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

The tenth week once more provided excitement, with a huge upset for the Buffalo Bills demonstrating the 'any Sunday can bring surprises' mantra that draws so many fans into the NFL

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

Meanwhile in the National Football Conference the Seattle Seahawks and Rams had ideal outcomes to set up a monster clash next week, while our player of the week is pursuing milestones as well as the Most Valuable Player award

Analysis - Just a Bad Day for the Bills?

Was it just an emotional comedown from beating the Chiefs the previous week or a deeper issue? This remains the question for the Bills to answer

The Bills had secured seven victories in a consecutive games against the Dolphins but were outperformed from the beginning as the Miami team ran out 30-13 winners in an surprising outcome - and performance

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

Containing the league's best running game was also key, with James Cook and company recording just eighty-six yards, their lowest of the season and just over half their 161.5-yard season average

Additionally there were the three crucial turnovers, and the pair from Josh Allen in particular. An interception in the end zone meaning a nine minute possession produced nothing, and his fourth-quarter dropped ball that Miami turned into seven points just later

It was classic 'old Buffalo' as they shot themselves in the foot, falling into a hole on defensive side and Allen attempting to do too much to rescue his squad out of it - not the calm, controlled, balanced Bills we've witnessed this season

The Dolphins have served up a bit of everything this year so the verdict is uncertain on if this is the beginning of a trend, but for Buffalo they'll need an immediate bounce-back in a tough game against Tampa Bay next week as the New England are sneaking into a comfortable advantage at the top of the American Football Conference East

Spotlight - New England See Path to Unexpected First Place

Speaking of the New England, they're one of three different 8-2 squads in the NFL, all American Football Conference sides, but are they the best?

You can find flaws in the Patriots, the Broncos and Indianapolis really for feasting on the lesser sides, with just five of their combined 24 victories coming against teams with a winning record - and one example was the Indianapolis beating the Broncos

Denver beat the reigning champion Eagles in Philly and are kings of the final quarter while Indianapolis can ride Jonathan Taylor, but the Patriots including Sunday's victory in Tampa to their prime time success in Orchard Park appears to be a declaration

Their pair of losses came in new head coach Vrabel's initial three contests, with seven consecutive wins, similar to Denver, since then - but taking down Mayfield after the Buccaneers had a bye to get ready was significant

Maye's Most Valuable Player credentials won't go away, and he definitely deserves point for bravery after absorbing some hard tackles in Tampa but persevering to guide his side to success

The defensive unit is solid and first-year running back TreVeyon Henderson burst onto the scene on game day with 147 yards and two exciting touchdowns of fifty-five and sixty-nine yards - becoming just the fifth ball carrier to break 22mph this year on his initial touchdown

Although you can debate who 'the top team' is statistically, the Pats should be favorites to finish with the best record due to their remaining opponents - which features just a single matchup against a winning team, although a significant contest against Buffalo

Traveling to Baltimore is challenging too, but Denver have it even tougher in the AFC West division with the Kansas City to face two times, the Los Angeles Chargers (who could also compete for top seed but face the identical challenge) and also the Green Bay on the fixture list

The Indianapolis also face the Kansas City, and have the Seahawks, 49ers and two games with the five and four Jaguars to face. There is a long way to travel but the door is open for a surprise top seed in the AFC

Coming Up - Rams & Seahawks Prepare for Next Week Showdown

Two teams with strong arguments to be superior to all of the three different eight and two sides are NFC West opponents the Seahawks and Los Angeles, who both put up 40 burgers to go to 7-2 ahead of the upcoming Hollywood blockbuster game between the pair in LA

They've both won four in a row, have signal callers in Stafford and Sam Darnold playing at an high standard (although Sam Darnold had turnover issues on Sunday) with excellent pass catchers, and defensive units allowing under 20 points a game

Each could easily be without a loss as well - particularly the Rams as their pair of losses came in overtime against the 49ers and then that agonising loss in Philadelphia when they had a game-winning field goal with the last kick deflected and run back by the Eagles for a score

Seattle were also defeated to San Francisco, with a last-minute score in the opening week, before losing to the final play of the game against the Tampa Bay - so they're truly among the best sides in the league

The next matchup on Sunday could be the most exciting of the year to date

Top Performer - Jonathan Taylor

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