How the Denver Broncos and the malleable QB could stop the Chiefs' dominance.
Former NFL team assistant coach Phoebe Schecter is an NFL pundit who also plays for the UK's national squad.
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Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Real-time updates includes live text of Sunday's games on multiple platforms, starting with Denver Broncos v New York Jets in London (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Additionally, audio coverage is available through designated networks covering another key matchup (beginning at 9 PM BST).
We're in the sixth week of the NFL season , following last week's discussion regarding the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles as a potential Super Bowl match-up, they both lost their unbeaten records.
Notable during those contests were the number of infractions each conceded. The Eagles committed them in key moments so they kind of defeated themselves having led by two touchdowns going into the fourth period versus Denver, set to play in London this weekend.
However it was good to see that Denver's QB Bo Nix was able to overcome that deficit and then direct three scoring drives in three attempts in the fourth quarter, securing the victory 21-17.
The Broncos boast the defensive player of the year in cornerback their star corner. They are first in red zone defence, while the Eagles lead the league in red zone offence, and Denver prevailed in that battle.
They had effective strategies in terms of simulated pressure. They did not always sending more than four defenders instead they might position two linebackers in the 'A' gap before drop them out and dispatch a slot defender from the outside.
Early on in the campaign, we said on a program that the Broncos might emerge as the current year's dark horses. They ended last season well and did a good job of building upon that.
Could Denver be this season's dark horses?
Recently acquired TE their tight end has excelled big while new running back JK Dobbins is a guy the team trusts. He's currently 5th league-wide for rushing yards (over 400) and tied-fourth for rushing touchdowns (4).
It's impressive how the coach the Broncos' leader has "RUSH!" prominently of his playcall sheet.
That shows that the Broncos are a team aiming to run first, since one can do a lot off the back of that. It reduces opposing rushes while keeps you in positive situations.
This has benefited QB the young passer, who entered the NFL as the 12th overall draft pick last year, throwing 29 TDs – second only to Justin Herbert for the rookie record (31 back in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert have the arm strength to throw all over, however they lack the mobility that Nix has. He has exceptional arm talent, a unique trait, and he's highly agile.
His strengths include his mobility, being able to pass on the run, as well as using different arm angles to deliver the pass when he rolls out of the pocket, on rollouts. He can throw precision throws over the middle or over the corner.
For a young quarterback, at 25, he's got great composure in the pocket and isn't really fazed by the blitz. He aims to evade a sack as much as possible and is able throw under pressure. He possesses sharp intelligence and remains quick to decide.
When you constantly run the ball it consumes time and makes the defence to stay in play for longer, and if you've got a mobile QB the defence has to cover the area vertically and horizontally. This proves draining.
The quarterback has bitten back at Payton during games sometimes and it seems Payton appreciates that attitude, seeing him as such a competitor. I think it's fun for him to have a young quarterback who's kind of like moldable clay. He can truly develop him the way he wants to build it. I believe it's a special experience for him.
The head coach has won a Super Bowl and has surpassed a legend in all-time victories (173 - tied 14th overall). He has witnessed it all. In my opinion the achievements the Broncos are having offensively is mostly down to his guidance, his play-calling, his situational awareness – and the pairing with the QB helps make him what he is.
You wouldn't want a better guy guiding you, to assist you during some of the tougher situations and build self-belief.
I have faith in Denver's defence, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. But is the team good enough to face a top squad at full strength? Since that was not a Super Bowl performance from Philadelphia last Sunday.
Currently, it's unlikely the Broncos are incredible. They're performing better than most, that's a good place to be in their division. The key to do is maintain this path.
They excel at embracing their forte, that is running the ball, and that's exactly what they should do against the Jets in London. It will likely be a Dobbins-focused game, essentially.
The Jets have surrendered 140 yards on the ground each contest (sixth worst), five rushing touchdowns so far (10th worst), and they're the only team without a win a game.
Ever since the league started recording turnovers decades ago, the Jets are the first team to go without any turnovers through five games, which is surprising when you think that their new coach was previously a defensive coach at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB stated Kansas City have 'already lost too many games' after a recent loss to Jacksonville.
Following the upcoming matchup, Denver have a smooth-ish schedule up to their bye (in week twelve) - the New York Giants, the Cowboys, the Texans and Las Vegas Raiders before the Chiefs.
Looking at their division, Kansas City are 2-3 and the Broncos are even with the Los Angeles Chargers on 3-2 so they could make a run at leading the division.
This hinges on what version of the Chiefs they meet since Denver {beat|def
