How the Broncos and their malleable QB could stop the Chiefs' dominance.
Former NFL team coach an analyst serves as a football expert who also represents Great Britain's flag football team.
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Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Real-time updates includes live text for Sunday's games via multiple platforms, starting with the Broncos-Jets clash in London (from 14:00 BST). Additionally, audio coverage is available on designated networks covering another key matchup (from 21:00 BST).
We're in the sixth week of the NFL season and after recent talk about two top teams being possible championship contenders, they both lost their unbeaten records.
Striking in those games was the amount of penalties both conceded. The Eagles committed them at crucial times meaning they kind of beat themselves having led by two touchdowns going into the fourth period versus Denver, who play in London this weekend.
But it was positive to see that Denver quarterback Bo Nix was able to have the shortfall and then direct three scoring drives on three possessions during the final period, securing the game 21-17.
Denver have the top defender in cornerback their star corner. They rank first in goal-line defense, whereas Philadelphia lead the league in red zone offence, yet Denver prevailed in that battle.
They had effective strategies regarding simulated pressure. They did not always rushing extra pass rushers but they could plug two linebackers in the 'A' gap before drop them out and dispatch a nickel from the outside.
At the start of the season, it was noted during a show how the Broncos might emerge as this season's dark horses. They finished last season well and excelled in continuing that momentum.
Could Denver be this season's dark horses?
New tight end Evan Engram has excelled big and recent RB their rusher is a player the team trusts. He now ranks fifth in the NFL in ground gains (402) as well as tied for fourth in rushing scores (4).
It's impressive that the coach the Broncos' leader displays "RUN IT!" prominently of his playcall sheet.
That shows how the Broncos represent a team aiming to run first, since you can do a lot off the back of that. It slows opposing rushes and maintains in favourable situations.
This has benefited QB the young passer, who came into the league as the 12th overall draft pick last year, passing for 29 touchdown passes – second only to Justin Herbert in rookie records (31 in 2020).
Other elite QBs have the arm strength to pass anywhere, but they lack the mobility as Nix. He boasts incredible passing ability, a unique trait, plus he's so athletic.
His assets are his mobility, the capacity to throw on the run, and finding different arm angles to deliver throws when he rolls outside protection, the bootlegs. He is able to deliver that layered pass over the middle or over the corner.
As a rookie QB, at 25, he's got a lot of composure in the pocket and isn't really fazed by the blitz. He tries to evade being tackled whenever possible and can throw in tight spots. He has a high football IQ and is quick to decide.
If you constantly run the ball it eats up the clock and makes the defence to be on the field for longer, and if you have a mobile QB the defence must cover the area vertically and horizontally. It can be draining.
Nix has bitten back at Payton during games sometimes and I think Payton appreciates that attitude, seeing him as a fierce rival. I think it's fun for him to have a rookie QB who's kind of like moldable clay. He can really build something up the way he wants to shape him. I believe it's a unique opportunity for him.
Payton has won a Super Bowl and has passed a legend in all-time victories (173 - tied 14th overall). He has witnessed everything. In my opinion the achievements the Broncos are experiencing offensively is largely down to his leadership, his schemes, his situational awareness – and the pairing with the QB helps make him into who he is.
There's no better a better guy in your ear, to help you through difficult moments and build confidence.
I believe in the Broncos' defense, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. But is the team strong enough to face a top squad at its best? Because that was not a Super Bowl performance by the Eagles last Sunday.
Right now, it's unlikely Denver are incredible. They're working above average, that's a good place to hold their division. All they need is is maintain this trajectory.
They're really good at leaning into their strength, which is the ground game, and this is exactly what they should do versus the New York Jets in London. It's going to be the JK Dobbins show, in essence.
The Jets have allowed 140 yards on the ground per game (among the worst), five ground scores this season (in the bottom ten), and they're the sole squad yet to win a game.
Since the NFL started recording takeaways decades ago, the Jets are the inaugural squad to go without any turnovers in five outings, this is surprising considering that the head coach Aaron Glenn a defensive coach at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB stated Kansas City are off to a poor start following a recent loss by the Jaguars.
After this Sunday's game, the Broncos have a manageable slate up to their bye (in week 12) - the Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans and the Raiders prior to the Chiefs.
Looking at their division, Kansas City hold a losing record and the Broncos are even with the Los Angeles Chargers on 3-2 meaning they could challenge at leading the West.
This hinges upon what version Kansas City shows up they face since Denver {beat|def
