🔗 Share this article

Week 10 again delivered, with a major surprise for the Bills proving the 'any Sunday can bring surprises' mantra that attracts so many people into the National Football League

That result may have opened opportunities for the New England Patriots to move back into a leading position they formerly held, with a remaining games that provides them an advantage over their eight and two competitors

Over in the NFC the Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams had perfect results to set up a major confrontation in week 11, while our top performer is pursuing milestones as well as the Most Valuable Player award

Analysis - Just a Bad Day for the Bills?

Could it simply have been an emotional letdown from defeating Kansas City last week or something more? That's the question for the Bills to answer

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

MVP quarterback Josh Allen only got the squad's initial first down in the third period and initial scoring in the fourth - admittedly Miami had ten days to prepare but it was nonetheless a significant failure laid by one of the NFL's best offenses

Tua Tagovailoa passed for two scores but rusher Achane was the game-changing factor, with 225 total yards and two touchdowns

Containing the NFL's top rushing attack was also key, with James Cook and company recording just 86 yards, their fewest of the year and just over half their 161.5-yard average

Then there were the three crucial ball losses, and the two from Allen specifically. An interception in the end zone resulting in a nine minute drive yielded no points, and his fourth-quarter fumble that the Dolphins converted to seven points just later

It was typical 'previous Bills teams' as they hurt themselves in the foot, falling into a deficit on defense and Josh Allen attempting to overcompensate to rescue his squad from the situation - rather than the calm, controlled, balanced Buffalo team we've seen this year

Miami have served up a varied performances this year so the verdict is uncertain on if this is the beginning of something, but for the Bills they'll need an instant response in a difficult matchup against Tampa Bay in week 11 as the Patriots are sneaking into a comfortable advantage at the top of the American Football Conference East

Spotlight - Patriots See Path to Surprise Top Seed

Regarding the Patriots, they're among three different eight and two squads in the NFL, all American Football Conference teams, but are they the top team?

One could pick holes in the Patriots, Denver and Indianapolis actually for dominating the lesser sides, with only five of their combined twenty-four victories achieved against teams with a positive record - and one example was the Colts defeating the Broncos

Denver beat the reigning champion Eagles in Philadelphia and are masters of the final quarter while Indianapolis can rely on Jonathan Taylor, but the Patriots including Sunday's victory in Tampa Bay to their prime time success in Buffalo seems like a statement

Their two defeats occurred in recently appointed coach Mike Vrabel's initial three contests, with seven consecutive wins, just like Denver, from that point - but taking down Baker Mayfield after the Bucs had a bye to get ready was huge

Drake Maye's Most Valuable Player credentials won't go away, and he definitely deserves point for courage after absorbing some hard tackles in Tampa but hanging in there to steer his team to success

The defense is solid and rookie running back Henderson exploded on game day with 147 rushing yards and two exciting touchdowns of fifty-five and sixty-nine yards - establishing himself as just the fifth runner to exceed 22mph this season on his initial touchdown

Although you can argue who 'the best' is technically, the Pats should be favourites to finish with the best record due to their remaining opponents - which includes just a single matchup against a successful opponent, although a significant contest against Buffalo

Visiting Baltimore is also tough, but the Broncos have it even tougher in the AFC West division with the Kansas City to play twice, the Chargers (who might also challenge for top seed but face the same problem) and additionally the Green Bay on the schedule

The Indianapolis also play the Kansas City, and have the Seahawks, San Francisco and two games with the five and four Jaguars to face. There's a considerable distance to go but the door is available for a surprise number one position in the American Football Conference

Coming Up - Los Angeles and Seattle Prepare for Week 11 Clash

Both squads with strong arguments to be superior to all of the three different eight and two sides are National Football Conference West rivals the Seattle and Rams, who each scored 40 burgers to reach 7-2 ahead of the upcoming major game between the two 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 ball security problems on game day) with excellent pass catchers, and defenses allowing fewer than twenty points a contest

Each could realistically be without a loss as too - 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 deflected 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 losing to the last kick of the game against the Buccaneers - so they're truly among the top teams in the NFL

The next matchup on Sunday could be the best of the season to date

Top Performer - Taylor

Taylor might be on for a record season after his incredible display in Berlin - running for 244 rushing yards, scoring three touchdowns and adding an additional 42 {receiving yards