How these Broncos and the 'play-dough' quarterback could end the Chiefs' reign.
Ex Buffalo Bills coach Phoebe Schecter is an NFL pundit who also represents the UK's flag football team.
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Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Live coverage includes text commentary for Sunday's games via multiple platforms, starting with Denver Broncos v New York Jets in London (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Also, audio coverage can be heard on designated networks for a separate game (beginning at 9 PM BST).
We're in the sixth week in the NFL season , following last week's discussion about two top teams being possible championship contenders, they both lost their unbeaten records.
Striking during those contests were the number of infractions both committed. Philadelphia did so at crucial times so they kind of beat themselves having led 17-3 going into the fourth period against the Denver Broncos, who play overseas this weekend.
But it was good to see that Denver's QB the rookie was able to overcome the shortfall and then direct three successful possessions on three possessions during the final period, securing the victory 21-17.
Denver boast the top defender in cornerback Pat Surtain II. They rank first in red zone defence, while the Eagles are number one in red zone offence, yet the Broncos prevailed in that battle.
They had the Eagles' number regarding simulated pressure. They weren't always rushing more than four pass rushers instead they might position two linebackers in the 'A' gap then drop them out and send a slot defender from the outside.
At the start of the season, we said on a program how the Broncos could be this season's dark horses. They ended last season strongly then did a good job of building upon that.
Could Denver be this year's underdog story?
Recently acquired TE Evan Engram has excelled big and recent running back JK Dobbins is a player the team trusts. He now ranks 5th in the NFL for rushing yards (over 400) as well as tied-fourth in rushing scores (four).
I love how head coach Sean Payton displays "RUSH!" prominently of his playcall sheet.
That shows how the Broncos represent a squad aiming to run first, since one can do a lot off the back of that. It slows opposing rushes and maintains in positive down and distances.
It's also helped quarterback the young passer, who entered the NFL as a first-round selection in the prior draft, passing for 29 TDs – just behind Justin Herbert in rookie records (31 back in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert have the arm strength to throw all over, however they lack in the same way that Nix has. He boasts exceptional passing ability, a unique trait, and he's highly agile.
His strengths are his mobility, being able to throw while moving, and using varied release points to deliver the pass when he rolls outside protection, the bootlegs. He is able to throw that layered pass over the middle or over the corner.
As a rookie QB, at 25, he's got great composure in the pocket and is not bothered by extra rushers. He aims to evade being tackled whenever possible and is able throw under pressure. He has a high football IQ and remains quick to decide.
When you constantly rush it consumes the clock and makes the opponent to be in play for longer, and when you have a mobile QB the defence must cover the area vertically side to side. This proves exhausting.
The quarterback has pushed back at Payton on the sideline at times and it seems the coach appreciates that fire, seeing him as a fierce rival. I think it's exciting for the coach to have a rookie QB who's kind of like moldable clay. He can really develop him the way he wants to shape him. I believe it's a unique opportunity for the coach.
Payton has won a championship and now passed Bill Parcells for career NFL wins (173 - tied 14th overall). He has witnessed it all. In my opinion the success Denver are experiencing offensively is largely down to his leadership, his play-calling, his game sense – and the combination with the QB helps make him what he is.
There's no better a more qualified person in your ear, to assist you through some of the tougher situations and build confidence.
I believe in the Broncos' defense, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. Yet is the team strong enough to go against a top squad at full strength? Since that wasn't a Super Bowl performance from Philadelphia last Sunday.
Currently, it's unlikely the Broncos are elite. They're performing above average, which is a solid position to hold their division. The key to do is maintain this path.
They're really good at embracing their strength, that is running the ball, and this is precisely what they must do versus the Jets in London. It's going to be the JK Dobbins show, essentially.
The Jets have surrendered 140 yards on the ground per game (among the worst), five ground scores this season (in the bottom ten), and they're the only team yet to win any game.
Ever since the league started recording takeaways decades ago, this team are the inaugural squad to go without any turnovers through five games, which is surprising when you think that their new coach Aaron Glenn defensive co-ordinator with another team.
The Chiefs' QB says Kansas City have 'already lost too many games' after Monday's defeat to Jacksonville.
Following the upcoming matchup, Denver face a manageable slate until their break (in week 12) - the Giants, the Cowboys, the Texans plus Las Vegas Raiders before the Chiefs.
Looking at the AFC West, the Chiefs hold a losing record and the Broncos are even with the Chargers on 3-2 meaning they could challenge at leading the division.
This hinges upon what version of the Chiefs they face since Denver {beat|def