Ways the Denver Broncos and the 'play-dough' QB could halt that Chiefs' reign.
Former NFL team assistant coach an analyst is an NFL pundit and plays for Great Britain's national squad.
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Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Real-time updates includes live text of Sunday's games on various channels, starting with Denver Broncos v New York Jets in London (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Also, radio commentary is available through select stations for a separate game (beginning at 9 PM BST).
We're in the sixth week in the NFL season and following recent talk about the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles being possible championship contenders, each lost their perfect starts.
Striking in those games were the number of penalties both conceded. The Eagles did so in key moments meaning they essentially defeated themselves having led 17-3 entering the fourth period versus the Denver Broncos, set to play in London this weekend.
But it proved positive to see that Denver's QB the rookie managed to have that deficit before direct three successful possessions in three attempts during the final period, securing the game 21-17.
Denver have the top defender in cornerback their star corner. They are first in goal-line defense, while the Eagles lead the league in red zone offence, yet Denver prevailed in that battle.
They had the Eagles' number in terms of simulated pressure. They did not always rushing more than four pass rushers but they could position two linebackers in the interior then withdrawing them and dispatch a nickel off the edge.
Early on in the campaign, it was noted during a show how Denver might emerge as the current year's surprise contenders. They ended the previous year strongly then did a good job in continuing that momentum.
Could Denver be this year's dark horses?
Recently acquired tight end Evan Engram has excelled significantly and new running back JK Dobbins is a guy the team trusts. He's currently fifth in the NFL in ground gains (over 400) and tied-fourth for rushing touchdowns (four).
It's impressive that head coach the Broncos' leader has "RUN IT!" at the top on his call sheet.
This demonstrates that Denver represent a squad aiming to prioritize the run, since you can achieve much off the back of that. It slows opposing rushes and keeps you in favourable down and distances.
This has helped quarterback Bo Nix, who came the NFL as the 12th overall draft pick last year, passing for 29 touchdown passes – just behind Justin Herbert for the rookie record (31 in 2020).
Other elite QBs possess the arm strength to pass all over, however they don't move the mobility as Nix. He boasts exceptional passing ability, which is different, plus he's so athletic.
His strengths include his mobility, the capacity to pass while moving, as well as using different arm angles to deliver throws as he moves out of the pocket, on rollouts. He is able to deliver that layered pass across the middle and over the corner.
For a young quarterback, at 25, he's got a lot of poise in the pocket and isn't bothered by extra rushers. He aims to avoid being tackled as much as possible and can throw under pressure. He has a high football IQ and is very decisive.
If you constantly run the ball it eats up time and makes the defence to stay on the field 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 at times and I think the coach likes that fire, seeing him as a fierce rival. I think it's exciting for the coach to coach a young quarterback who's kind of like play-dough. The coach can really build something up the way he wants to build it. I believe it's a unique opportunity for the coach.
The head coach owns a championship and now passed a legend for career NFL wins (173 - tied 14th overall). He's seen it all. In my opinion the achievements the Broncos are experiencing offensively is largely down to his leadership, his schemes, his situational awareness – and the combination with the QB aids make him what he is.
There's no better a better guy guiding you, to assist you through difficult moments and build confidence.
I have faith in Denver's defence, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. Yet is the team strong enough to face an elite team at full strength? Since that wasn't championship-level play from Philadelphia last Sunday.
Right now, it's unlikely the Broncos are elite. They're working better than most, that's a good place to be in their division. All they need is is maintain this path.
They excel at embracing their forte, which is the ground game, and that's exactly what they should do versus the New York Jets at Tottenham. It's going to be a Dobbins-focused game, in essence.
New York have surrendered 140 yards on the ground per game (sixth worst), five ground scores this season (10th worst), and they are the sole squad yet to win a game.
Ever since the NFL started recording turnovers in 1933, the Jets are the inaugural squad to be without any turnovers through five games, which is surprising considering that the head coach Aaron Glenn defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB says Kansas City have 'already lost too many games' after a recent loss to Jacksonville.
After this Sunday's game, Denver face a smooth-ish schedule up to their bye (in week twelve) - the New York Giants, the Cowboys, Houston Texans and the Raiders prior to the Kansas City Chiefs.
In the AFC West, Kansas City hold a losing record and the Broncos are tied with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 meaning they could make a run at leading the division.
It depends on what version Kansas City shows up they face because Denver {beat|def
