How these Denver Broncos and the malleable QB could halt that Chiefs' dominance.
Ex NFL team assistant coach an analyst serves as an NFL pundit who also represents the UK's flag football team.
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NFL 2025 season: Week six
Real-time updates includes text commentary for Sunday's games on multiple platforms, starting with Denver Broncos v New York Jets in London (from 14:00 BST). Also, radio commentary can be heard through select stations for a separate game (beginning at 9 PM BST).
We're in the sixth week of the NFL season , following last week's talk about two top teams being a potential Super Bowl match-up, each lost their perfect starts.
Striking during those contests was the amount of penalties both committed. Philadelphia committed them in key moments meaning they essentially beat themselves having led 17-3 entering the fourth period versus the Denver Broncos, set to play in London this weekend.
But it was positive to see how Denver's QB the rookie managed to have the shortfall and then lead three scoring drives in three attempts during the final period, securing the victory 21-17.
The Broncos have the top defender with CB Pat Surtain II. They rank number one in goal-line defense, while the Eagles lead the league in scoring near the end zone, yet the Broncos prevailed in that contest.
They executed effective strategies in terms of disguised blitzes. They did not necessarily rushing extra pass rushers but they might plug two linebackers in the 'A' gap then drop them out and send a slot defender from the outside.
Early on in the campaign, we said on a program how the Broncos might emerge as the current year's surprise contenders. They finished last season strongly and did a good job of building upon that.
Are the Denver Broncos this year's dark horses?
Recently acquired TE Evan Engram has stepped up significantly while recent running back JK Dobbins is a player the team trusts. He now ranks 5th in the NFL for rushing yards (over 400) and tied for fourth in rushing scores (4).
It's impressive that the coach Sean Payton has "RUN IT!" at the top on his call sheet.
This demonstrates how Denver represent a team that wants to prioritize the run, because you can do a lot based on that approach. It slows down the pass rush while keeps you in positive down and distances.
This has helped quarterback the young passer, who entered the NFL as a first-round selection last year, passing for 29 TDs – just behind Justin Herbert for the rookie record (31 in 2020).
Other elite QBs possess the arm strength to throw anywhere, but they don't move in the same way that Nix has. He boasts exceptional passing ability, a unique trait, and he's highly agile.
His assets include his mobility, being able to pass on the run, and finding varied release points to make throws as he moves out of the pocket, on rollouts. He is able to throw precision throws across the middle or past defenders.
As a rookie QB, aged 25, he's got a lot of composure in the pocket and is not bothered by the blitz. He aims to avoid being tackled whenever possible and can pass under pressure. He has sharp intelligence and is very decisive.
When you constantly run the ball it eats up time and forces the opponent to stay in play extended periods, and if you've got a mobile QB the defence must cover the field downfield and horizontally. It can be exhausting.
Nix has pushed back with the coach on the sideline at times and I think Payton likes that fire, that he's a fierce rival. In my view it's exciting for the coach to have a young quarterback that is similar to moldable clay. The coach can truly develop him how he desires to shape him. I believe it's a special experience for him.
The head coach owns a championship and now surpassed Bill Parcells for career NFL wins (173 - tied 14th overall). He has witnessed everything. I think the success the Broncos are experiencing on offence is mostly down to his guidance, his play-calling, his game sense – and the pairing with Nix helps make him what he is.
There's no better a more qualified person guiding you, to assist you during some of the tougher situations and build self-belief.
I believe in the Broncos' defense, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. Yet is the team strong enough to face an elite team at full strength? Since that was not championship-level play 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 be in the AFC West. All they need to do to continue this trajectory.
They're really good at leaning into their strength, which is the ground game, and this is precisely what they must do versus the New York Jets in London. It's going to be a Dobbins-focused game, essentially.
The Jets have surrendered 140 yards on the ground per game (sixth worst), five ground scores this season (in the bottom ten), and they are the sole squad without a win a game.
Ever since the NFL began tracking takeaways decades ago, this team are the first team to go without any turnovers through five games, which is surprising when you think that their new coach Aaron Glenn defensive co-ordinator with another team.
Patrick Mahomes says Kansas City have 'already lost too many games' following Monday's defeat to Jacksonville.
Following this Sunday's game, the Broncos face a manageable slate up to their bye (in week 12) - the Giants, the Cowboys, the Texans and the Raiders prior to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Looking at their division, the Chiefs hold a losing record while Denver are even with the Chargers on 3-2 so they could make a run at leading the West.
It depends upon what version Kansas City shows up they face because the Broncos {beat|def
