What we learned in NFL Week 10: Crowded race atop AFC, Bears find a way

Jonathan Taylor’s 244 rushing yards and three TDs in Berlin bolster his MVP case and push the Colts to the top of the AFC. Punters might favor Taylor on rushing props and consider Indianapolis or hot-streak teams like the Patriots in futures, while exercising caution on Buffalo moneylines after recent weak showings.

Week 10 NFL Roundup: MVP Momentum, Coaching Races and AFC Shake-Up

Jonathan Taylor’s MVP Charge

Jonathan Taylor exploded in the NFL’s first game in Berlin, rushing for 244 yards and three touchdowns — including an overtime walk-off — in a 31-25 win over the Falcons. It marked his fifth three-TD game this season and pushed the Colts to 8-2 atop the AFC. Taylor’s dominance strengthens both his MVP case and Indianapolis’ Super Bowl credentials.

Colts Ride Run Game to Division Lead

Indianapolis’ ground attack has powered a run to the top of the AFC standings. The Colts’ conference record and key head-to-head edge keep them ahead as contenders, while coach Shane Steichen earns growing recognition for game planning and balance.

Patriots’ Winning Streak and Coach of the Year Debate

Mike Vrabel’s Resurgent New England

The Patriots extended their winning streak to seven with a 28-23 road victory over Tampa Bay, improving to 8-2 and doubling the franchise’s win totals from recent seasons. New England’s balanced offense and stout situational play have turned skeptics quiet and raised Vrabel as a serious Coach of the Year candidate.

Quarterback Hot Streaks: Stafford and Maye

Matthew Stafford’s Vintage Run

Matthew Stafford delivered four touchdown passes in a 42-26 rout of the 49ers, becoming the first QB to post three straight games with four or more TDs and no interceptions. Stafford’s efficiency (25 TDs, 2 INTs) and career milestone of 400 passing TDs have the Rams firing offensively.

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Rookie Buzz Around Drake Maye

Rookie QB Drake Maye continues to draw attention after a strong showing, as Patriots and other opponents take note of his poise and playmaking upside.

Bills’ Woes Raise Playoff Questions

Miami Exposes Buffalo Weaknesses

Buffalo’s 30-13 loss in Miami was a warning sign: two turnovers, three sacks allowed, no first-half scoring and continued trouble stopping the run. Losses to sub-.500 teams like the Dolphins and Falcons have bettors and rivals wondering whether the Bills are true Super Bowl contenders.

Chargers, Ravens and AFC Contenders

Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers Stay Close

Los Angeles beat Pittsburgh 25-10, moving to 7-3. Harbaugh’s squad has stayed resilient despite injuries, and the Chargers remain a major threat in the AFC playoff picture.

Baltimore Gains Steam

The Ravens won their third straight, 27-19 over Minnesota, and face a manageable upcoming slate that could vault them up the standings. Baltimore’s momentum matters in the AFC North race.

Notable Team Performances and Stories

Detroit’s Play-Calling Shake-Up Pays Off

Head coach Dan Campbell took over play-calling duties and oversaw a 44-22 win over Washington, as the Lions’ offense clicked and Detroit improved to 6-3.

Texans’ Dramatic Rally Without C.J. Stroud

Houston scored the final 26 points to upset Jacksonville 36-29 in Stroud’s absence. Backup Davis Mills threw for 292 yards, two TDs and added a rushing score, validating Houston’s offseason decision to retain him.

Saints Halt Panthers’ Momentum

New Orleans’ defense stifled Carolina, producing a 17-7 upset that damaged the Panthers’ playoff hopes. Rookie Tyler Shough threw for 282 yards and two TDs for his first NFL win.

Jets Find Life Through Defense and Special Teams

New York notched its second win, beating Cleveland 27-20. Will McDonald’s four sacks and special teams touchdowns helped offset limited passing production.

NFC West: Rams and Seahawks Loom Large

The Rams (7-2) dominated the 49ers while the Seahawks (7-2) rolled past the Cardinals 44-22. Seattle’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba recorded 93 yards and a TD, becoming one of three players with 75+ receiving yards in each of their first nine games of a season. Los Angeles and Seattle face a pivotal meeting next week to decide division control.

Coaching Hot Seats and Front-Office Moves

Heads Turn in Miami, New York and Beyond

The Dolphins moved on from their GM amid a big win over Buffalo, and Mike McDaniel remains under scrutiny despite on-field success. Brian Daboll’s Giants, crumbling on the road and sitting near the basement, face mounting pressure as losses pile up. Several other coaches — from Cincinnati to Arizona — will be evaluated if trends continue.

Week 10 Takeaways for Bettors

Betting Angles and Trends

Jonathan Taylor’s run production makes his rushing props attractive short-term plays. Hot teams like the Colts, Patriots and Rams offer value in futures and short-league parlays, while Buffalo’s inconsistency suggests caution on moneylines and big spreads. NFC West posture and the upcoming Rams-Seahawks clash are pivotal for divisional futures and weekly lines.

Quick Hits and Storylines to Watch

Watch List

Chicago’s late-game resilience keeps the Bears in the conversation despite an underwhelming resume against winning teams. Tennessee remains the league’s lone one-win club and a lock for an early top pick if losses persist. Monitor injury reports and divisional matchups next week — especially Rams vs Seahawks — as they will reshape short-term playoff odds.

The leading MVP candidate isn’t a quarterback, the hottest QB in football is 37 years old and the Patriots might have the coach of the year.

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