Ways these Denver Broncos and their 'play-dough' quarterback can halt that Kansas City Chiefs' reign.
Former Buffalo Bills assistant coach an analyst is a football expert and represents the UK's flag football team.
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NFL 2025 season: Week six
Real-time updates includes live text of the weekend matchups via various channels, beginning with Denver Broncos v New York Jets in London (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Additionally, radio commentary can be heard on designated networks for another key matchup (from 21:00 BST).
It's week six in the NFL season and following last week's talk about the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles being a potential Super Bowl match-up, each surrendered their perfect starts.
Notable in those games were the number of penalties each conceded. Philadelphia did so at crucial times meaning they essentially defeated themselves after leading 17-3 going into the final quarter against the Denver Broncos, set to play in London this weekend.
But it proved positive to see how Denver's QB Bo Nix was able to overcome that deficit before lead three scoring drives in three attempts during the final period, securing the victory 21-17.
Denver boast the defensive player of the year in cornerback Pat Surtain II. They are first in red zone defence, whereas the Eagles lead the league in scoring near the end zone, yet Denver prevailed in that contest.
They executed effective strategies regarding simulated pressure. They did not always rushing extra pass rushers instead they might plug two LBs in the interior then drop them out and dispatch a nickel off the edge.
At the start of the season, it was noted on a program how the Broncos might emerge as this season's dark horses. They ended last season well then did a good job in continuing that momentum.
Could Denver be this season's underdog story?
Recently acquired tight end Evan Engram has stepped up significantly while new running back JK Dobbins is a guy they believe in. He's currently 5th league-wide for rushing yards (over 400) and tied for fourth for rushing touchdowns (4).
I love that head coach Sean Payton has "RUSH!" at the top of his playcall sheet.
That shows how Denver are a squad that wants to run first, since one can do a lot off the back of that. It slows opposing rushes and maintains in favourable situations.
This has helped QB the young passer, who came into the league as the 12th overall draft pick last year, passing for 29 TDs – second only to a star QB in rookie records (31 in 2020).
Other elite QBs possess powerful arms to throw anywhere, but they don't move in the same way as Nix. He boasts exceptional passing ability, which is different, plus he is so athletic.
His assets include his movement, being able to pass on the run, as well as finding different arm angles to deliver throws as he moves out of the pocket, on rollouts. He is able to throw that layered pass over the middle and over the corner.
As a rookie QB, aged 25, he displays great poise in the pocket and is not really fazed by the blitz. He aims to evade being tackled whenever possible and is able pass in tight spots. He has sharp intelligence and remains quick to decide.
When you constantly rush it eats up the clock and makes the opponent to be on the field for longer, and when you've got a mobile QB the defence must defend the field vertically side to side. It can be exhausting.
Nix has bitten back at Payton during games at times and I think Payton likes that attitude, seeing him as such a competitor. In my view it's exciting for the coach to coach a young quarterback that is similar to play-dough. He can really build something up the way he wants to shape him. I think it's a special experience for him.
Payton has won a championship and has surpassed Bill Parcells in all-time victories (173, tying for 14th). He has witnessed it all. In my opinion the success Denver are having offensively is largely down to his guidance, his schemes, his game sense – and the pairing with Nix helps shape him into who he is.
There's no better a more qualified person guiding you, to assist you during some of the tougher situations and boost confidence.
I believe in Denver's defence, in the QB's grit and calm. But are they 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.
Currently, I don't think Denver are incredible. They're performing better than most, which is a good place to hold their division. The key is to continue this path.
They excel at embracing their forte, that is running the ball, and that's exactly what they should do versus the New York Jets at Tottenham. It's going to be a Dobbins-focused game, in essence.
The Jets have allowed 140 rushing yards per game (among the worst), five ground scores this season (10th worst), and they're the only team yet to win any game.
Since the league started recording turnovers in 1933, the Jets are the first team to be without a single takeaway in five outings, this is surprising when you think that their new coach was previously defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB says Kansas City are off to a poor start following Monday's defeat by the Jaguars.
After the upcoming matchup, the Broncos have a smooth-ish schedule up to their bye (in week twelve) - the Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans and the Raiders before the Chiefs.
Looking at the AFC West, the Chiefs hold a losing record while Denver are even with the Los Angeles Chargers on 3-2 meaning they could make a run at leading the division.
It depends upon which form of the Chiefs they face since Denver {beat|def