Week 10 again delivered, 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 may have opened opportunities for the New England Patriots to move back into a leading position they used to occupy, with a remaining games that gives them an edge over their 8-2 rivals
Over in the NFC the Seahawks and Rams had ideal outcomes to arrange a major confrontation next week, while our player of the week is pursuing milestones as well as the Most Valuable Player award
Was it just an emotional comedown from defeating Kansas City the previous week or something more? This remains the question for the Bills to address
The Buffalo squad had secured seven victories in a consecutive games against the Dolphins but were second best from the start as the Miami team ran out 30-13 winners in an eye-opening outcome - and display
MVP quarterback Josh Allen only achieved the team's opening first down in the third period and initial scoring in the fourth - yes Miami had 10 days to prepare but it was nonetheless a massive egg laid by one of the NFL's top offences
Dolphins quarterback Tua threw two scores but rusher De'Von Achane was the game-changing factor, with 225 total yards and two scores
Containing the NFL's top running game was also key, with James Cook and teammates recording 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 interception in the end zone meaning a nine-minute drive produced nothing, and his final quarter fumble that Miami turned into a touchdown just two plays
It was typical 'old Buffalo' as they hurt themselves in the foot, falling into a hole on defensive side and Allen trying to do too much to rescue his squad out of it - not the calm, disciplined, balanced Bills we've seen this season
The Dolphins have served up a varied performances this season so the jury's out on if this is the beginning 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 Patriots are sneaking into a comfortable advantage at the top of the American Football Conference East
Regarding the Patriots, they're one of three different 8-2 teams in the league, all AFC teams, but could they be the best?
You can pick holes in the Patriots, Denver and the Colts actually for dominating the weaker opponents, with only five of their combined twenty-four victories coming against opponents with a winning record - and one of those was the Colts defeating the Denver
Denver beat the reigning champion Eagles in Philadelphia and are kings of the fourth-quarter while Indy can ride Jonathan Taylor, but the New England including Sunday's victory in Tampa to their primtime success in Orchard Park seems like a declaration
Their pair of losses came in new head coach Vrabel's initial three contests, with seven straight victories, just like the Broncos, since then - but taking down Mayfield after the Buccaneers had a bye to get ready was significant
Drake Maye's Most Valuable Player credentials continue to be discussed, 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 burst onto the scene on game day with 147 yards and two exciting touchdowns of fifty-five and sixty-nine yards - establishing himself as just the fifth different runner to exceed 22mph this season on his first score
Although you can debate who 'the top team' is technically, the Pats should be favourites to end with the best record thanks to their schedule - which includes just one game against a successful opponent, although a significant contest against the Bills
Traveling to Baltimore 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 challenge for first place but encounter the same problem) and additionally the Green Bay on the schedule
The Colts also face the Kansas City, and have the Seahawks, 49ers and two games with the 5-4 Jacksonville to face. There is a considerable distance to go but the door is available for a shock top seed in the AFC
Two teams with strong arguments to be superior to all of the three eight and two sides are NFC West opponents the Seattle and Rams, who both scored forty points to go to seven and two before the upcoming major meeting between the two in LA
Both have secured four victories in a consecutive games, have quarterbacks in Matthew Stafford and Sam Darnold performing at an high standard (although Sam Darnold had turnover issues on game day) with excellent pass catchers, and defenses giving up fewer than twenty points a contest
Each could realistically be undefeated as well - particularly the Los Angeles as their two defeats came in overtime against the 49ers and then that painful defeat in Philly when they had a potentially winning field goal with the last kick blocked and returned by the Eagles for a score
The Seahawks were also defeated to San Francisco, with a late touchdown in the opening week, before falling to the final play of the contest against the Buccaneers - so they are truly among the best sides in the NFL
The next matchup on Sunday could be the best of the year to date
Jonathan Taylor might be on for a historic year after his remarkable performance in Berlin - running for 244 yards, registering three touchdowns and adding another 42 {receiving yards
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