Ways the Broncos and the flexible QB could end the Chiefs' reign.
Ex Buffalo Bills coach Phoebe Schecter is a football expert and plays for Great Britain's flag football team.
- Published
- Half a dozen responses
Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Live coverage includes live text of the weekend matchups on various channels, beginning with the Broncos-Jets clash at Tottenham (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Additionally, audio coverage can be heard on select stations covering another key matchup (beginning at 9 PM BST).
It's week six of the NFL season and after last week's talk regarding two top teams being possible championship contenders, they both lost their unbeaten records.
Notable in those games were the number of penalties both committed. The Eagles did so at crucial times so they kind of beat themselves after leading by two touchdowns going into the fourth period against Denver, who play overseas this Sunday.
But it proved positive to see how Denver's QB the rookie was able to overcome the shortfall before lead three scoring drives on three possessions during the final period, to win the victory 21-17.
The Broncos boast the defensive player of the year with CB Pat Surtain II. They are first in goal-line defense, whereas the Eagles lead the league in red zone offence, yet Denver prevailed in that battle.
They had the Eagles' number regarding simulated pressure. They weren't necessarily rushing more than four pass rushers but they might position two LBs in the interior then drop them out and send a nickel off the edge.
At the start of the season, we said on a program that Denver could be the current year's dark horses. They ended the previous year well and did a good job of building upon that.
Could Denver be this year's dark horses?
Recently acquired tight end Evan Engram has stepped up big and new running back JK Dobbins is a player the team trusts. He's currently fifth in the NFL for rushing yards (over 400) and tied for fourth for rushing touchdowns (4).
It's impressive how head coach the Broncos' leader displays "RUN IT!" prominently of his playcall sheet.
This demonstrates that the Broncos are a team aiming to prioritize the run, because one can achieve much off the back of that. It reduces down the pass rush while keeps you in favourable situations.
This has helped quarterback Bo Nix, who entered into the league as a first-round selection last year, passing for 29 touchdown passes – second only to a star QB in rookie records (31 back in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert possess powerful arms to throw all over, but they lack in the same way as Nix. He has incredible arm talent, which is different, plus he is so athletic.
His strengths include his movement, being able to pass while moving, and finding different arm angles to deliver throws as he moves out of the pocket, the bootlegs. He is able to throw that layered pass across the middle and past defenders.
As a rookie QB, aged 25, he's got great composure under pressure and is not really fazed by the blitz. He aims to avoid a sack as much as possible and can throw under pressure. He has a high football IQ and remains quick to decide.
When you consistently run the ball it consumes time and forces the opponent to stay on the field for longer, and if you've got an athletic quarterback the defence must cover the area downfield side to side. It can be exhausting.
The quarterback has pushed back at Payton on the sideline at times and I think Payton likes that fire, seeing him as such a competitor. I think it's fun for him to have a rookie QB that is kind of like moldable clay. The coach can really develop him the way he wants to build it. I think it's a unique opportunity for him.
The head coach has won a Super Bowl and has surpassed a legend in all-time victories (173 - tied 14th overall). He has witnessed everything. I think the achievements the Broncos are experiencing offensively is mostly down to his guidance, his play-calling, his game sense – and the pairing with Nix aids shape him what he is.
You wouldn't want a better guy guiding you, to assist you during difficult moments and boost confidence.
I have faith in Denver's defence, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. Yet are they good enough to face a top squad at full strength? Since that was not a Super Bowl performance from Philadelphia last Sunday.
Right now, I don't think the Broncos are incredible. They're working better than most, which is a solid position to be in the AFC West. The key to do is maintain this trajectory.
They're really good at leaning into their strength, which is the ground game, and that's precisely what they should do versus the Jets in London. It will likely be the JK Dobbins show, in essence.
The Jets have surrendered 140 rushing yards each contest (sixth worst), five rushing touchdowns so far (10th worst), and they're the sole squad without a win any game.
Since the league started recording takeaways in 1933, this team are the first team to go without a single takeaway in five outings, this is surprising considering that their new coach was previously defensive co-ordinator with another team.
Patrick Mahomes says the Chiefs have 'already lost too many games' following a recent loss to Jacksonville.
Following this Sunday's game, the Broncos have a smooth-ish schedule up to their break (in week twelve) - the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, the Texans plus Las Vegas Raiders before the Chiefs.
In the AFC West, the Chiefs hold a losing record while Denver are even with the Chargers at 3-2 meaning they could challenge for the top of the West.
It depends upon which form Kansas City shows up they face because Denver {beat|def
