How the Broncos and their 'play-dough' quarterback can halt that Chiefs' reign.

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NFL 2025 season: Week six

Live coverage features live text for the weekend matchups via multiple platforms, starting with the Broncos-Jets clash at Tottenham (from 14:00 BST). Also, audio coverage can be heard on select stations covering another key matchup (beginning at 9 PM BST).

It's week six in the NFL season and following last week's talk regarding the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles as possible championship contenders, each surrendered their perfect starts.

Striking in those games were the number of penalties each committed. Philadelphia did so in key moments so they essentially beat themselves having led by two touchdowns entering the final quarter versus Denver, set to play in London this weekend.

However it proved good to see that Denver quarterback Bo Nix was able to overcome the shortfall and then direct three successful possessions in three attempts in the fourth quarter, to win the victory by four points.

The Broncos have the defensive player of the year in cornerback Pat Surtain II. They rank number one in red zone defence, while Philadelphia lead the league in red zone offence, yet Denver prevailed in that battle.

They executed the Eagles' number regarding simulated pressure. They did not always rushing more than four pass rushers instead they might plug two linebackers in the interior before withdrawing them and send a slot defender from the outside.

At the start in the campaign, we said on a program how Denver could be this season's dark horses. They ended last season well then did a good job of building upon that.

Recently acquired tight end Evan Engram has excelled significantly while recent RB JK Dobbins is a player they believe in. He now ranks 5th league-wide in ground gains (over 400) and tied-fourth in rushing scores (four).

It's impressive that the coach the Broncos' leader displays "RUSH!" at the top on his call sheet.

That shows that Denver are a squad aiming to run first, because you can do a lot off the back of that. It reduces down the pass rush while keeps you in positive down and distances.

This has helped QB Bo Nix, who came into the league as a first-round selection last year, passing for 29 touchdown passes – just behind Justin Herbert in rookie records (31 back in 2020).

Other elite QBs have powerful arms to throw anywhere, however they lack the mobility as Nix. He boasts exceptional passing ability, a unique trait, plus he's so athletic.

His assets are his movement, the capacity to throw on the run, and using varied release points to make throws when he rolls outside protection, on rollouts. He is able to throw that layered pass over the middle and past defenders.

For a young quarterback, at 25, he displays great poise in the pocket and is not bothered by the blitz. He aims to evade a sack as much as possible and is able pass under pressure. He possesses sharp intelligence and remains quick to decide.

When you consistently rush it consumes time and forces the opponent to be in play for longer, and if 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 sometimes and it seems the coach appreciates that attitude, seeing him as such a competitor. I think it's fun for him to coach a rookie QB that is kind of like play-dough. The coach can truly develop him how he wants to build it. I believe it's a unique opportunity for the coach.

The head coach has won a Super Bowl and now passed Bill Parcells for career NFL wins (173 - tied 14th overall). He's seen everything. In my opinion the achievements Denver are experiencing offensively is largely due to his guidance, his schemes, his situational awareness – and the combination with Nix aids make him into who he is.

You wouldn't want a more qualified person in your ear, to help you during difficult moments and build confidence.

I believe in Denver's defence, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. But is the team good enough to face an elite team at full strength? Since that was not championship-level play from Philadelphia in their last game.

Right now, it's unlikely Denver are incredible. They're performing better than most, which is a solid position to hold the AFC West. The key is to continue this path.

They're really good at embracing their strength, that is running the ball, and that's exactly what they should do against the Jets at Tottenham. It will likely be the JK Dobbins show, essentially.

The Jets have surrendered 140 rushing yards per game (sixth worst), five ground scores so far (10th worst), and they're the sole squad yet to win any game.

Ever since the NFL started recording turnovers in 1933, this team are the inaugural squad to go without a single takeaway through five games, this is surprising considering that their new coach Aaron Glenn a defensive coach with another team.

After this Sunday's game, Denver face a smooth-ish schedule up to their break (in week twelve) - the Giants, the Cowboys, Houston Texans plus the Raiders prior to the Chiefs.

Looking at the AFC West, the Chiefs are 2-3 while Denver are even with the Chargers at 3-2 so they could make a run for the top of the division.

This hinges on which form Kansas City shows up they meet since the Broncos {beat|def