How these Broncos and the malleable quarterback can halt that Kansas City Chiefs' reign.
Former Buffalo Bills coach an analyst serves as an NFL pundit and plays for the UK's flag football team.
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Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Live coverage features text commentary of the weekend matchups on various channels, starting with Denver Broncos v New York Jets at Tottenham (from 14:00 BST). Additionally, audio coverage can be heard on designated networks covering another key matchup (beginning at 9 PM BST).
We're in the sixth week of the NFL season and following last week's talk regarding two top teams being a potential Super Bowl match-up, each lost their unbeaten records.
Notable during those contests were the number of infractions each conceded. Philadelphia did so in key moments so they kind of defeated themselves after leading by two touchdowns going into the final quarter against the Denver Broncos, who play overseas this Sunday.
But it was good to observe that Denver quarterback Bo Nix managed to overcome the shortfall and then direct three successful possessions on three possessions in the fourth quarter, to win the victory 21-17.
The Broncos boast the defensive player of the year in 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 won that battle.
They had the Eagles' number in terms of simulated pressure. They weren't always rushing more than four defenders but they could plug two linebackers in the interior before drop them out and dispatch a nickel off the edge.
At the start in the campaign, it was noted during a show how the Broncos could be this season's surprise contenders. They finished last season strongly and excelled in continuing that momentum.
Are the Denver Broncos this year's underdog story?
New tight end their tight end has stepped up significantly while recent RB JK Dobbins is a player they believe in. He now ranks fifth league-wide in ground gains (over 400) as well as tied-fourth in rushing scores (4).
I love that the coach the Broncos' leader displays "RUSH!" at the top on his call sheet.
This demonstrates that the Broncos are a team aiming to prioritize the run, since one can achieve much off the back of that. It reduces opposing rushes and keeps you in favourable situations.
It's also benefited QB the young passer, who came into the league as the 12th overall draft pick in the prior draft, passing for 29 TDs – just behind Justin Herbert for the rookie record (31 in 2020).
Other elite QBs possess the arm strength to pass anywhere, however they lack the mobility as Nix. He boasts incredible arm talent, a unique trait, and he's so athletic.
His strengths include his movement, the capacity to pass on the run, and finding varied release points to make throws when he rolls out of the pocket, the bootlegs. He can deliver precision throws across the middle or past defenders.
For a young quarterback, aged 25, he displays a lot of poise in the pocket and is not really fazed by the blitz. He aims to avoid being tackled as much as possible and can pass under pressure. He has a high football IQ and is very decisive.
If you consistently rush it eats up the clock and forces the opponent to be in play extended periods, and if you've got a mobile QB the defence must defend the area vertically side to side. This proves draining.
Nix has pushed back at Payton on the sideline sometimes and it seems the coach appreciates that attitude, that he's a fierce rival. In my view it's fun for the coach to coach a young quarterback who's similar to play-dough. He can truly build something up how he wants to build it. I think it's a unique opportunity for him.
The head coach owns a championship and has passed a legend in all-time victories (173 - tied 14th overall). He's seen everything. I think the success Denver are having on offence is largely down to his leadership, his schemes, his game sense – and the combination with Nix helps make him into who he is.
You wouldn't want a more qualified person guiding you, to help you through difficult moments and boost confidence.
I have faith in Denver's defence, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. But is the team strong enough to face an elite team at full strength? Because that wasn't championship-level play by the Eagles in their last game.
Right now, I don't think the Broncos are elite. They're performing above average, that's a good place to hold their division. The key is is maintain this path.
They excel at leaning into their forte, that is running the ball, and this is exactly what they should do against the Jets in London. It will likely be a Dobbins-focused game, in essence.
The Jets have allowed 140 rushing yards each contest (among the worst), five rushing touchdowns so far (10th worst), and they're the only team without a win a game.
Ever since the league began tracking turnovers in 1933, this team are also the first team to go without any turnovers in five outings, which is kind of shocking when you think that their new coach was previously defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB says Kansas City are off to a poor start following Monday's defeat to Jacksonville.
Following this Sunday's game, the Broncos have a manageable slate until their break (in week 12) - the Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans plus the Raiders prior to the Chiefs.
Looking at the AFC West, Kansas City hold a losing record while Denver are tied with the Chargers on 3-2 meaning they could make a run for the top of the division.
It depends on which form Kansas City shows up they meet because Denver {beat|def