How these Broncos and the 'play-dough' quarterback can stop that Kansas City Chiefs' rule.
Ex Buffalo Bills assistant 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 features text commentary of Sunday's games via multiple platforms, beginning with Denver Broncos v New York Jets at Tottenham (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Also, radio commentary is available through select stations for another key matchup (from 21:00 BST).
We're in the sixth week in the football calendar and after last week's discussion regarding two top teams being a potential Super Bowl match-up, they both surrendered their unbeaten records.
Notable in those games was the amount of infractions each conceded. Philadelphia did so in key moments so they kind of defeated themselves after leading 17-3 going into the final quarter versus Denver, set to play overseas this weekend.
However it was positive to see that Denver's QB Bo Nix was able to have that deficit before lead three scoring drives on three possessions during the final period, to win the victory 21-17.
Denver boast the top defender in CB their star corner. They are number one in red zone defence, while the Eagles lead the league in red zone offence, yet the Broncos won that battle.
They had effective strategies in terms of disguised blitzes. They weren't necessarily rushing more than four pass rushers but they could plug two linebackers in the 'A' gap then drop them out and send a slot defender off the edge.
At the start in the campaign, it was noted during a show how Denver might emerge as this season's surprise contenders. They ended last season well then excelled of building upon that.
Are the Denver Broncos this season's dark horses?
Recently acquired TE Evan Engram has stepped up significantly and new running back JK Dobbins is a guy the team trusts. He now ranks 5th in the NFL for rushing yards (402) and tied for fourth for rushing touchdowns (four).
I love that the coach Sean Payton has "RUSH!" prominently of his playcall sheet.
This demonstrates how Denver represent a team aiming to prioritize the run, since one can achieve much based on that approach. It reduces down the pass rush and maintains in favourable situations.
It's also benefited quarterback Bo Nix, who entered into the league as a first-round selection last year, throwing 29 TDs – second only to Justin Herbert for the rookie record (31 in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert possess the arm strength to throw all over, but they lack the mobility as Nix. He boasts exceptional arm talent, which is different, plus he is so athletic.
His strengths are his movement, being able to throw on the run, and finding different arm angles to deliver throws as he moves out of the pocket, the bootlegs. He is able to throw that layered pass over the middle or over the corner.
For a young quarterback, aged 25, he displays a lot of composure under pressure and isn't bothered by extra rushers. He aims to avoid a sack as much as possible and can pass in tight spots. He has sharp intelligence and is quick to decide.
When you constantly rush it consumes time and makes the defence to be in play extended periods, and if you have a mobile QB the defense must cover the field downfield and horizontally. This proves draining.
The quarterback has bitten back at Payton on the sideline at times and I think Payton likes that fire, seeing him as a fierce rival. I think it's fun for him to coach a rookie QB that is similar to play-dough. The coach can truly build something up how he desires to build it. I believe it's a special experience for the coach.
Payton owns a Super Bowl and has surpassed Bill Parcells in all-time victories (173 - tied 14th overall). He's seen everything. In my opinion the success Denver are experiencing on offence is largely down to his leadership, his schemes, his situational awareness – and the pairing with the QB helps make him into who he is.
You wouldn't want a better guy in your ear, to assist you during some of the tougher situations and boost self-belief.
I believe in Denver's defence, in the QB's grit and calm. But are they strong enough to face an elite team at its best? Since that wasn't a Super Bowl performance by the Eagles last Sunday.
Right now, it's unlikely Denver are elite. They're working above average, that's a good place to be in their division. All they need to do is maintain this trajectory.
They're really good at leaning into their forte, that is running the ball, and this is exactly what they should do versus the Jets at Tottenham. It's going to be the JK Dobbins show, in essence.
The Jets have surrendered 140 rushing yards per game (among the worst), five ground scores so far (in the bottom ten), and they are the only team without a win any game.
Ever since the NFL started recording turnovers in 1933, the Jets are the first team to be without a single takeaway through five games, this is surprising when you think that the head coach was previously defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.
Patrick Mahomes says the Chiefs are off to a poor start following Monday's defeat by the Jaguars.
Following the upcoming matchup, Denver face a smooth-ish schedule up to their bye (in week twelve) - the Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans and Las Vegas Raiders prior to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Looking at the AFC West, Kansas City hold a losing record while Denver are tied with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 so they could make a run for the top of the West.
It depends upon which form of the Chiefs they meet since the Broncos {beat|def
