Ways the Broncos and the 'play-dough' QB could end that Chiefs' reign.
Former Buffalo Bills coach an analyst is an NFL pundit who also represents the UK's national squad.
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NFL 2025 season: Week six
Live coverage includes live text for the weekend matchups via various channels, beginning with Denver Broncos v New York Jets in London (from 14:00 BST). Also, radio commentary can be heard through select stations for a separate game (beginning at 9 PM BST).
It's week six of the football calendar , following recent discussion regarding the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles being possible championship contenders, they both lost their unbeaten records.
Striking during those contests were the number of penalties each committed. Philadelphia committed them at crucial times meaning they kind of defeated themselves after leading 17-3 going into the fourth period against Denver, set to play in London this weekend.
But it proved good to see that Denver quarterback the rookie was able to overcome that deficit and then lead three successful possessions on three possessions in the fourth quarter, to win the game 21-17.
Denver have the defensive player of the year with cornerback their star corner. They rank first in goal-line defense, while Philadelphia lead the league in red zone offence, and Denver prevailed in that contest.
They had effective strategies regarding disguised blitzes. They did not necessarily rushing extra pass rushers instead they could plug two LBs in the interior before withdrawing them and dispatch a nickel from the outside.
Early on of the season, it was noted during a show how Denver might emerge as this season's surprise contenders. They finished last season strongly and did a good job of building upon that.
Are the Denver Broncos this year's underdog story?
Recently acquired TE their tight end has stepped up big and new running back their rusher is a player they believe in. He now ranks 5th 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 "RUSH!" prominently of his playcall sheet.
This demonstrates how Denver represent a team aiming to run first, since you can do a lot based on that approach. It reduces opposing rushes while keeps you in favourable down and distances.
It's also helped QB Bo Nix, who came into the league as the 12th overall draft pick last year, throwing 29 TDs – just behind a star QB for the rookie record (31 in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert possess powerful arms to pass all over, however they lack in the same way that Nix has. He boasts incredible passing ability, which is different, plus he is highly agile.
His assets are his mobility, being able to throw on the run, as well as finding varied release points to make throws as he moves outside protection, on rollouts. He can deliver that layered pass across the middle and over the corner.
As a rookie QB, at 25, he displays a lot of poise under pressure and is not bothered by the blitz. He tries to evade being tackled as much as possible and can throw under pressure. He possesses a high football IQ and remains very decisive.
When you consistently run the ball it consumes time and forces the defence to stay in play for longer, and if you've got an athletic quarterback the defense has to defend the field vertically side to side. This proves draining.
Nix has pushed back at Payton during games sometimes and I think Payton likes that fire, that he's a fierce rival. I think it's exciting for him to have a young quarterback that is similar to 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 Super Bowl and now passed a legend for career NFL wins (173 - tied 14th overall). He's seen everything. In my opinion the success the Broncos are having on offence is largely down to his guidance, his schemes, his situational awareness – and the combination with the QB aids shape him into who he is.
You wouldn't want a better guy guiding you, to help you through some of the tougher situations and boost confidence.
I have faith in Denver's defence, in the QB's grit and calm. But is the team good enough to go against a top squad at full strength? Since that wasn't a Super Bowl performance by the Eagles in their last game.
Right now, I don't think the Broncos are elite. They're working better than most, that's a good place to be in the AFC West. The key is to continue this path.
They excel at leaning into their strength, that is the ground game, and that's precisely what they should do against the Jets at Tottenham. It will likely be the JK Dobbins show, in essence.
New York have surrendered 140 yards on the ground each contest (sixth worst), five rushing touchdowns so far (10th worst), and they're the sole squad yet to win a game.
Since the NFL began tracking turnovers decades ago, this team are the inaugural squad to go without any turnovers through five games, which is kind of shocking considering that their new coach was previously a defensive coach at the Detroit Lions.
Patrick Mahomes says Kansas City have 'already lost too many games' after Monday's defeat by the Jaguars.
After this Sunday's game, the Broncos face a smooth-ish schedule up to their break (in week 12) - the Giants, the Cowboys, the Texans and Las Vegas Raiders before the Kansas City Chiefs.
Looking at the AFC West, the Chiefs hold a losing record and the Broncos are tied with the Chargers at 3-2 so they could make a run for the top of the West.
It depends upon what version Kansas City shows up they face because Denver {beat|def
