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

The tenth week again delivered, with a major surprise for the Bills proving the 'any given Sunday' mantra that attracts so many people into the National Football League

This outcome could have created things up for the New England Patriots to move back into a leading position they formerly held, with a remaining games that gives them an advantage over their 8-2 rivals

Meanwhile in the National Football Conference the Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams had ideal outcomes to set up a major confrontation next week, while our player of the week is pursuing milestones as well as the MVP award

Analysis - Simply an Off Day for Buffalo?

Could it simply have been an emotional letdown from beating the Chiefs the previous week or a deeper issue? That's the question for the Buffalo team to address

The Buffalo squad had won seven in a consecutive games against the Dolphins but were second best from the beginning as the Miami team ran out 30-13 winners in an eye-opening outcome - and display

MVP Josh Allen only got the team's opening first down in the third period and initial scoring in the fourth - yes the Dolphins had 10 days to prepare but it was nonetheless 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

Bottling up the NFL's top running game was crucial too, with Cook and company recording just 86 yards, their fewest of the year and just over fifty percent their 161.5 yard season average

Then there were the three crucial turnovers, and the two from Josh Allen specifically. An interception in the end zone meaning a nine minute possession produced nothing, and his fourth-quarter fumble that Miami converted to seven points just two plays

It was classic 'previous Bills teams' as they shot themselves in the foot, getting into a hole on defense and Josh Allen attempting to do too much to dig his team from the situation - rather than the calm, disciplined, well-balanced Bills we've seen this season

The Dolphins have served up a varied performances this year so the jury's out on whether this is the start of a trend, but for the Bills they'll require an instant response in a difficult matchup against the Buccaneers in week 11 as the Patriots are sneaking into a nice lead at the summit of the American Football Conference East

Spotlight - New England See Path to Unexpected First Place

Speaking of the New England, they're among three different eight and two teams in the league, all American Football Conference teams, but could they be the best?

You can pick holes in New England, Denver and the Colts really for dominating the weaker opponents, with only five of their combined 24 victories achieved against opponents with a winning record - and one example was the Indianapolis defeating the Denver

Denver beat the champion Eagles in Philadelphia and are masters of the final quarter while Indy can ride Jonathan Taylor, but the Patriots adding Sunday's win in Tampa Bay to their primtime win in Buffalo seems like a statement

Their pair of losses came in new head coach Mike Vrabel's initial three games, with seven straight victories, similar to Denver, from that point - but taking down Mayfield after the Bucs had a bye to prepare was significant

Drake Maye's MVP claims continue to be discussed, and he definitely earns point for courage after taking some hard tackles in Tampa but persevering to guide his side to victory

The defensive unit is reliable and first-year rusher TreVeyon Henderson burst onto the scene on Sunday with 147 yards and two exciting touchdowns of 55 and 69 yards - becoming just the fifth runner to break 22mph this year on his initial touchdown

While you can debate who 'the best' is statistically, the Patriots should be favourites to end with the top record thanks to their remaining opponents - which includes just a single matchup against a winning team, albeit a significant contest against Buffalo

Visiting the Ravens is challenging too, but the Broncos have it even tougher in the AFC West with the Chiefs to play twice, the Los Angeles Chargers (who could also challenge for first place but encounter the identical challenge) and also the Packers on the schedule

The Indianapolis also face the Chiefs, and have the Seahawks, 49ers and two matchups with the 5-4 Jacksonville to face. There is a considerable distance to travel but the door is available for a shock number one position in the American Football Conference

Coming Up - Rams & Seahawks Set for Next Week Showdown

Both squads with solid claims to be better than all of the three eight and two sides are National Football Conference West rivals the Seahawks and Rams, who each scored forty points to go to 7-2 before next week's Hollywood blockbuster game 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 Sam Darnold had turnover issues on Sunday) with excellent pass catchers, and defenses allowing fewer than twenty points a contest

Each could easily be undefeated as well - particularly the Los Angeles as their two defeats occurred in extra time against the San Francisco and then that agonising loss in Philly when they had a potentially winning field goal with the final play blocked and run back by the Eagles for a touchdown

Seattle also lost to the 49ers, with a late touchdown in the opening week, before losing to the final play of the contest against the Buccaneers - so they are genuinely two of the top teams in the NFL

The next matchup on Sunday could be the best of the year so far

Top Performer - Taylor

Taylor might be on for a record season after his remarkable performance in Germany - running for 244 rushing yards, registering three touchdowns and contributing another 42 {receiving yards