Copyright GIVEMESPORT
Week 10 of the NFL season is almost over, and there were more than a few shocking results this past weekend. The Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, and Denver Broncos all picked up critical wins and still hold the top three seeds in the AFC Conference. Meanwhile, the NFC West race between the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks is starting to heat up after terrific offensive displays. We are starting to see the contenders emerge from the pretenders as the playoff chase begins to take shape. As each Sunday takes on more importance, GIVEMESPORT has identified the five biggest winners and losers from Week 10. Winner: Jonathan Taylor The front-runner for league MVP had his best performance as the Indianapolis Colts bounced back from a disappointing Week 9 loss. Before a raucous crowd in Berlin, Germany, Jonathan Taylor rushed for 244 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning score for the AFC's No. 1 seed. The Colts rallied to beat the Atlanta Falcons 31-25 in overtime, moving to 8-2 this season. The superstar running back continues to increase his odds for the regular season's top award, and would be the first non-quarterback to win it since Adrian Peterson in 2012 Loser: Buffalo Bills Are the Buffalo Bills Super Bowl contenders? The team has one of the best one-two punches in the entire league in Josh Allen and James Cook, but once again, the run defense was heavily exposed. The Bills were chewed up on this end in their 30-13 loss to the Miami Dolphins, letting up 174 yards and two touchdowns to De'Von Achane. Now Buffalo sits firmly behind the red-hot New England Patriots in the AFC East. Winner: New England Patriots Speaking of the New England Patriots, Mike Vrabel's team picked up another signature win, this time against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road. Drake Maye continued to make his MVP case for this 8-2 squad with 270 yards and two touchdowns in the 28-23 victory. With the easiest remaining schedule in the league, the Patriots are shaping up to be the favorite in the AFC East, which would be a shocking thing to say heading into the regular season. Loser: Bryce Young After a shocking victory over the Green Bay Packers, the Carolina Panthers had the opportunity to be just half a game behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South. Unfortunately, Bryce Young and company had one of their worst offensive performances, putting up just seven points against a lackluster New Orleans Saints' defense. The third-year quarterback is having another uneven year, and his performance this past weekend will only raise questions about whether he's the long-term solution for Carolina under center. Winner: Aaron Glenn The New York Jets now have two straight thrilling wins under head coach Aaron Glenn after their 0-7 start. This run has taken place since the tragic death of franchise legend Nick Mangold, and it's clear that this team is playing inspired, even with their activity at the trade deadline. The Jets certainly have no chance of breaking their playoff drought this season, and the front office might end up losing star running back Breece Hall when 2025 ends. Still, Glenn and his coaching staff are showing signs that they can eventually turn this struggling franchise around after these heartfelt victories. Loser: Pittsburgh Steelers The Pittsburgh Steelers' lead in the AFC North continues to get slimmer after a discouraging Sunday Night Football loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Aaron Rodgers and the offense had a predictably dismal night, turning it over three times and scoring just ten points in the decisive loss. The Baltimore Ravens are now just a game back of Mike Tomlin's team and are now the clear favorite to win a third straight AFC North title. Winner: The Detroit Lions' Offense The Detroit Lions' offense regained its early-season form against the Washington Commanders. In front of a controversial crowd, Jared Goff and Jahmyr Gibbs were elite in the 44-22 blowout. The Lions' star quarterback completed 25 of 33 passes for 320 yards and three touchdowns, while the Pro Bowl tailback had 172 total yards and three scores. Detroit is still firmly in the hunt for a playoff bye and has one of the hardest schedules to close out the regular season. Taking care of business against a depleted opponent was just what the doctor ordered. Loser: Minnesota Vikings While the Detroit Lions seized their opportunity, the Minnesota Vikings left a lot to be desired in their 27-19 home loss to the Baltimore Ravens. J.J. McCarthy was aggressive in the 27-19 loss, but his two turnovers were costly. The Vikings are now at least two games back of everyone else in the NFC North at 4-5. Last year, this team went 14-3 and decided not to extend its quarterback at the time, Sam Darnold. The starting QB of the Seattle Seahawks is now a legitimate MVP candidate in 2025 and is leading a 7-2 NFC contender. Winner: Los Angeles Rams The Los Angeles Rams had another statement win, this time avenging an early-season home loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Matthew Stafford and the offense ran up and down the field the entire afternoon, putting up 42 total points in this comfortable victory. The Rams now head into a highly anticipated clash against the Seattle Seahawks on their home field. A win and Matthew Stafford and company will stay in contention for a bye come playoff time. Loser: New York Giants The news came earlier today that the New York Giants have fired Brian Daboll. This announcement was shortly followed up by a report that the franchise will keep general manager Joe Schoen for the next head coaching search, which is certainly an interesting decision. Unfortunately, Daboll's last game on the sidelines was one to forget. The Giants were leading by ten points in the fourth quarter, but a late-game injury to Jaxson Dart, as well as a 14-point rally by the Bears, sealed this team's eighth loss. Despite the young talent on this roster, it's been another disappointing season, and last Sunday was another indication of how far this historic franchise has fallen.
