed, and he definitely deserves point for bravery after taking some hard tackles in Tampa Bay but persevering to guide his team to success

The defensive unit is reliable and rookie running back Henderson burst onto the scene on game day with 147 rushing yards and two exhilerating scores of 55 and 69 yards - becoming just the fifth ball carrier to break 22mph this year on his first score

While you can argue who 'the top team' is technically, the Patriots should be favorites to finish with the top record thanks to their remaining opponents - which includes just one game against a successful opponent, albeit a huge one against the Bills

Traveling to the Ravens is challenging too, but the Broncos have it even tougher in the AFC West with the Kansas City to play twice, the Los Angeles Chargers (who could also compete for top seed but face the identical challenge) and additionally the Packers on the schedule

The Colts also play the Chiefs, and have the Seattle, 49ers and two games with the 5-4 Jaguars to contend with. There's a considerable distance to go but the opportunity is open for a shock number one position in the American Football Conference

Coming Up - Rams & Seahawks Set for Next Week Showdown

Two teams with solid claims to be better than all of the three different 8-2 sides are National Football Conference West opponents the Seattle and Los Angeles, who each put up forty points to go to seven and two ahead of the upcoming major game between the pair in Los Angeles

They've both won four in a consecutive games, have signal callers in Matthew Stafford and Darnold performing at an high standard (although Darnold had turnover issues on Sunday) with top receivers, and defenses giving up fewer than twenty points a game

Each could easily be undefeated as well - especially the Los Angeles as their two defeats occurred in overtime against the San Francisco and then that painful defeat in Philly when they had a game-winning kick with the last kick blocked and returned by the Philadelphia for a score

Seattle were also defeated to San Francisco, with a last-minute score in week one, before losing to the last kick of the game against the Buccaneers - so they're truly 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

Jonathan Taylor might be on for a historic year after his remarkable performance in Germany - rushing for 244 rushing yards, registering three scores and contributing an additional 42 {receiving yards