Ways these Denver Broncos together with their 'play-dough' QB can halt the Chiefs' dominance.
Former NFL team coach an analyst serves as an NFL pundit and represents the UK's national squad.
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Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Real-time updates features live text of the weekend matchups via multiple platforms, starting with Denver Broncos v New York Jets in London (from 14:00 BST). Also, audio coverage is available on designated networks covering another key matchup (beginning at 9 PM BST).
It's week six in the football calendar , after last week's talk about the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles being a potential Super Bowl match-up, they both surrendered their unbeaten records.
Notable in those games were the number of infractions both conceded. The Eagles did so in key moments so they essentially defeated themselves having led 17-3 entering the final quarter versus Denver, set to play in London this Sunday.
But it was positive to see how Denver quarterback Bo Nix was able to overcome that deficit before lead three scoring drives on three possessions in the fourth quarter, to win the game by four points.
Denver have the top defender with cornerback their star corner. They are first in red zone defence, while Philadelphia are number one in red zone offence, yet the Broncos won that contest.
They had effective strategies in terms of simulated pressure. They did not necessarily rushing extra pass rushers but they could plug two LBs in the 'A' gap then withdrawing them and dispatch a nickel off the edge.
Early on in the campaign, it was noted during a show how Denver might emerge as the current year's dark horses. They ended the previous year strongly and did a good job of building upon that.
Are the Denver Broncos this year's dark horses?
New tight end their tight end has stepped up big while recent running back their rusher is a guy they believe in. He now ranks 5th in the NFL in ground gains (402) and tied-fourth for rushing touchdowns (four).
It's impressive that head coach the Broncos' leader displays "RUSH!" prominently on his call sheet.
This demonstrates how Denver are a squad that wants to prioritize the run, because one can do a lot based on that approach. It slows opposing rushes and maintains in favourable down and distances.
This has helped quarterback the young passer, who entered the NFL as the 12th overall draft pick in the prior draft, throwing 29 touchdown passes – just behind a star QB for the rookie record (31 back in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert have powerful arms to pass all over, but they lack in the same way as Nix. He boasts incredible passing ability, which is different, plus he's so athletic.
His assets are his mobility, the capacity to pass while moving, as well as using varied release points to deliver the pass as he moves out of the pocket, on rollouts. He is able to deliver precision throws across the middle or over the corner.
For a young quarterback, at 25, he's got a lot of composure in the pocket and isn't bothered by extra rushers. He tries to evade being tackled whenever possible and is able throw in tight spots. He has a high football IQ and is very decisive.
When you constantly run the ball it consumes the clock and makes the defence to be in play extended periods, and if you've got an athletic quarterback the defence has to defend the field vertically and horizontally. This proves draining.
Nix has pushed back with the coach during games at times and I think Payton likes that fire, seeing him as such a competitor. In my view it's exciting for the coach to coach a young quarterback who's kind of like play-dough. He can really develop him the way he wants to build it. I think it's a unique opportunity for the coach.
Payton has won a championship and now passed a legend for career NFL wins (173, tying for 14th). He has witnessed it all. I think the achievements Denver are experiencing on offence is mostly down to his leadership, his play-calling, his game sense – and the pairing with the QB aids shape him into who he is.
You wouldn't want a better guy in your ear, to assist you through difficult moments and boost self-belief.
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? Since that was not a Super Bowl performance by the Eagles last Sunday.
Currently, it's unlikely Denver are elite. They're working above average, that's a good place to be in the AFC West. The key is to continue this path.
They excel at leaning into their strength, which is running the ball, and that's exactly what they should do versus the New York Jets in London. It's going to be a Dobbins-focused game, in essence.
New York have surrendered 140 rushing yards per game (among the worst), five ground scores this season (10th worst), and they are the only team yet to win any game.
Ever since the league began tracking takeaways in 1933, the Jets are the first team to be without any turnovers in five outings, which is kind of shocking considering that the head coach Aaron Glenn a defensive coach at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB stated the Chiefs are off to a poor start following a recent loss to Jacksonville.
After this Sunday's game, Denver face a smooth-ish schedule until their break (in week twelve) - the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, the Texans plus Las Vegas Raiders prior to the Chiefs.
Looking at their division, Kansas City hold a losing record and the Broncos are tied with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 so they could challenge at leading the division.
It depends upon which form of the Chiefs they face because Denver {beat|def
