How these Denver Broncos and their flexible quarterback could end the Kansas City Chiefs' rule.
Former NFL team assistant coach an analyst serves as a football expert and represents the UK's flag football team.
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NFL 2025 season: Week six
Real-time updates features text commentary for Sunday's games on various channels, beginning with the Broncos-Jets clash in London (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Additionally, audio coverage is available through select stations covering another key matchup (beginning at 9 PM BST).
We're in the sixth week in the NFL season and following recent discussion regarding two top teams as a potential Super Bowl match-up, each surrendered their unbeaten records.
Notable in those games were the number of penalties each conceded. Philadelphia committed them in key moments meaning they kind of defeated themselves having led by two touchdowns entering the final quarter against Denver, who play in London this weekend.
But it proved positive to observe how Denver quarterback Bo Nix was able to overcome that deficit before lead three successful possessions on three possessions during the final period, securing the victory by four points.
The Broncos boast the defensive player of the year with CB their star corner. They rank first in red zone defence, whereas Philadelphia lead the league in red zone offence, yet the Broncos won that contest.
They executed effective strategies in terms of simulated pressure. They did not always sending more than four defenders but they might position two linebackers in the interior then withdrawing them and dispatch a slot defender from the outside.
Early on in the campaign, it was noted during a show how the Broncos could be the current year's surprise contenders. They finished the previous year strongly and did a good job of building upon that.
Could Denver be this season's underdog story?
Recently acquired tight end Evan Engram has excelled significantly and new RB JK Dobbins is a player they believe in. He now ranks 5th league-wide for rushing yards (402) and tied-fourth in rushing scores (4).
I love that the coach Sean Payton has "RUN IT!" prominently on his call sheet.
This demonstrates how the Broncos are a squad aiming to prioritize the run, since one can do a lot based on that approach. It reduces down the pass rush and maintains in favourable situations.
It's also benefited QB the young passer, who came into the league as the 12th overall draft pick last year, throwing 29 TDs – second only to a star QB for the rookie record (31 back in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert have the arm strength to pass all over, however they lack the mobility that Nix has. He boasts incredible arm talent, which is different, and he's so athletic.
His strengths are his movement, being able to throw while moving, and using varied release points to make the pass when he rolls out of the pocket, the bootlegs. He can deliver precision throws across the middle and past defenders.
As a rookie QB, at 25, he's got great composure in the pocket and is not bothered by the blitz. He aims to avoid a sack as much as possible and is able throw in tight spots. He possesses sharp intelligence and remains quick to decide.
If you constantly run the ball it eats up time and makes the defence to be on the field for longer, and when you've got a mobile QB the defence must cover the area downfield and horizontally. This proves draining.
Nix has pushed back with the coach during games sometimes and I think the coach appreciates that fire, that he's such a competitor. In my view it's exciting for the coach to coach a young quarterback that is similar to moldable clay. The coach can truly develop him how he desires to build it. I believe it's a special experience for the coach.
Payton owns a championship and now surpassed a legend in all-time victories (173 - tied 14th overall). He has witnessed everything. In my opinion the success Denver are experiencing offensively is largely down to his leadership, his play-calling, his situational awareness – and the pairing with Nix helps make him what he is.
You wouldn't want a better guy in your ear, to assist you through difficult moments and boost confidence.
I believe in Denver's defence, in the QB's grit and calm. But is the team strong enough to face an elite team at its best? Because that wasn't championship-level play from Philadelphia last Sunday.
Right now, I don't think Denver are incredible. They're performing better than most, that's a good place to be in the AFC West. All they need to do is maintain this trajectory.
They excel at embracing their strength, that is the ground game, and this is precisely what they must do versus the Jets at Tottenham. It will likely be the JK Dobbins show, in essence.
New York have surrendered 140 yards on the ground each contest (sixth worst), five rushing touchdowns this season (in the bottom ten), and they are the only team without a win any game.
Since the NFL started recording takeaways decades ago, this team are also the first team to go without any turnovers through five games, this is surprising when you think that their new coach Aaron Glenn a defensive coach at the Detroit Lions.
Patrick Mahomes says Kansas City are off to a poor start following Monday's defeat by the Jaguars.
After the upcoming matchup, Denver have a smooth-ish schedule up to their break (in week 12) - the Giants, the Cowboys, Houston Texans plus the Raiders prior to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Looking at the AFC West, the Chiefs hold a losing record and the Broncos are even with the Chargers at 3-2 meaning they could make a run at leading the division.
This hinges on which form Kansas City shows up they face because Denver {beat|def