How the Broncos together with their malleable quarterback could halt the Chiefs' reign.
Former NFL team assistant coach an analyst is an NFL pundit and plays for Great Britain's flag football team.
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NFL 2025 season: Week six
Real-time updates includes live text of the weekend matchups on multiple platforms, starting with Denver Broncos v New York Jets at Tottenham (from 14:00 BST). Additionally, radio commentary can be heard on designated networks covering another key matchup (beginning at 9 PM BST).
It's week six in the football calendar and following last week's talk about two top teams as a potential Super Bowl match-up, they both lost their perfect starts.
Striking during those contests was the number of infractions both conceded. The Eagles did so in key moments meaning they essentially defeated themselves after leading 17-3 entering the final quarter versus the Denver Broncos, who play in London this weekend.
But it proved good to observe how Denver quarterback Bo Nix was able to overcome that deficit and then lead three scoring drives on three possessions during the final period, securing the victory by four points.
The Broncos have the top defender with cornerback their star corner. They rank first in goal-line defense, while the Eagles are number one in red zone offence, yet Denver prevailed in that battle.
They executed effective strategies regarding disguised blitzes. They weren't always rushing extra pass rushers instead they could plug two linebackers in the interior then drop them out and dispatch a nickel off the edge.
At the start in the campaign, we said on a program that the Broncos could be the current year's dark horses. They ended last season strongly and excelled of building upon that.
Could Denver be this season's dark horses?
New TE Evan Engram has stepped up big while recent running back their rusher is a guy they believe in. He's currently fifth league-wide for rushing yards (over 400) and tied-fourth in rushing scores (4).
I love how the coach Sean Payton has "RUN IT!" prominently of his playcall sheet.
This demonstrates how the Broncos are a team aiming to prioritize the run, because one can achieve much off the back of that. It reduces opposing rushes and keeps you in positive down and distances.
This has helped QB Bo Nix, who came the NFL as the 12th overall draft pick last year, passing for 29 TDs – second only to Justin Herbert in rookie records (31 in 2020).
Other elite QBs possess the arm strength to pass all over, however they lack the mobility as Nix. He boasts incredible passing ability, which is different, plus he is so athletic.
His assets are his movement, being able to pass on the run, as well as using different arm angles to deliver throws as he moves out of the pocket, on rollouts. He can deliver that layered pass across the middle or past defenders.
As a rookie QB, aged 25, he displays a lot of composure in the pocket and is not really fazed by extra rushers. He tries to avoid being tackled whenever possible and is able pass under pressure. He has a high football IQ and remains very decisive.
When you consistently rush it eats up the clock and forces the opponent to stay on the field extended periods, and when you have an athletic quarterback the defence has to cover the area vertically and horizontally. It can be draining.
Nix has bitten back at Payton on the sideline sometimes and it seems the coach likes that attitude, seeing him as a fierce rival. In my view it's exciting for the coach to have a rookie QB who's similar to play-dough. The coach can really develop him the way he desires to shape him. I believe it's a unique opportunity for the coach.
The head coach has won a Super Bowl and has surpassed a legend in all-time victories (173 - tied 14th overall). He's seen everything. In my opinion the achievements Denver are experiencing on offence is largely down to his guidance, his play-calling, his game sense – and the pairing with Nix aids shape him into who he is.
You wouldn't want a better guy in your ear, to assist you during some of the tougher situations and boost confidence.
I have faith in Denver's defence, in the QB's grit and calm. But is the team strong enough to go against a top squad at full strength? Because that wasn't championship-level play from Philadelphia last Sunday.
Currently, it's unlikely Denver are elite. They're performing better than most, that's a good place to hold their division. The key to do to continue this path.
They're really good at leaning into their forte, that is running the ball, and that's exactly what they must do versus the Jets in London. It's going to be the JK Dobbins show, essentially.
New York have surrendered 140 rushing yards each contest (among the worst), five ground scores so far (in the bottom ten), and they are the only team without a win a game.
Ever since the NFL started recording turnovers decades ago, the Jets are the inaugural squad to go without a single takeaway through five games, which is surprising considering that their new coach was previously defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB stated Kansas City are off to a poor start after Monday's defeat by the Jaguars.
Following the upcoming matchup, the Broncos have a manageable slate up to their bye (in week 12) - the Giants, the Cowboys, Houston Texans plus the Raiders prior to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Looking at the AFC West, the Chiefs are 2-3 while Denver are tied with the Chargers on 3-2 meaning they could make a run at leading the West.
This hinges upon which form of the Chiefs they face because Denver {beat|def
