Ways these Denver Broncos and their 'play-dough' quarterback can halt that Chiefs' dominance.
Ex NFL team coach Phoebe Schecter serves as a football expert who also plays for the UK's national squad.
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NFL 2025 season: Week six
Live coverage includes text commentary for Sunday's games via multiple platforms, starting with the Broncos-Jets clash in London (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Also, radio commentary can be heard on select stations for a separate game (beginning at 9 PM BST).
It's week six in the football calendar and following last week's discussion regarding the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles being a potential Super Bowl match-up, each surrendered their unbeaten records.
Notable in those games were the number of infractions each conceded. Philadelphia did so in key moments meaning they essentially beat themselves having led by two touchdowns going into the final quarter versus Denver, who play overseas this Sunday.
However it was good to see how Denver quarterback the rookie managed to have that deficit before direct three scoring drives in three attempts in the fourth quarter, securing the game 21-17.
The Broncos boast the defensive player of the year in CB their star corner. They rank number one in goal-line defense, whereas the Eagles lead the league in red zone offence, yet Denver won that contest.
They had the Eagles' number regarding simulated pressure. They did not always rushing more than four defenders instead they could position two LBs in the interior then withdrawing them and dispatch a nickel off the edge.
At the start of the season, it was noted during a show how Denver might emerge as the current year's dark horses. They ended last season well then did a good job in continuing that momentum.
Are the Denver Broncos this year's dark horses?
Recently acquired tight end Evan Engram has excelled big while new RB JK Dobbins is a guy the team trusts. He's currently 5th in the NFL for rushing yards (over 400) and tied-fourth in rushing scores (4).
I love how the coach Sean Payton displays "RUN IT!" at the top on his call sheet.
This demonstrates how the Broncos represent a team aiming to run first, since you can do a lot based on that approach. It slows down the pass rush while keeps you in positive situations.
It's also benefited QB Bo Nix, who entered into the league as the 12th overall draft pick last year, throwing 29 touchdown passes – just behind a star QB for the rookie record (31 in 2020).
Other elite QBs have powerful arms to pass all over, but they lack the mobility that Nix has. He boasts exceptional passing ability, which is different, and he is so athletic.
His strengths are his movement, being able to throw while moving, as well as finding different arm angles to deliver throws when he rolls out of the pocket, on rollouts. He is able to deliver that layered pass across the middle or past defenders.
For a young quarterback, aged 25, he's got a lot of composure under pressure and isn't bothered by extra rushers. He aims to evade being tackled as much as possible and can pass under pressure. He possesses a high football IQ and is very decisive.
When you consistently run the ball it eats up the clock and forces the opponent to be in play extended periods, and when you've got a mobile QB the defence must defend the field downfield and horizontally. This proves exhausting.
Nix has pushed back at Payton on the sideline sometimes and I think Payton likes that fire, seeing him as such a competitor. I think it's exciting for him to have a rookie QB that is similar to moldable clay. He can truly build something up how he desires to build it. I believe it's a special experience for the coach.
Payton has won a Super Bowl and now passed a legend for career NFL wins (173, tying for 14th). He has witnessed it all. I think the achievements the Broncos are experiencing on offence is largely due to his guidance, his schemes, his situational awareness – and the combination with the QB helps make him into who he is.
There's no better a better guy guiding you, to help you through some of the tougher situations and boost confidence.
I believe in Denver's defence, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. Yet is the team strong enough to go against a top squad at full strength? Since that wasn't championship-level play by the Eagles in their last game.
Right now, it's unlikely the Broncos are elite. They're working better than most, which is a solid position to be in their division. All they need to do is maintain this trajectory.
They excel at leaning into their forte, which is running the ball, and that's exactly what they should do against the Jets at Tottenham. It will likely be a Dobbins-focused game, 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 a game.
Since the NFL started recording takeaways in 1933, this team are also the inaugural squad to be without any turnovers in five outings, which is surprising considering that the head coach was previously defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB stated the Chiefs are off to a poor start after a recent loss by the Jaguars.
After the upcoming matchup, the Broncos have a manageable slate until their break (in week 12) - the New York Giants, the Cowboys, Houston Texans and Las Vegas Raiders before the Chiefs.
Looking at the AFC West, the Chiefs are 2-3 while Denver are tied with the Chargers at 3-2 meaning they could make a run for the top of the division.
This hinges on which form Kansas City shows up they face since the Broncos {beat|def