How these Broncos together with their 'play-dough' QB could stop that Chiefs' rule.
Former NFL team coach an analyst is an NFL pundit who also plays for the UK's national squad.
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Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Real-time updates features text commentary of the weekend matchups on multiple platforms, starting with Denver Broncos v New York Jets in London (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Also, radio commentary can be heard through select stations covering a separate game (beginning at 9 PM BST).
We're in the sixth week of the NFL season and after recent talk regarding two top teams being possible championship contenders, each lost their unbeaten records.
Notable in those games was the number of penalties both conceded. The Eagles committed them in key moments meaning they essentially beat themselves after leading 17-3 entering the fourth period against the Denver Broncos, who play in London this weekend.
But it proved good to observe that Denver quarterback Bo Nix was able to have that deficit and then direct three successful possessions in three attempts during the final period, to win the victory by four points.
The Broncos boast the defensive player of the year with cornerback Pat Surtain II. They rank number one in red zone defence, whereas the Eagles lead the league in scoring near the end zone, and Denver won that contest.
They executed effective strategies in terms of disguised blitzes. They weren't necessarily sending more than four defenders instead they could plug two linebackers in the interior before withdrawing them and send a slot defender off the edge.
At the start in the campaign, we said during a show how Denver might emerge as this season's dark horses. They finished last season strongly then excelled of building upon that.
Are the Denver Broncos this season's underdog story?
New tight end their tight end has excelled big while recent RB their rusher is a player they believe in. He now ranks fifth league-wide in ground gains (over 400) and tied-fourth in rushing scores (4).
I love how head coach the Broncos' leader displays "RUSH!" prominently on his call sheet.
That shows how the Broncos are a team that wants to prioritize the run, because you can do a lot based on that approach. It slows opposing rushes while maintains in positive situations.
This has benefited QB Bo Nix, who entered into the league as the 12th overall draft pick last year, throwing 29 touchdown passes – just behind Justin Herbert in rookie records (31 back in 2020).
Other elite QBs possess the arm strength to pass all over, however they don't move in the same way as Nix. He has incredible arm talent, a unique trait, plus he's highly agile.
His strengths include his movement, being able to pass while moving, and finding varied release points to deliver the pass when he rolls outside protection, on rollouts. He is able to deliver that layered pass over the middle and past defenders.
For a young quarterback, aged 25, he displays a lot of poise in the pocket and is not bothered by the blitz. He aims to avoid being tackled whenever possible and is able throw in tight spots. He possesses sharp intelligence and is very decisive.
When you constantly rush it consumes time and forces the defence to be in play extended periods, and if you've got a mobile QB the defence must defend the field vertically and horizontally. This proves exhausting.
The quarterback has bitten back at Payton during games sometimes and I think the coach appreciates that attitude, that he's such a competitor. I think it's exciting for him to have a young quarterback who's kind of like play-dough. The coach can truly build something up how he wants to shape him. I think it's a unique opportunity for him.
Payton owns a championship and now passed Bill Parcells for career NFL wins (173, tying for 14th). He has witnessed everything. I think the achievements the Broncos are having on offence is largely down to his guidance, his play-calling, his situational awareness – and the pairing with the QB aids make him what he is.
You wouldn't want a better guy guiding you, to assist you through some of the tougher situations and boost confidence.
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 its best? Because that was not championship-level play by the Eagles last Sunday.
Currently, I don't think Denver are elite. They're working better than most, that's a solid position to be in the AFC West. All they need is is maintain this path.
They're really good at embracing their strength, which is running the ball, and that's precisely what they must do against the Jets at Tottenham. It will likely be a Dobbins-focused game, in essence.
New York have allowed 140 rushing yards each contest (sixth worst), five rushing touchdowns this season (in the bottom ten), and they are the sole squad yet to win any game.
Ever since the league started recording turnovers in 1933, this team are the inaugural squad to go without any turnovers in five outings, which is surprising when you think that their new coach Aaron Glenn defensive co-ordinator with another team.
The Chiefs' QB stated the Chiefs have 'already lost too many games' after a recent loss by the Jaguars.
After the upcoming matchup, the Broncos face a smooth-ish schedule up to their break (in week twelve) - the New York Giants, the Cowboys, the Texans plus the Raiders before the Kansas City Chiefs.
In their division, the Chiefs are 2-3 and the Broncos are even with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 meaning they could make a run for the top of the West.
This hinges on which form Kansas City shows up they meet because Denver {beat|def