🔗 Share this article

Week 10 once more provided excitement, with a major surprise for the Buffalo Bills proving the 'any Sunday can bring surprises' saying that attracts so many fans into the National Football League

This outcome could have created opportunities for the Patriots to move back into a top spot they formerly held, with a remaining games that provides them an advantage over their 8-2 competitors

Meanwhile in the National Football Conference the Seahawks and Rams had perfect results to set up a major confrontation next week, while our player of the week is chasing records as well as the MVP award

The Breakdown - Simply an Off Day for the Bills?

Could it simply have been an emotional letdown from beating the Chiefs the previous week or something more? That's the question for the Bills to address

The Bills had secured seven victories in a row against Miami but were second best from the beginning as the Dolphins emerged as 30-13 winners in an surprising result - and performance

MVP Josh Allen only achieved the squad's opening first down in the third period and first points in the fourth - yes Miami had ten days to prepare but it was nonetheless a significant failure laid by one of the NFL's top offences

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

Containing the NFL's top rushing attack was also key, with James Cook and company recording just eighty-six yards, their lowest of the year and slightly more than half their 161.5-yard average

Additionally there were the three crucial ball losses, and the two from Allen in particular. An interception in the end zone meaning a nine minute drive produced nothing, and his fourth-quarter fumble that Miami turned into seven points just two plays

It was typical 'old Buffalo' as they hurt themselves in the foot, falling into a hole on defensive side and Allen attempting to overcompensate to dig his team out of it - rather than the composed, controlled, balanced Bills we've witnessed this year

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 tough game against Tampa Bay in week 11 as the New England are quietly moving into a comfortable advantage at the top of the AFC East

In Focus - Patriots Identify Route to Surprise Top Seed

Regarding the New England, they're one of three different 8-2 teams in the NFL, all AFC sides, but could they be the best?

You can find flaws in New England, the Broncos and the Colts really for feasting on the weaker opponents, with only five of their combined 24 victories achieved against teams with a winning record - and one of those was the Indianapolis defeating the Broncos

The Broncos beat the reigning champion Eagles in Philly and are kings of the final quarter while Indianapolis can rely on Jonathan Taylor, but the Patriots adding Sunday's win in Tampa Bay to their prime time success in Orchard Park appears to be a statement

Their two defeats occurred in new head coach Mike Vrabel's initial three contests, with seven straight wins, similar to Denver, from that point - but taking down Mayfield after the Buccaneers had a week off to prepare was significant

Maye's Most Valuable Player credentials continue to be discussed, and he certainly deserves credit for bravery after taking some savage hits in Tampa but persevering to guide his side to success

The defense is solid and first-year running back TreVeyon Henderson exploded on game day with 147 rushing yards and two exciting touchdowns of 55 and 69 yards - becoming just the fifth ball carrier to break 22mph this season on his first score

Although you can debate who 'the top team' is statistically, the Pats should be favourites to end with the top record due to their remaining opponents - which features just a single matchup against a successful opponent, albeit a significant contest against Buffalo

Traveling to Baltimore is challenging too, but the Broncos have it more difficult in the AFC West with the Kansas City to face two times, the Los Angeles Chargers (who might also challenge for first place but face the same problem) and additionally the Packers on the fixture list

The Colts also face the Kansas City, and have the Seahawks, San Francisco and two matchups with the 5-4 Jacksonville to face. There's a considerable distance to go but the door is open for a shock top seed in the American Football Conference

Coming Up - Rams & Seahawks Set for Week 11 Clash

Both squads with strong arguments to be superior to all of the three eight and two teams are NFC West rivals the Seahawks and Rams, who both put up forty points to go to seven and two before the upcoming Hollywood blockbuster game between the two in LA

Both have won four in a consecutive games, have signal callers in Stafford and Sam Darnold performing at an high standard (although Darnold had ball security problems on Sunday) with excellent pass catchers, and defensive units allowing fewer than twenty points a game

Both could easily be undefeated as well - particularly the Los Angeles as their two defeats came in extra time against the 49ers and then that painful defeat in Philly when they had a potentially winning field goal with the final play blocked and run back by the Philadelphia for a touchdown

The Seahawks also lost to San Francisco, with a last-minute score in week one, before falling to the last kick of the contest against the Buccaneers - so they are truly two of the best sides in the NFL

The upcoming game on Sunday could be the most exciting of the season to date

Top Performer - Taylor

Taylor might be on for a record season after his remarkable performance in Berlin - running for 244 rushing yards, registering three touchdowns and contributing an additional forty-two {receiving yards