Ways these Broncos and their flexible quarterback could stop the Chiefs' rule.
Former Buffalo Bills assistant coach Phoebe Schecter is an NFL pundit and represents the UK's flag football team.
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NFL 2025 season: Week six
Live coverage includes live text of the weekend matchups on multiple platforms, beginning with the Broncos-Jets clash at Tottenham (from 14:00 BST). Also, radio commentary can be heard through select stations for a separate game (from 21:00 BST).
We're in the sixth week in the NFL season , following recent talk about the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles being a potential Super Bowl match-up, they both surrendered their unbeaten records.
Striking during those contests were the amount of penalties each conceded. Philadelphia did so at crucial times so they essentially defeated themselves after leading 17-3 going into the final quarter against Denver, set to play in London this Sunday.
But it proved good to observe how Denver quarterback Bo Nix managed to overcome the shortfall and then direct three successful possessions in three attempts during the final period, securing the game by four points.
The Broncos boast the top defender with cornerback Pat Surtain II. They rank first in goal-line defense, whereas the Eagles are number one in red zone offence, yet the Broncos prevailed in that battle.
They had the Eagles' number regarding simulated pressure. They did not necessarily rushing more than four defenders but they could position two linebackers in the 'A' gap before drop them out and send a nickel from the outside.
Early on of the season, it was noted during a show how Denver could be this season's dark horses. They finished the previous year well and did a good job in continuing that momentum.
Could Denver be this year's underdog story?
Recently acquired tight end Evan Engram has excelled big and new RB JK Dobbins is a player they believe in. He's currently fifth in the NFL in ground gains (over 400) as well as tied for fourth in rushing scores (four).
It's impressive how head coach the Broncos' leader displays "RUN IT!" at the top of his playcall sheet.
That shows how Denver are a team aiming to run first, since one can achieve much based on that approach. It reduces down the pass rush and maintains in favourable situations.
This has helped QB Bo Nix, who came into the league as a first-round selection last year, passing for 29 TDs – second only to Justin Herbert for the rookie record (31 in 2020).
Other elite QBs have powerful arms to pass all over, but they lack in the same way as Nix. He has exceptional arm talent, a unique trait, plus he's highly agile.
His strengths include his movement, being able to throw on the run, as well as using varied release points to deliver the pass as he moves out of the pocket, the bootlegs. He can throw precision throws across the middle or past defenders.
As a rookie QB, aged 25, he's got great poise in the pocket and is not really fazed by extra rushers. He tries to avoid being tackled as much as possible and can throw in tight spots. He has sharp intelligence and remains quick to decide.
When you consistently run the ball it consumes the clock and makes the defence to stay on the field extended periods, and when you have a mobile QB the defence must defend the field vertically and horizontally. It can be draining.
Nix has bitten back at Payton during games at times and I think Payton likes that attitude, seeing him as such a competitor. I think it's fun for the coach to have a young quarterback that is kind of like play-dough. He can truly build something up how he desires to shape him. I believe it's a unique opportunity for him.
Payton has won a Super Bowl and now passed Bill Parcells in all-time victories (173 - tied 14th overall). He has witnessed everything. I think the success the Broncos are experiencing offensively is largely down to his guidance, his schemes, his situational awareness – and the pairing with Nix helps make him into who he is.
There's no better a better guy guiding you, to assist you through difficult moments and boost confidence.
I believe in the Broncos' defense, in the QB's grit and calm. Yet are they strong enough to go against an elite team at its best? Since that was not championship-level play by the Eagles in their last game.
Currently, I don't think Denver are elite. They're performing above average, that's a good place to hold the AFC West. All they need to do to continue this trajectory.
They excel at embracing their strength, which is the ground game, and this is 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 (among the worst), five ground scores this season (in the bottom ten), and they are the sole squad yet to win any game.
Since the league started recording turnovers decades ago, the Jets are the first team to go without a single takeaway through five games, this is surprising considering that the head coach was previously defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB says the Chiefs have 'already lost too many games' following a recent loss by the Jaguars.
After the upcoming matchup, the Broncos have a smooth-ish schedule up to their bye (in week 12) - the New York Giants, the Cowboys, Houston Texans plus Las Vegas Raiders prior to the Chiefs.
Looking at the AFC West, the Chiefs hold a losing record and the Broncos are tied with the Chargers at 3-2 meaning they could make a run at leading the West.
This hinges upon which form of the Chiefs they face because Denver {beat|def
