Ways the Denver Broncos and the malleable QB can end that Chiefs' reign.
Former Buffalo Bills assistant coach an analyst serves as an NFL pundit who also represents Great Britain's national squad.
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Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Real-time updates includes text commentary of Sunday's games via multiple platforms, starting with the Broncos-Jets clash in London (from 14:00 BST). Additionally, audio coverage is available through designated networks for another key matchup (beginning at 9 PM BST).
We're in the sixth week in the football calendar and after last week's discussion regarding the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles being possible championship contenders, they both lost their perfect starts.
Notable in those games was the amount of penalties each conceded. The Eagles committed them in key moments so they kind of beat themselves having led 17-3 entering the final quarter against Denver, who play overseas this weekend.
However it was good to see how Denver quarterback Bo Nix managed to overcome the shortfall and then lead three successful possessions in three attempts during the final period, securing the victory 21-17.
The Broncos have the defensive player of the year in cornerback their star corner. They are first in red zone defence, whereas Philadelphia are number one in red zone offence, yet Denver won that battle.
They executed the Eagles' number in terms of simulated pressure. They did not necessarily rushing more than four pass rushers but they could position two linebackers in the interior then withdrawing them and send a nickel off the edge.
At the start of the season, it was noted on a program that the Broncos might emerge as this season's dark horses. They finished the previous year well and did a good job in continuing that momentum.
Are the Denver Broncos this season's dark horses?
Recently acquired tight end Evan Engram has stepped up significantly and new RB JK Dobbins is a player they believe in. He now ranks fifth league-wide in ground gains (402) as well as tied for fourth for rushing touchdowns (4).
It's impressive how head coach Sean Payton has "RUN IT!" at the top of his playcall sheet.
That shows that the Broncos represent a squad that wants to prioritize the run, because you can do a lot based on that approach. It reduces opposing rushes and keeps you in favourable situations.
It's also benefited quarterback the young passer, who entered into the league as a first-round selection last year, passing for 29 TDs – just behind Justin Herbert for the rookie record (31 in 2020).
Other elite QBs possess powerful arms to throw all over, but they don't move in the same way that Nix has. He has incredible passing ability, which is different, and he's so athletic.
His assets are his mobility, being able to pass on the run, as well as finding varied release points to deliver throws when he rolls out of the pocket, the bootlegs. He can throw that layered pass over the middle and over the corner.
As a rookie QB, aged 25, he's got great composure in the pocket and is not bothered by the blitz. He tries to avoid being tackled whenever possible and can pass under pressure. He has sharp intelligence and remains quick to decide.
When you consistently run the ball it eats up the clock and forces the defence to be in play for longer, and when you have a mobile QB the defense has to cover the field downfield side to side. It can be exhausting.
Nix has pushed back with the coach on the sideline sometimes and it seems Payton appreciates that attitude, that he's such a competitor. I think it's fun for him to have a rookie QB who's kind of like play-dough. He can truly develop him how he wants to shape him. I believe it's a unique opportunity for him.
The head coach owns a Super Bowl and now surpassed a legend for career NFL wins (173, tying for 14th). He has witnessed everything. In my opinion the success the Broncos are having offensively is largely down to his leadership, his play-calling, his situational awareness – and the pairing with Nix helps shape him into who he is.
There's no better a more qualified person guiding you, to help you during some of the tougher situations and build confidence.
I believe in the Broncos' defense, in the QB's grit and calm. But are they good enough to go against an elite team at its best? Since that was not championship-level play from Philadelphia last Sunday.
Currently, I don't think Denver are elite. They're performing above average, that's a good place to hold the AFC West. All they need is to continue this path.
They excel at embracing their strength, which 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.
The Jets have allowed 140 rushing yards per game (among the worst), five rushing touchdowns so far (10th worst), and they're the sole squad yet to win any game.
Ever since the league began tracking takeaways decades ago, the Jets are also the first team to go without a single takeaway in five outings, this is surprising considering that the head coach was previously 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.
After the upcoming matchup, Denver face a smooth-ish schedule until their bye (in week 12) - the Giants, Dallas Cowboys, the Texans plus Las Vegas Raiders before the Kansas City Chiefs.
In their division, Kansas City are 2-3 and the Broncos are even with the Chargers at 3-2 meaning they could challenge for the top of the division.
This hinges upon which form of the Chiefs they face since the Broncos {beat|def
