LA Chargers: Ranking the offenses in the AFC West by position
Running Back
- Broncos: Phillip Lindsay, Melvin Gordon
- Raiders-: Josh Jacobs, Jalen Richard
- Chargers: Austin Ekeler, Justin Jackson, Joshua Kelley
- Chiefs: Damien Williams, Clyde Edwards-Helaire
Running back might be the closest position on this list. Truly, there’s not a lot that separates the teams from each other. The Broncos earned the number one spot for me because they have two running backs that could probably be solid starters on a team, despite Gordon’s decline last year.
The Raiders have to be two after the emergence of Jacobs last year. If he can stay healthy for 16 games, he and Richard are a nice rushing/receiving duo.
The main reason the LA Chargers are at three is the lack of a lead running back who’s played all 16 games before. Jackson was also hurt last year. While Ekeler, Jackson, and Kelley is a nice tandem, 2020 will be a test as to whether Ekeler can be a lead back over the course of a season.
If Ekeler can average something like 4.2-4.6 yards per carry over 16 games, the Chargers might vault themselves into having the best group in the division.
The Chiefs have the least talent from a rushing standpoint, but it doesn’t matter given the fact they use their running backs more in the passing game anyway. Edwards-Helaire was an unexpected first-round pick, as it felt like they were going to go defense. Don’t be surprised if he plays a big role in his first season.
Ultimately, all four teams have strong cases for having the best running back group in the division. I’d give it to the Broncos by a hair, but it’ll be interesting to see which running backs take it to another level in 2020.