Chargers Rumors: Three bold predictions for the 2017-18 season

2. Melvin Gordon will rush for 1500 yards and 15 touchdowns

This prediction may be bolder than the last, however, it may be even more likely. Melvin Gordon was selected by the Chargers 15th overall in the 2015 NFL Draft. Gordon had a pretty bad rookie year, taking the backseat to fellow rookie, and now Los Angeles native, Todd Gurley. However, Gordon bounced back with a fantastic sophomore year.

Last season Gordon played far better than his rookie self. Gordon ran the ball for 997 yards last season, averaging 3.9 yards per attempt, 76.7 yards per game while scoring ten times. This was far better than his 641 yards and no rushing touchdowns from the year prior. While it is an improvement, can we really make the jump from just under 1000 yards to 1500?

Yes, yes we can. We have previously discussed how Gordon was the biggest winner of the 2017 NFL Draft, not Phillip Rivers. With a revamped line to run behind and much more focus on the passing game, Gordon will be able to thrive in his role. We have all seen his explosive speed and tremendous agility, and now with a great passing offense, teams will be focused elsewhere.

Gordon is going to be the master of yards per attempt next season. Gordon will likely be called on to run the ball around 20 times a game – averaging around 4.7 yards per rush. I know that is a big jump, but with this increased focus on the passing game, Gordon will be able to better utilize his skill set.

We have all seen it first hand, Gordon thrives in games that Phillip Rivers thrives in. Rivers will continually thrive in 2016, and so will Melvin Gordon.