How the Broncos together with their flexible quarterback could end the Kansas City Chiefs' dominance.
Former NFL team assistant coach an analyst serves as a football expert who also represents the UK's national squad.
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NFL 2025 season: Week six
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We're in the sixth week of the football calendar and after last week's talk about the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles as possible championship contenders, each surrendered their perfect starts.
Notable in those games were the number of infractions both conceded. Philadelphia did so in key moments meaning they kind of beat themselves having led by two touchdowns entering the fourth period against Denver, set to play in London this weekend.
However it was good to see that Denver quarterback Bo Nix was able to overcome that deficit before lead three successful possessions on three possessions during the final period, to win the game by four points.
The Broncos boast the defensive player of the year in cornerback Pat Surtain II. They are number one in red zone defence, while Philadelphia lead the league in red zone offence, and the Broncos won that battle.
They executed effective strategies in terms of simulated pressure. They did not always sending extra pass rushers instead they might plug two LBs in the interior before drop them out and send a nickel from the outside.
At the start in the campaign, we said during a show how the Broncos could be the current year's dark horses. They ended the previous year well and did a good job of building upon that.
Are the Denver Broncos this year's underdog story?
New tight end their tight end has stepped up significantly and new running back their rusher is a guy the team trusts. He now ranks fifth league-wide in ground gains (402) as well as tied-fourth for rushing touchdowns (four).
It's impressive how the coach the Broncos' leader has "RUSH!" prominently on his call sheet.
That shows how Denver represent a squad that wants to prioritize the run, since you can do a lot based on that approach. It reduces down the pass rush while maintains in positive situations.
This has helped QB the young passer, who came the NFL as a first-round selection in the prior draft, passing for 29 TDs – just behind Justin Herbert in rookie records (31 back in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert possess the arm strength to throw anywhere, however they don't move the mobility as Nix. He has incredible passing ability, which is different, plus he's so athletic.
His assets include his movement, being able to pass on the run, and finding varied release points to make the pass as he moves outside protection, the bootlegs. He is able to deliver that layered pass over the middle and over the corner.
As a rookie QB, aged 25, he's got a lot of poise under pressure and isn't bothered by the blitz. He tries to evade a sack whenever possible and is able pass under pressure. He possesses a high football IQ and is quick to decide.
If you constantly rush it eats up the clock and forces the defence to be in play extended periods, and if you have a mobile QB the defence has to cover the field vertically and horizontally. It can be draining.
Nix has bitten back with the coach on the sideline sometimes and I think Payton likes that attitude, seeing him as such a competitor. In my view it's exciting for him to coach a rookie QB that is similar to play-dough. The coach can really develop him how he wants to shape him. I think it's a unique opportunity for the coach.
The head coach owns a Super Bowl and has passed Bill Parcells in all-time victories (173, tying for 14th). He's seen everything. In my opinion the achievements the Broncos are experiencing offensively is mostly due to his guidance, his schemes, his situational awareness – and the combination with the QB aids shape him into who he is.
There's no better a more qualified person guiding you, to help you through difficult moments and boost self-belief.
I believe in Denver's defence, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. Yet are they strong enough to go against a top squad at full strength? Because that was not a Super Bowl performance from Philadelphia in their last game.
Currently, it's unlikely Denver are incredible. They're working better than most, which is a good place to hold the AFC West. All they need to do is maintain this path.
They excel at embracing their forte, which is the ground game, and this is precisely what they should do versus the New York Jets at Tottenham. It will likely be the JK Dobbins show, essentially.
The Jets have allowed 140 yards on the ground per game (sixth worst), five rushing touchdowns so far (10th worst), and they're the sole squad without a win a game.
Since the NFL started recording turnovers in 1933, the Jets are the inaugural squad to be without any turnovers in five outings, which is surprising when you think that the head coach Aaron Glenn defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB stated Kansas City have 'already lost too many games' after a recent loss to Jacksonville.
Following the upcoming matchup, the Broncos have a smooth-ish schedule up to their break (in week twelve) - the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, the Texans and Las Vegas Raiders before the Chiefs.
Looking at their division, the Chiefs hold a losing record and the Broncos are even with the Chargers on 3-2 so they could challenge at leading the division.
It depends on what version of the Chiefs they face because the Broncos {beat|def
