Ways the Denver Broncos together with their flexible quarterback could end the Chiefs' rule.
Former NFL team coach Phoebe Schecter serves as a football expert who also plays for the UK's national squad.
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Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Live coverage includes live text of Sunday's games on various channels, starting with the Broncos-Jets clash at Tottenham (kicking off at 2 PM 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 in the football calendar and after recent discussion about the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles as possible championship contenders, they both surrendered their perfect starts.
Striking in those games were the amount of penalties each conceded. The Eagles did so in key moments meaning they kind of beat themselves after leading 17-3 going into the final quarter against Denver, set to play in London this weekend.
But it proved good to see how Denver quarterback Bo Nix was able to overcome the shortfall before direct three scoring drives in three attempts during the final period, to win the game by four points.
Denver have the top defender in CB Pat Surtain II. They are first in red zone defence, while Philadelphia are number one in scoring near the end zone, yet the Broncos prevailed in that battle.
They had effective strategies regarding disguised blitzes. They did not always sending more than four defenders but they could position two linebackers in the interior before withdrawing them and dispatch a nickel from the outside.
Early on of the season, we said on a program that Denver could be the current year's dark horses. They ended the previous year well then did a good job in continuing that momentum.
Could Denver be this year's dark horses?
Recently acquired TE their tight end has excelled significantly while recent RB JK Dobbins is a player the team trusts. He's currently fifth league-wide for rushing yards (402) as well as tied for fourth for rushing touchdowns (4).
I love how the coach the Broncos' leader displays "RUSH!" prominently of his playcall sheet.
That shows that Denver are a squad aiming to prioritize the run, because you can do a lot based on that approach. It reduces opposing rushes while keeps you in positive down and distances.
It's also helped QB the young passer, who entered into the league as a first-round selection last year, passing for 29 touchdown passes – second only to a star QB for the rookie record (31 in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert possess powerful arms to pass all over, however they lack the mobility that Nix has. He has exceptional arm talent, a unique trait, plus he's so athletic.
His strengths are his mobility, the capacity to throw while moving, as well as using different arm angles to deliver throws as he moves out of the pocket, on rollouts. He can throw that layered pass over the middle or past defenders.
For a young quarterback, at 25, he's got a lot of composure in the pocket and is not bothered by extra rushers. He aims to evade a sack whenever possible and can pass in tight spots. He has sharp intelligence and remains very decisive.
When you constantly run the ball it eats up time and makes the defence to stay on the field extended periods, and if you have an athletic quarterback the defense has to cover the field downfield side to side. This proves draining.
Nix has pushed back at Payton on the sideline at times and I think Payton likes that fire, seeing him as a fierce rival. I think it's exciting for the coach to have a rookie QB that is similar to play-dough. The coach can really build something up how he wants to build it. I believe it's a unique opportunity for the coach.
Payton has won a championship and has passed a legend in all-time victories (173 - tied 14th overall). He has witnessed it all. I think the achievements the Broncos are experiencing offensively is mostly due to his guidance, his play-calling, his game sense – and the combination with the QB aids make him into who he is.
You wouldn't want a more qualified person in your ear, to assist you during difficult moments and boost confidence.
I believe in Denver's defence, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. But is the team good enough to face an elite team at its best? Since that wasn't a Super Bowl performance from Philadelphia in their last game.
Right now, I don't think the Broncos are elite. They're working above average, that's a good place to hold the AFC West. The key is is maintain this path.
They excel at leaning into their strength, which is the ground game, and this is precisely what they should do against the Jets in London. It's going to be a Dobbins-focused game, in essence.
The Jets have surrendered 140 rushing yards per game (among the worst), five ground scores this season (in the bottom ten), and they're the only team without a win any game.
Ever since the NFL started recording takeaways in 1933, the Jets are the inaugural squad to go without any turnovers in five outings, which is kind of shocking considering that the head coach was previously a defensive coach at the Detroit Lions.
Patrick Mahomes stated the Chiefs have 'already lost too many games' following a recent loss to Jacksonville.
Following this Sunday's game, the Broncos have a manageable slate up to their bye (in week twelve) - the Giants, the Cowboys, the Texans and the Raiders prior to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Looking at their division, Kansas City hold a losing record while Denver are even with the Chargers at 3-2 so they could make a run for the top of the West.
This hinges upon which form of the Chiefs they meet since the Broncos {beat|def
