How these Denver Broncos and their flexible quarterback could halt that Kansas City Chiefs' reign.
Ex NFL team assistant coach Phoebe Schecter is an NFL pundit who also represents Great Britain's national squad.
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Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Real-time updates features live text for the weekend matchups via multiple platforms, beginning with the Broncos-Jets clash in London (from 14:00 BST). Additionally, radio commentary is available through designated networks covering a separate game (from 21:00 BST).
It's week six in the football calendar and after recent discussion about two top teams as possible championship contenders, each surrendered their unbeaten records.
Striking during those contests was the number of infractions each committed. Philadelphia committed them in key moments meaning they kind of defeated themselves after leading 17-3 entering the fourth period versus the Denver Broncos, who play in London this weekend.
But it was good to observe how Denver quarterback Bo Nix was able to have the shortfall and then direct three scoring drives on three possessions during the final period, securing the game by four points.
The Broncos boast the defensive player of the year in cornerback Pat Surtain II. They rank first in goal-line defense, while Philadelphia are number one in red zone offence, yet Denver won that battle.
They had the Eagles' number in terms of disguised blitzes. They weren't necessarily rushing more than four defenders instead they might position two linebackers in the interior before withdrawing them and dispatch a slot defender off the edge.
Early on of the season, we said during a show how Denver could be this season's surprise contenders. They ended the previous year strongly then did a good job in continuing that momentum.
Are the Denver Broncos this year's underdog story?
Recently acquired TE Evan Engram has excelled significantly while new RB JK Dobbins is a player the team trusts. He's currently fifth in the NFL in ground gains (402) and tied-fourth for rushing touchdowns (4).
I love how head coach Sean Payton has "RUSH!" at the top of his playcall sheet.
This demonstrates that the Broncos are a squad that wants to prioritize the run, because you can do a lot based on that approach. It slows down the pass rush and keeps you in positive situations.
This has helped QB the young passer, who entered the NFL as a first-round selection last year, passing for 29 touchdown passes – just behind Justin Herbert for the rookie record (31 in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert possess powerful arms to pass all over, but they don't move in the same way as Nix. He boasts exceptional arm talent, which is different, plus he's highly agile.
His assets are his mobility, being able to throw while moving, and finding varied release points to deliver throws when he rolls outside protection, the bootlegs. He can throw that layered pass across the middle and past defenders.
As a rookie QB, at 25, he's got great composure under pressure and is not really fazed by extra rushers. He tries to evade being tackled whenever possible and is able throw under pressure. He has a high football IQ and remains quick to decide.
When you constantly rush it eats up the clock and makes the defence to be on the field for longer, and when you have a mobile QB the defense must defend the area vertically and horizontally. This proves exhausting.
The quarterback has bitten back with the coach on the sideline at times and I think the coach appreciates that attitude, seeing him as such a competitor. I think it's exciting for him to have a young quarterback who's similar to play-dough. The coach can truly develop him the way he wants to shape him. I think it's a special experience for the coach.
Payton owns a Super Bowl and has passed Bill Parcells in all-time victories (173 - tied 14th overall). He has witnessed it all. I think the success Denver are having on offence is mostly due to his leadership, his schemes, his game sense – and the pairing with the QB helps make him into who he is.
You wouldn't want a more qualified person guiding you, to assist you through difficult moments and boost self-belief.
I believe in the Broncos' defense, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. Yet are they strong enough to face a top squad at full strength? Since that wasn't a Super Bowl performance from Philadelphia in their last game.
Right now, it's unlikely the Broncos are elite. They're performing better than most, that's a solid position to hold the AFC West. The key to do is maintain this trajectory.
They excel at leaning into their forte, which is the ground game, and this is exactly what they should do against the New York Jets in London. It's going to be the JK Dobbins show, 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 are the only team without a win a game.
Since the league began tracking turnovers in 1933, this team are also the inaugural squad to be without any turnovers in five outings, this is surprising considering that the head coach Aaron Glenn a defensive coach at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB says the Chiefs are off to a poor start following a recent loss by the Jaguars.
After this Sunday's game, the Broncos face a manageable slate until their break (in week 12) - the New York Giants, the Cowboys, the Texans plus the Raiders before the Kansas City Chiefs.
In their division, Kansas City hold a losing record while Denver are tied with the Chargers on 3-2 so they could make a run at leading the West.
This hinges on what version of the Chiefs they meet since the Broncos {beat|def