NFL scores and Week 10 highlights: Analysis and stats behind Dolphins upset Bills, Patriots’ path to first place in AFC

Speaking of the Patriots, they are one of three 8-2 teams in the NFL, and all of the AFC teams, but are they the best?

You can pick holes in New England, Denver and Indianapolis to enjoy the lesser teams, as only five of their 24 combined victories have come against teams with a winning record — and one of those victories was the Colts’ win over the Broncos.

Denver beat the champion Eagles in Philadelphia and are fourth-quarter kings while Indy can ride Jonathan Taylor, but the Patriots adding Sunday’s win at Tampa Bay to their first success in Buffalo feels like a statement.

Their defeat came in new coach Mike Vrabel’s first three games, with seven straight wins, just like Denver’s, since then — but ousting Baker Mayfield after the Bucs had a bye to prepare for was huge.

Drake Maye’s MVP claims won’t go away, and he certainly deserves a point for bravery after taking some brutal hits in Tampa Bay but hanging in there to lead his team to victory.

The defense is strong and rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson exploded Sunday with 147 yards and two exhilarating touchdowns of 55 and 69 yards — becoming the fifth ball carrier to break 22 mph this season on his first score.

While you can argue about who is technically “better,” the Pats should be the favorite to finish the season with the best record thanks to their schedule — which includes only one game against the winning team, albeit a huge one against Buffalo.

Visiting Baltimore is also tough, but it’s even tougher in Denver in the AFC West where the Chiefs play twice, the Chargers (who could also compete for the No. 1 seed but have the same problem) and the Packers on the schedule.

The Colts also face the Chiefs, and have the Seahawks, 49ers and two games with the 5-4 Jaguars to deal with. There is still a long way to go but the door is open for the top seed in the AFC.