How the Broncos and the flexible QB can halt the Chiefs' reign.
Former Buffalo Bills assistant coach Phoebe Schecter is an NFL pundit who also represents the UK's flag football team.
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NFL 2025 season: Week six
Live coverage features live text of the weekend matchups on various channels, beginning with Denver Broncos v New York Jets in London (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Additionally, radio commentary can be heard through designated networks covering a separate game (from 21:00 BST).
We're in the sixth week in the football calendar , after recent discussion about two top teams as possible championship contenders, they both surrendered their unbeaten records.
Striking in those games were the number of infractions each committed. The Eagles did so at crucial times so they essentially beat themselves after leading by two touchdowns entering the fourth period versus the Denver Broncos, who play in London this Sunday.
However it proved positive to observe that Denver quarterback Bo Nix was able to have the shortfall before direct three scoring drives in three attempts in the fourth quarter, securing the victory by four points.
Denver boast the defensive player of the year with cornerback Pat Surtain II. They are number one in red zone defence, whereas the Eagles are number one in red zone offence, yet the Broncos won that contest.
They executed effective strategies regarding disguised blitzes. They did not necessarily rushing more than four pass rushers but they might position two linebackers in the interior then drop them out and dispatch a slot defender from the outside.
At the start of the season, it was noted on a program that the Broncos could be this season's dark horses. They ended last season well then excelled of building upon that.
Could Denver be this year's underdog story?
New tight end Evan Engram has stepped up big while recent running back their rusher is a guy they believe in. He's currently fifth in the NFL in ground gains (402) as well as tied for fourth in rushing scores (four).
I love how the coach Sean Payton displays "RUN IT!" prominently on his call sheet.
This demonstrates how Denver represent a squad that wants to prioritize the run, because one can achieve much based on that approach. It slows down the pass rush and keeps you in positive situations.
This has benefited quarterback Bo Nix, who came the NFL as a first-round selection last year, throwing 29 touchdown passes – second only to Justin Herbert in rookie records (31 in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert possess the arm strength to throw all over, however they don't move the mobility that Nix has. He has incredible arm talent, a unique trait, and he's highly agile.
His assets are his mobility, the capacity to throw on the run, as well as finding different arm angles to deliver throws as he moves out of the pocket, the bootlegs. He can throw that layered pass over the middle or past defenders.
As a rookie QB, aged 25, he displays great poise in the pocket and isn't bothered by extra rushers. He aims to evade a sack as much as possible and can throw in tight spots. He possesses a high football IQ and remains very decisive.
If you consistently rush it eats up time and forces the defence to be on the field extended periods, and if you've got a mobile QB the defense must cover the field downfield side to side. It can be draining.
Nix has bitten back at Payton during games sometimes and I think the coach likes that attitude, seeing him as such a competitor. I think it's exciting for the coach to coach a rookie QB who's kind of like moldable clay. The coach can really build something up how he wants to shape him. I think it's a unique opportunity for the coach.
Payton owns a Super Bowl and has surpassed Bill Parcells for career NFL wins (173 - tied 14th overall). He's seen everything. I think the success 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.
There's no better a more qualified person guiding you, to help you through some of the tougher situations and build self-belief.
I believe in Denver's defence, in the QB's grit and calm. Yet is the team good enough to face a top squad at its best? Since that was not championship-level play by the Eagles in their last game.
Right now, it's unlikely the Broncos are elite. They're working better than most, which is a solid position to hold the AFC West. The key to do is maintain this path.
They excel at leaning into their strength, which is running the ball, and that's precisely what they must do against the New York Jets in London. It will likely be a Dobbins-focused game, in essence.
The Jets have surrendered 140 yards on the ground per game (among the worst), five ground scores this season (in the bottom ten), and they are the sole squad yet to win a game.
Ever since the league started recording takeaways in 1933, this team are also the inaugural squad to go without any turnovers through five games, which is kind of shocking considering that their new coach was previously defensive co-ordinator with another team.
The Chiefs' QB says the Chiefs are off to a poor start after a recent loss by the Jaguars.
After the upcoming matchup, the Broncos face a smooth-ish schedule up to their break (in week 12) - the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, the Texans and the Raiders prior to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Looking at the AFC West, the Chiefs are 2-3 and the Broncos are even with the Chargers on 3-2 so they could make a run for the top of the division.
It depends on what version of the Chiefs they meet since Denver {beat|def
