How these Broncos and their malleable QB could end that Kansas City Chiefs' reign.
Ex NFL team assistant coach an analyst serves as a football expert who also represents the UK's national squad.
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Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Live coverage features text commentary of the weekend matchups via various channels, beginning with the Broncos-Jets clash in London (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Also, audio coverage is available on select stations for a separate game (from 21:00 BST).
We're in the sixth week in the NFL season , following last week's talk regarding the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles being possible championship contenders, they both lost their perfect starts.
Striking in those games was the amount of penalties each committed. Philadelphia did so in key moments so they essentially beat themselves having led 17-3 entering the final quarter versus Denver, who play overseas this weekend.
But it was good to see that Denver quarterback Bo Nix was able to have the shortfall and then lead three successful possessions in three attempts in the fourth quarter, to win the victory 21-17.
The Broncos boast the defensive player of the year with CB their star corner. They are first in red zone defence, while Philadelphia are number one in scoring near the end zone, and the Broncos prevailed in that battle.
They executed the Eagles' number in terms of simulated pressure. They weren't always sending more than four pass rushers instead they could plug two linebackers in the interior before drop them out and dispatch a slot defender from the outside.
Early on in the campaign, it was noted on a program that the Broncos could be the current year's surprise contenders. They ended last season strongly then excelled in continuing that momentum.
Could Denver be this year's underdog story?
Recently acquired TE their tight end has excelled significantly while recent RB JK Dobbins is a guy they believe in. He now ranks fifth league-wide for rushing yards (402) and tied-fourth for rushing touchdowns (four).
I love that head coach the Broncos' leader has "RUSH!" prominently on his call sheet.
This demonstrates that the Broncos represent a team aiming to run first, since one can do a lot off the back of that. It reduces down the pass rush and maintains in favourable situations.
It's also benefited QB Bo Nix, who entered the NFL as the 12th overall draft pick last year, throwing 29 TDs – second only to Justin Herbert in rookie records (31 back in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert have powerful arms to throw anywhere, however they don't move in the same way that Nix has. He has exceptional arm talent, which is different, plus he is highly agile.
His assets include his movement, being able to pass on the run, as well as using varied release points to deliver the pass as he moves outside protection, the bootlegs. He can throw that layered pass over the middle or over the corner.
For a young quarterback, at 25, he's got great poise in the pocket and is not really fazed by the blitz. He tries to avoid a sack whenever possible and can pass in tight spots. He possesses a high football IQ and remains very decisive.
When you constantly run the ball it consumes time and makes the defence to be on the field extended periods, and when you've got an athletic quarterback the defence must cover the field vertically side to side. This proves exhausting.
The quarterback has pushed back with the coach on the sideline at times and I think Payton appreciates that attitude, that he's such a competitor. I think it's exciting for him to have a rookie QB that is similar to play-dough. He can truly build something up how he wants to shape him. I think it's a special experience for him.
The head coach has won a Super Bowl and has passed Bill Parcells for career NFL wins (173, tying for 14th). He's seen it all. I think the success Denver are having on offence is largely down to his guidance, his schemes, his game sense – and the pairing with the QB helps shape him into who he is.
You wouldn't want a more qualified person guiding you, to assist you during some of the tougher situations and boost confidence.
I have faith in Denver's defence, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. But are they strong enough to face an elite team at full strength? Since that wasn't championship-level play by the Eagles last Sunday.
Right now, it's unlikely Denver are elite. They're performing above average, which is a good place to be in the AFC West. The key is is maintain this path.
They're really good at embracing their forte, which is running the ball, and this is precisely what they must do versus the Jets at Tottenham. It's going to be a Dobbins-focused game, in essence.
New York have surrendered 140 yards on the ground per game (sixth worst), five ground scores this season (10th worst), and they're the only team without a win a game.
Ever since the league began tracking turnovers decades ago, this team are also the inaugural squad to go without any turnovers in five outings, which is surprising considering that their new coach Aaron Glenn defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.
Patrick Mahomes stated Kansas City have 'already lost too many games' after Monday's defeat by the Jaguars.
Following the upcoming matchup, Denver have a smooth-ish schedule until their break (in week twelve) - the New York Giants, the Cowboys, Houston Texans plus Las Vegas Raiders before the Kansas City Chiefs.
In their division, Kansas City hold a losing record while Denver are tied with the Chargers on 3-2 meaning they could challenge for the top of the division.
This hinges on what version Kansas City shows up they meet since the Broncos {beat|def
