How these Denver Broncos together with their malleable quarterback could stop that Chiefs' dominance.
Former NFL team coach an analyst serves as an NFL pundit who also represents the UK's flag football team.
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Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Real-time updates includes text commentary of Sunday's games via various channels, beginning with Denver Broncos v New York Jets in London (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Additionally, radio commentary is available through select stations for a separate game (from 21:00 BST).
It's week six of the football calendar and after recent discussion about two top teams being possible championship contenders, they both lost their unbeaten records.
Striking during those contests was the number of infractions both committed. Philadelphia did so in key moments meaning they essentially beat themselves after leading 17-3 going into the fourth period versus the Denver Broncos, set to play overseas this weekend.
However it was positive to see that Denver's QB the rookie was able to have that deficit before direct three scoring drives in three attempts in the fourth quarter, to win the victory by four points.
Denver boast the defensive player of the year in cornerback Pat Surtain II. They are first in goal-line defense, while Philadelphia are number one in scoring near the end zone, and the Broncos won that battle.
They executed the Eagles' number regarding simulated pressure. They did not necessarily sending extra pass rushers but they might plug two linebackers in the 'A' gap then withdrawing them and send a slot defender off the edge.
Early on of the season, we said on a program that the Broncos might emerge as this season's surprise contenders. They finished last season strongly and excelled in continuing that momentum.
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New TE Evan Engram has stepped up big and new RB JK Dobbins is a player the team trusts. He now ranks fifth league-wide for rushing yards (402) as well as tied-fourth for rushing touchdowns (4).
I love how the coach Sean Payton displays "RUSH!" at the top of his playcall sheet.
That shows that Denver are a team aiming to prioritize the run, since one can achieve much based on that approach. It slows down the pass rush while keeps you in positive situations.
This has benefited quarterback the young passer, who entered the NFL as a first-round selection last year, passing for 29 TDs – second only to Justin Herbert for the rookie record (31 back in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert have the arm strength to throw all over, however they don't move the mobility as Nix. He boasts incredible passing ability, which is different, plus he's highly agile.
His assets are his mobility, being able to throw while moving, and finding varied release points to make the pass when he rolls outside protection, on rollouts. He can throw precision throws over the middle or over the corner.
As a rookie QB, at 25, he displays great composure in the pocket and is not really fazed by extra rushers. He tries to evade being tackled whenever possible and is able pass under pressure. He has a high football IQ and is very decisive.
If you consistently rush it eats up time and makes the defence to stay on the field for longer, and if you have a mobile QB the defence has to defend the area vertically side to side. It can be exhausting.
Nix has bitten back at Payton during games sometimes and it seems the coach appreciates that attitude, seeing him as a fierce rival. I think it's fun for him to coach a young quarterback that is similar to play-dough. The coach can really develop him the way he desires to shape him. I think it's a special experience for him.
Payton has won a Super Bowl and now passed a legend in all-time victories (173 - tied 14th overall). He's seen it all. I think the achievements Denver are having offensively is largely down to his guidance, his play-calling, his game sense – and the combination with the QB aids shape him into who he is.
You wouldn't want a more qualified person guiding you, to assist you during difficult moments and boost self-belief.
I have faith in the Broncos' defense, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. But are they good enough to go against a top squad at full strength? Since that wasn't a Super Bowl performance from Philadelphia in their last game.
Currently, it's unlikely Denver are elite. They're performing above average, that's a solid position to hold the AFC West. The key to do to continue this path.
They excel at embracing their strength, which is the ground game, and that's precisely what they must do versus the New York Jets in London. It's going to be the JK Dobbins show, essentially.
The Jets have allowed 140 yards on the ground per game (among the worst), five ground scores so far (in the bottom ten), and they're the sole squad yet to win a game.
Since the NFL began tracking turnovers decades ago, this team are also the first team to go without a single takeaway in five outings, which is kind of shocking considering that their new coach was previously a defensive coach at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB stated the Chiefs have 'already lost too many games' after a recent loss to Jacksonville.
Following this Sunday's game, Denver have a smooth-ish schedule until their bye (in week 12) - the New York Giants, the Cowboys, Houston Texans plus the Raiders before the Kansas City Chiefs.
In the AFC West, Kansas City hold a losing record and the Broncos are even with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 meaning they could make a run for the top of the division.
This hinges on which form Kansas City shows up they face because the Broncos {beat|def