How these Broncos and the malleable quarterback could stop that Kansas City Chiefs' rule.
Former Buffalo Bills assistant coach Phoebe Schecter serves as a football expert and represents Great Britain's national squad.
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NFL 2025 season: Week six
Live coverage features text commentary of the weekend matchups via various channels, starting with the Broncos-Jets clash in London (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Additionally, audio coverage can be heard on select stations for a separate game (from 21:00 BST).
We're in the sixth week in the NFL season and following recent discussion regarding the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles being possible championship contenders, they both surrendered their perfect starts.
Notable in those games were the amount of penalties each conceded. The Eagles committed them in key moments meaning they essentially beat themselves after leading by two touchdowns entering the final quarter versus Denver, who play overseas this Sunday.
But it was good to observe that Denver's QB the rookie managed to overcome that deficit and then lead three scoring drives on three possessions during the final period, to win the victory 21-17.
Denver boast the top defender with cornerback Pat Surtain II. They rank number one in red zone defence, while the Eagles lead the league in red zone offence, and Denver prevailed in that battle.
They executed effective strategies in terms of disguised blitzes. They weren't necessarily rushing extra defenders but they might position two linebackers in the 'A' gap then drop them out and dispatch a slot defender from the outside.
Early on of the season, we said on a program how the Broncos might emerge as this season's dark horses. They finished last season well and did a good job of building upon that.
Could Denver be this season's underdog story?
Recently acquired tight end Evan Engram has excelled significantly while new running back JK Dobbins is a guy the team trusts. He now ranks 5th in the NFL in ground gains (over 400) and tied for fourth for rushing touchdowns (4).
It's impressive how head coach the Broncos' leader has "RUN IT!" prominently on his call sheet.
This demonstrates that the Broncos are a team aiming to prioritize the run, because you can achieve much off the back of that. It reduces down the pass rush while keeps you in favourable down and distances.
This has helped quarterback Bo Nix, who entered into the league as a first-round selection last year, throwing 29 TDs – just behind Justin Herbert for the rookie record (31 in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert have powerful arms to pass anywhere, but they lack in the same way that Nix has. He has incredible passing ability, which is different, and he's so athletic.
His strengths include his mobility, the capacity to throw on the run, and using different arm angles to deliver throws as he moves outside protection, on rollouts. He is able to deliver precision throws across the middle and over the corner.
For a young quarterback, at 25, he displays a lot of poise under pressure and isn't bothered by extra rushers. He aims to avoid being tackled as much as possible and can throw in tight spots. He has sharp intelligence and is very decisive.
When you constantly run the ball it eats up the clock and forces the defence to be on the field extended periods, and if you have an athletic quarterback the defense must defend the field downfield side to side. It can be draining.
Nix has bitten back with the coach during games at times and I think the coach likes that fire, seeing him as a fierce rival. I think it's exciting for the coach to coach a rookie QB that is kind of like moldable clay. He can truly develop him the way he wants to shape him. I believe it's a unique opportunity for him.
The head coach has won a championship and has passed a legend in all-time victories (173 - tied 14th overall). He's seen everything. I think the achievements Denver are having offensively is mostly down to his guidance, his play-calling, his game sense – and the pairing with Nix aids make him what he is.
There's no better a better guy guiding you, to help you through some of the tougher situations and boost self-belief.
I have faith in the Broncos' defense, in the QB's grit and calm. Yet are they strong enough to go against a top squad at full strength? Since that wasn't championship-level play from Philadelphia last Sunday.
Currently, it's unlikely Denver are elite. They're working better than most, that's a solid position to be in their division. All they need is to continue this trajectory.
They're really good at leaning into their strength, that is running the ball, and that's exactly what they should do versus the New York Jets in London. It will likely be the JK Dobbins show, in essence.
New York have allowed 140 rushing yards per game (sixth worst), five rushing touchdowns this season (in the bottom ten), and they're the only team without a win a game.
Ever since the league began tracking turnovers in 1933, this team are also the first team to be without a single takeaway in five outings, this is kind of shocking when you think that their new coach Aaron Glenn defensive co-ordinator with another team.
Patrick Mahomes stated Kansas City have 'already lost too many games' following a recent loss to Jacksonville.
Following the upcoming matchup, Denver face a manageable slate until their break (in week 12) - the New York Giants, the Cowboys, the Texans plus Las Vegas Raiders prior to the Kansas City Chiefs.
In their division, Kansas City hold a losing record and the Broncos are even with the Los Angeles Chargers on 3-2 meaning they could make a run for the top of the division.
It depends on what version Kansas City shows up they face since Denver {beat|def
