Week 10 once more provided excitement, with a major surprise for the Bills proving the 'any Sunday can bring surprises' saying that attracts so many fans into the National Football League
This outcome could have created things up for the Patriots to creep back into a top spot they formerly held, with a remaining games that provides them an edge over their 8-2 competitors
Meanwhile in the NFC the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams had ideal outcomes to arrange a monster clash in week 11, while our player of the week is chasing records as well as the Most Valuable Player award
Could it simply have been an emotional comedown from defeating Kansas City last week or something more? That's the question for the Buffalo team to address
The Bills had secured seven victories in a row against the Dolphins but were second best from the start as the Miami team emerged as 30-13 winners in an surprising outcome - and display
MVP quarterback Josh Allen only got the squad's opening first down in the third period and first points in the final quarter - yes the Dolphins had ten days to prepare but it was nonetheless a massive egg produced by one of the NFL's top offences
Tua Tagovailoa passed for two touchdowns but running back De'Von Achane was the game-changing factor, with 225 total yards and two scores
Bottling up the league's best running game was also key, with Cook and company registering just 86 yards, their fewest of the year and slightly more than fifty percent their 161.5-yard season average
Additionally there were the three crucial turnovers, and the two from Josh Allen specifically. An interception in the scoring area meaning a nine minute possession yielded no points, and his final quarter fumble that the Dolphins turned into seven points just later
It was classic 'old Buffalo' as they shot themselves in the foot, falling into a hole on defense and Allen attempting to do too much to dig his team from the situation - rather than the composed, controlled, balanced Bills we've seen this season
The Dolphins have served up a bit of everything this season so the verdict is uncertain on if 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 New England are sneaking into a nice lead at the top of the American Football Conference East
Regarding the New England, they're one of three different 8-2 squads in the league, all American Football Conference sides, but could they be the top team?
One could pick holes in the Patriots, the Broncos and Indianapolis really for feasting on the weaker opponents, with just five of their total 24 wins achieved against teams with a winning record - and one example was the Indianapolis defeating the Denver
The Broncos defeated the champion Eagles in Philadelphia and are masters of the fourth-quarter while Indianapolis can rely on Jonathan Taylor, but the Patriots including Sunday's win in Tampa to their primtime success in Buffalo seems like a statement
Their two defeats came in recently appointed coach Mike Vrabel's first three games, with seven consecutive victories, similar to Denver, from that point - but taking down Mayfield after the Buccaneers had a week off to prepare was significant
Drake Maye's MVP claims continue to be discussed, and he certainly deserves point for courage after absorbing some hard tackles in Tampa but persevering to guide his side to success
The defense is reliable and first-year running back Henderson burst onto the scene on Sunday with 147 yards and two exhilerating touchdowns of 55 and 69 yards - establishing himself as just the fifth ball carrier to exceed 22 miles per hour this season on his initial touchdown
Although you can argue who 'the top team' is statistically, the Patriots should be favorites to end with the best record thanks to their remaining opponents - which includes just a single matchup against a successful opponent, although a huge one against Buffalo
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 might also challenge for top seed but face the same problem) and also the Green Bay on the schedule
The Indianapolis also play the Chiefs, and have the Seattle, 49ers and two matchups with the 5-4 Jacksonville to face. There's a long way to go but the door is open for a surprise number one position in the AFC
Both squads with solid claims to be better than all of the three different eight and two teams are National Football Conference West opponents the Seahawks and Rams, who both put up 40 burgers to go to 7-2 ahead of the upcoming Hollywood blockbuster game between the pair in Los Angeles
Both have won four in a consecutive games, have quarterbacks in Stafford and Sam Darnold playing at an elite level (although Darnold had ball security problems on Sunday) with excellent pass catchers, and defenses giving up fewer than twenty points a contest
Each could easily be without a loss as well - especially the Los Angeles as their two defeats occurred in overtime against the 49ers and then that agonising loss in Philly when they had a game-winning kick with the last kick deflected and returned by the Eagles for a score
The Seahawks also lost to San Francisco, with a late touchdown in the opening week, before falling to the last kick of the game against the Tampa Bay - so they are truly among the best sides in the NFL
The next matchup on Sunday could be the best of the season so far
Taylor might be on for a record season after his incredible display in Germany - rushing for 244 yards, scoring three scores and contributing an additional 42 {receiving yards
Lena Hoffmann is a seasoned journalist with a passion for uncovering stories that matter, specializing in German current affairs and digital media trends.
