Ways these Denver Broncos and the flexible quarterback could end the Chiefs' rule.
Former NFL team assistant coach an analyst is an NFL pundit and plays for the UK's national squad.
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Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Live coverage features live text for the weekend matchups on multiple platforms, starting with the Broncos-Jets clash in London (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Also, radio commentary is available through select stations for a separate game (from 21:00 BST).
It's week six of the football calendar and after recent discussion regarding two top teams as a potential Super Bowl match-up, each lost their perfect starts.
Notable in those games were the number of infractions both conceded. Philadelphia committed them at crucial times so they essentially beat themselves having led 17-3 going into the final quarter versus the Denver Broncos, set to play in London this Sunday.
However it proved positive to see how Denver quarterback Bo Nix was able to have the shortfall and then direct three successful possessions in three attempts in the fourth quarter, to win the victory by four points.
Denver have the top defender with CB Pat Surtain II. They are number one in goal-line defense, whereas Philadelphia lead the league in red zone offence, and the Broncos won that battle.
They had effective strategies regarding disguised blitzes. They weren't necessarily sending more than four pass rushers instead they might position two linebackers in the interior before withdrawing them and dispatch a nickel off the edge.
Early on in the campaign, it was noted during a show how Denver could be this season's surprise contenders. They ended last season well then excelled in continuing that momentum.
Could Denver be this year's dark horses?
Recently acquired tight end Evan Engram has excelled big and new RB their rusher is a player the team trusts. He now ranks fifth league-wide in ground gains (402) and tied for fourth in rushing scores (4).
I love how head coach Sean Payton displays "RUSH!" prominently on his call sheet.
That shows how the Broncos represent a squad that wants to prioritize the run, since you can do a lot off the back of that. It slows opposing rushes while keeps you in positive situations.
It's also helped quarterback Bo Nix, who entered the NFL as the 12th overall draft pick last year, passing for 29 TDs – second only to a star QB for the rookie record (31 back in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert possess the arm strength to pass all over, but they lack in the same way that Nix has. He boasts exceptional arm talent, which is different, and he is so athletic.
His strengths are his mobility, being able to pass while moving, and finding varied release points to make the pass as he moves out of the pocket, the bootlegs. He is able to throw precision throws over the middle and past defenders.
For a young quarterback, aged 25, he's got great poise under pressure and is not really fazed by extra rushers. He aims to evade being tackled whenever possible and can pass in tight spots. He possesses sharp intelligence and remains quick to decide.
When you consistently rush it eats up the clock and makes the defence to be on the field for longer, and if you've got a mobile QB the defense has to defend the area downfield side to side. This proves exhausting.
The quarterback has bitten back at Payton on the sideline sometimes and I think the coach likes that attitude, seeing him as such a competitor. In my view it's exciting for him to coach a rookie QB that is kind of like moldable clay. He can really build something up how he desires to build it. I think it's a unique opportunity for him.
Payton owns a Super Bowl and now passed a legend for career NFL wins (173, tying for 14th). He has witnessed it all. I think the achievements Denver are having on offence is largely down to his guidance, his schemes, his game sense – and the combination with Nix helps shape him into who he is.
You wouldn't want a better guy guiding you, to assist you during difficult moments and build confidence.
I have faith in Denver's defence, in the QB's grit and calm. Yet is the team strong enough to face an elite team at its best? Because that was not a Super Bowl performance from Philadelphia last Sunday.
Right now, it's unlikely the Broncos are incredible. They're working better than most, that's a solid position to be in their division. The key to do is maintain this path.
They're really good at leaning into their forte, that is running the ball, and that's precisely what they should do versus the New York Jets at Tottenham. It's going to be the JK Dobbins show, essentially.
New York have surrendered 140 yards on the ground each contest (among the worst), five rushing touchdowns this season (10th worst), and they are the sole squad without a win any game.
Ever since the league started recording turnovers decades ago, the Jets are also the first team to be without a single takeaway through five games, which is surprising when you think that their new coach Aaron Glenn a defensive coach with another team.
The Chiefs' QB stated the Chiefs are off to a poor start following a recent loss by the Jaguars.
Following this Sunday's game, the Broncos have a manageable slate until their break (in week 12) - the Giants, the Cowboys, the Texans and the Raiders before the Chiefs.
Looking at their division, the Chiefs hold a losing record and the Broncos are tied with the Chargers at 3-2 meaning they could make a run at leading the division.
It depends upon which form Kansas City shows up they face because Denver {beat|def
