How these Denver Broncos and their malleable quarterback could stop that Chiefs' dominance.
Former NFL team coach an analyst serves as a football expert and plays for the UK's flag football team.
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Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Real-time updates includes text commentary of Sunday's games on various channels, beginning with the Broncos-Jets clash at Tottenham (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Additionally, audio coverage can be heard on designated networks for a separate game (from 21:00 BST).
It's week six of the NFL season and after recent discussion regarding two top teams being a potential Super Bowl match-up, each lost their unbeaten records.
Notable during those contests was the amount of infractions both committed. The Eagles did so in key moments meaning they essentially defeated themselves after leading 17-3 entering the final quarter against Denver, who play overseas this Sunday.
However it proved positive to observe that Denver quarterback the rookie managed to overcome that deficit and then lead three scoring drives in three attempts during the final period, to win the victory 21-17.
Denver have the top defender in CB their star corner. They rank number one in red zone defence, while the Eagles are number one in red zone offence, and Denver won that battle.
They had effective strategies regarding simulated pressure. They did not always rushing more than four pass rushers but they could plug two LBs in the 'A' gap then withdrawing them and dispatch a nickel from the outside.
Early on in the campaign, we said on a program how Denver could be this season's surprise contenders. They ended last season strongly then excelled in continuing that momentum.
Could Denver be this season's underdog story?
Recently acquired TE Evan Engram has excelled significantly and recent running back JK Dobbins is a player the team trusts. He now ranks fifth league-wide in ground gains (over 400) and tied-fourth in rushing scores (4).
I love how head coach Sean Payton has "RUSH!" at the top on his call sheet.
That shows how Denver are a team aiming to prioritize the run, since one can do a lot off the back of that. It slows opposing rushes while keeps you in positive down and distances.
This has helped quarterback Bo Nix, who came the NFL as a first-round selection last year, throwing 29 touchdown passes – second only to Justin Herbert for the rookie record (31 back in 2020).
Other elite QBs possess powerful arms to throw anywhere, however they don't move the mobility as Nix. He boasts exceptional arm talent, a unique trait, and he's highly agile.
His strengths include his movement, being able to throw on the run, as well as using different arm angles to make throws when he rolls out of the pocket, the bootlegs. He is able to throw that layered pass across the middle and past defenders.
As a rookie QB, at 25, he's got great poise under pressure and is not really fazed by extra rushers. He aims to evade a sack whenever possible and is able throw in tight spots. He has sharp intelligence and is very decisive.
When you consistently rush it eats up time and forces the opponent to be in play extended periods, and when you have a mobile QB the defence must defend the area downfield and horizontally. It can be exhausting.
Nix has bitten back with the coach on the sideline sometimes and I think the coach appreciates that attitude, seeing him as such a competitor. I think it's exciting for him to coach a young quarterback that is kind of like play-dough. The coach can really develop him the way he wants to build it. I believe it's a special experience for the coach.
Payton owns a Super Bowl and has passed a legend for career NFL wins (173, tying for 14th). He has witnessed it all. I think the achievements Denver are having offensively is mostly due to his guidance, his schemes, his game sense – and the pairing with the QB helps make him what he is.
There's no better a more qualified person guiding you, to help you during some of the tougher situations and boost self-belief.
I believe in the Broncos' defense, in the QB's grit and calm. But are they good enough to face a top squad at full strength? Since that wasn't championship-level play from Philadelphia in their last game.
Currently, I don't think Denver are incredible. They're working better than most, that's a good place to hold their division. The key to do to continue this path.
They're really good at leaning into their strength, that is running the ball, and that's exactly what they must do against the New York Jets at Tottenham. It's going to be the JK Dobbins show, in essence.
New York have surrendered 140 rushing yards each contest (among the worst), five ground scores so far (in the bottom ten), and they're the sole squad without a win a game.
Since the NFL started recording takeaways decades ago, this team are the first team to be without a single takeaway in five outings, which is surprising considering that the head coach Aaron Glenn defensive co-ordinator with another team.
The Chiefs' QB says Kansas City are off to a poor start after Monday's defeat by the Jaguars.
Following this Sunday's game, the Broncos face a smooth-ish schedule up to their bye (in week 12) - the Giants, Dallas Cowboys, the Texans plus Las Vegas Raiders before the Chiefs.
In their division, the Chiefs hold a losing record and the Broncos are tied with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 so they could make a run at leading the West.
This hinges on what version of the Chiefs they meet since the Broncos {beat|def
