How these Denver Broncos and their flexible quarterback could end the Kansas City Chiefs' rule.
Ex NFL team assistant coach Phoebe Schecter serves as a football expert who also represents the UK's flag football team.
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NFL 2025 season: Week six
Live coverage includes live text of the weekend matchups via multiple platforms, beginning with Denver Broncos v New York Jets at Tottenham (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Also, audio coverage can be heard through designated networks covering another key matchup (from 21:00 BST).
We're in the sixth week of the football calendar and after recent discussion regarding two top teams as possible championship contenders, they both lost their perfect starts.
Striking in those games were the amount of penalties each committed. Philadelphia did so at crucial times meaning they essentially beat themselves having led 17-3 going into the fourth period versus Denver, who play in London this weekend.
But it was positive to see that Denver's QB Bo Nix was able to overcome that deficit and then direct three successful possessions on three possessions in the fourth quarter, to win the victory 21-17.
Denver boast the top defender with CB Pat Surtain II. They rank first in goal-line defense, whereas the Eagles lead the league in scoring near the end zone, and Denver prevailed in that battle.
They had the Eagles' number in terms of simulated pressure. They weren't always sending extra defenders instead they could plug two LBs in the interior then drop them out and send a slot defender from the outside.
At the start in the campaign, we said on a program how the Broncos could be the current year's surprise contenders. They ended last season strongly then excelled in continuing that momentum.
Could Denver be this year's underdog story?
Recently acquired TE their tight end has excelled significantly and new running back their rusher is a guy the team trusts. He now ranks 5th league-wide in ground gains (402) and tied-fourth for rushing touchdowns (four).
I love that the coach Sean Payton displays "RUSH!" at the top on his call sheet.
That shows how the Broncos are a team aiming to prioritize the run, because you can do a lot off the back of that. It reduces opposing rushes while maintains in favourable down and distances.
It's also benefited quarterback the young passer, who came the NFL as a first-round selection last year, throwing 29 touchdown passes β second only to Justin Herbert for the rookie record (31 in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert have the arm strength to pass all over, however they lack in the same way as Nix. He has incredible arm talent, a unique trait, plus he's so athletic.
His assets are his movement, the capacity to pass while moving, as well as using varied release points to make the pass as he moves outside protection, the bootlegs. He can throw that layered pass over the middle and over the corner.
For a young quarterback, at 25, he's got great composure in the pocket and isn't bothered by extra rushers. He aims to evade a sack as much as possible and is able pass in tight spots. He has a high football IQ and is quick to decide.
When you constantly run the ball it consumes the clock and forces the opponent to be in play extended periods, and if you've got an athletic quarterback the defense has to cover the field downfield side to side. This proves draining.
Nix has pushed back at Payton during games at times and it seems the coach likes that attitude, seeing him as a fierce rival. In my view it's exciting for him to have a rookie QB that is similar to moldable clay. The coach can really develop him the way he wants to shape him. I think it's a special experience for him.
Payton has won a championship and has surpassed a legend in all-time victories (173, tying for 14th). He's seen everything. I think the success Denver are having offensively is mostly down to his guidance, his play-calling, his situational awareness β and the pairing with the QB helps shape him into who he is.
You wouldn't want a more qualified person guiding you, to help you during difficult moments and boost confidence.
I have faith in the Broncos' defense, in the QB's grit and calm. Yet is the team good enough to go against an elite team at its best? Since that was not a Super Bowl performance from Philadelphia in their last game.
Right now, I don't think Denver are incredible. They're working better than most, that's a solid position to hold the AFC West. The key to do is maintain this path.
They excel at embracing their strength, that is running the ball, and that's exactly what they should do versus the Jets at Tottenham. It's going to be a Dobbins-focused game, in essence.
New York have allowed 140 yards on the ground each contest (among the worst), five rushing touchdowns so far (10th worst), and they're the sole squad without a win any game.
Ever since the league began tracking takeaways decades ago, this team are also the first team to be without any turnovers in five outings, which is kind of shocking when you think that their new coach was previously defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB stated the Chiefs have 'already lost too many games' following a recent loss to Jacksonville.
Following the upcoming matchup, the Broncos face a manageable slate until their break (in week 12) - the Giants, the Cowboys, Houston Texans plus Las Vegas Raiders before the Chiefs.
Looking at the AFC West, the Chiefs are 2-3 while Denver are tied with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 so they could make a run for the top of the West.
This hinges on what version of the Chiefs they face because Denver {beat|def
