How the Broncos and their malleable quarterback could halt the Chiefs' dominance.
Former Buffalo Bills assistant coach Phoebe Schecter is a football expert who also represents Great Britain's national squad.
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- Half a dozen responses
Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Live coverage includes text commentary for the weekend matchups via various channels, starting with Denver Broncos v New York Jets at Tottenham (from 14:00 BST). Also, audio coverage is available through designated networks for a separate game (beginning at 9 PM BST).
We're in the sixth week of the NFL season , after last week's discussion about two top teams being possible championship contenders, they both surrendered their perfect starts.
Notable in those games was the number of infractions both committed. The Eagles committed them at crucial times meaning they kind of defeated themselves having led 17-3 entering the final quarter against the Denver Broncos, set to play overseas this Sunday.
However it proved good to see that Denver quarterback the rookie was able to have the shortfall before lead three successful possessions on three possessions in the fourth quarter, to win the victory 21-17.
Denver have the defensive player of the year with CB Pat Surtain II. They rank number one in goal-line defense, while the Eagles are number one in scoring near the end zone, yet the Broncos prevailed in that contest.
They had the Eagles' number regarding disguised blitzes. They weren't necessarily rushing extra pass rushers instead they might plug two LBs in the interior then drop them out and dispatch a slot defender off the edge.
At the start of the season, it was noted on a program that Denver might emerge as this season's surprise contenders. They finished last season well and did a good job in continuing that momentum.
Are the Denver Broncos this year's dark horses?
New TE their tight end has stepped up big while recent RB their rusher is a player they believe in. He now ranks fifth league-wide in ground gains (402) and tied-fourth for rushing touchdowns (four).
It's impressive that the coach Sean Payton has "RUN IT!" at the top of his playcall sheet.
That shows how the Broncos represent a squad aiming to prioritize the run, since one can achieve much off the back of that. It reduces opposing rushes while keeps you in positive down and distances.
This has benefited quarterback the young passer, who entered the NFL as a first-round selection in the prior draft, passing for 29 TDs – second only to Justin Herbert in rookie records (31 back in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert possess powerful arms to throw all over, but they don't move the mobility that Nix has. He has incredible arm talent, which is different, and he's highly agile.
His assets are his movement, being able to throw on the run, as well as finding varied release points to make the pass as he moves outside protection, on rollouts. He can deliver precision throws over the middle and past defenders.
As a rookie QB, at 25, he's got a lot of poise under pressure and is not bothered by extra rushers. He tries to evade a sack whenever possible and is able pass in tight spots. He has a high football IQ and is very decisive.
If you consistently rush it consumes time and makes the opponent to be on the field for longer, and when you have a mobile QB the defence must defend the field downfield and horizontally. It can be draining.
Nix has pushed back at Payton during games at times and it seems the coach appreciates that fire, seeing him as a fierce rival. I think it's exciting for the coach to have a rookie QB who's similar to play-dough. He can really build something up the way he wants to build it. I believe it's a unique opportunity for him.
Payton has won a championship and now passed a legend in all-time victories (173, tying for 14th). He has witnessed everything. In my opinion the success Denver are having offensively is largely down to his leadership, his play-calling, his situational awareness – and the pairing with Nix aids shape him into who he is.
There's no better a better guy in your ear, to assist you during some of the tougher situations and build confidence.
I have faith in the Broncos' defense, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. Yet are they strong enough to go against a top squad at its best? Because that was not a Super Bowl performance by the Eagles last Sunday.
Currently, I don't think the Broncos are elite. They're performing above average, which is a good place to hold their division. The key is is maintain this path.
They're really good at embracing their strength, which is running the ball, and this is precisely what they should do against the New York Jets at Tottenham. It's going to be the JK Dobbins show, in essence.
The Jets have allowed 140 rushing yards per game (sixth worst), five rushing touchdowns this season (in the bottom ten), and they are the only team without a win a game.
Since the NFL started recording turnovers in 1933, this team are also the inaugural squad to be without a single takeaway through five games, which is surprising considering that their new coach Aaron Glenn a defensive coach with another team.
Patrick Mahomes stated the Chiefs are off to a poor start after Monday's defeat to Jacksonville.
After this Sunday's game, Denver have a smooth-ish schedule until their break (in week twelve) - the New York Giants, the Cowboys, the Texans plus the Raiders before the Chiefs.
Looking at the AFC West, the Chiefs are 2-3 and the Broncos are even with the Chargers at 3-2 so they could challenge at leading the division.
This hinges upon which form Kansas City shows up they meet since the Broncos {beat|def
