How the Denver Broncos and their 'play-dough' quarterback could halt the Kansas City Chiefs' reign.
Ex Buffalo Bills assistant coach an analyst serves as a football expert who also represents the UK's national squad.
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- Half a dozen responses
Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Live coverage includes live text of the weekend matchups on multiple platforms, beginning with the Broncos-Jets clash in London (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Additionally, audio coverage can be heard through designated networks covering another key matchup (beginning at 9 PM BST).
It's week six of the football calendar and after last week's discussion regarding two top teams being a potential Super Bowl match-up, each surrendered their perfect starts.
Notable in those games were the amount of infractions both conceded. The Eagles did so at crucial times so they kind of beat themselves after leading by two touchdowns entering the fourth period versus Denver, set to play overseas this Sunday.
But it proved positive to observe how Denver's QB the rookie was able to overcome that deficit before lead three scoring drives in three attempts during the final period, securing the victory 21-17.
Denver have the defensive player of the year with cornerback Pat Surtain II. They are first in goal-line defense, whereas the Eagles are number one in red zone offence, yet Denver won that contest.
They executed effective strategies regarding disguised blitzes. They weren't necessarily rushing extra pass rushers instead they might position two LBs in the 'A' gap then withdrawing them and send a nickel off the edge.
Early on of the season, it was noted on a program how the Broncos might emerge as the current year's surprise contenders. They finished last season well and excelled of building upon that.
Could Denver be this year's underdog story?
New TE Evan Engram has excelled significantly while new running back their rusher is a guy the team trusts. He now ranks fifth in the NFL for rushing yards (402) and tied-fourth for rushing touchdowns (4).
It's impressive that head coach Sean Payton has "RUN IT!" prominently on his call sheet.
That shows how the Broncos are a squad aiming to run first, since you can achieve much based on that approach. It slows opposing rushes and keeps you in positive down and distances.
It's also benefited quarterback Bo Nix, who entered into the league as a first-round selection in the prior draft, passing for 29 TDs – just behind a star QB for the rookie record (31 back in 2020).
Other elite QBs have powerful arms to throw all over, but they lack the mobility as Nix. He boasts exceptional arm talent, a unique trait, plus he's highly agile.
His assets include his movement, the capacity to pass while moving, as well as using varied release points to make throws as he moves outside protection, the bootlegs. He can deliver that layered pass across the middle or over the corner.
For a young quarterback, aged 25, he displays a lot of poise under pressure and isn't really fazed by the blitz. He tries to evade being tackled as much as possible and can pass under pressure. He possesses a high football IQ and remains very decisive.
If you consistently run the ball it consumes the clock and makes the opponent to be on the field extended periods, and when you've got a mobile QB the defence must cover the field vertically and horizontally. It can be draining.
Nix has bitten back with the coach 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 play-dough. He can truly develop him the way he wants to build it. I think it's a unique opportunity for the coach.
The head coach has won a Super Bowl and now surpassed a legend for career NFL wins (173, tying for 14th). He has witnessed everything. I think the success the Broncos are having on offence is largely down to his guidance, his play-calling, his game sense – and the pairing with the QB aids make him into who he is.
You wouldn't want a more qualified person guiding you, to assist you through some of the tougher situations and boost self-belief.
I believe in Denver's defence, in the QB's grit and calm. But is the team strong enough to face an elite team at full strength? Because that was not a Super Bowl performance from Philadelphia in their last game.
Currently, I don't think Denver are incredible. They're performing above average, which is a good place to be in their division. The key to do to continue this trajectory.
They're really good at leaning into their strength, which is running the ball, and that's exactly what they should do against the Jets in London. It will likely be the JK Dobbins show, in essence.
New York have surrendered 140 rushing yards each contest (among the worst), five rushing touchdowns this season (10th worst), and they are the only team without a win any game.
Since the league began tracking takeaways decades ago, this team are the inaugural squad to go without a single takeaway in five outings, this is surprising when you think that the head coach Aaron Glenn defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB stated Kansas City are off to a poor start following a recent loss to Jacksonville.
After the upcoming matchup, Denver face a manageable slate until their bye (in week 12) - the New York Giants, the Cowboys, the Texans and the Raiders prior to the Chiefs.
In the AFC West, Kansas City are 2-3 and the Broncos are even with the Chargers on 3-2 so they could challenge at leading the West.
This hinges upon what version of the Chiefs they meet since Denver {beat|def
