Los Angeles Chargers: Three things that make LA the AFC favorites
By Jason Reed
2. The Los Angeles Chargers have an elite running game
When the playoffs come around running the football becomes extremely important. Controlling the tempo and pace in the postseason is a huge factor in deciding games and the Los Angeles Chargers have the players to do that.
Leading the way is Melvin Gordon, who should be set to go by the time the playoffs get underway. Gordon is arguably a top-three running back in the NFL and has elite playmaking skills in the running and passing game.
Behind him is Austin Ekeler, who is one of the best second running backs in the entire league. And now, the Chargers even have a new weapon in Justin Jackson, who has shown that he can be a nice change of pace in the running or passing game if needed.
Other AFC teams do not have the running game that the Chargers do. The Patriots have Sony Michel, who is not on the level of Gordon. The Chiefs no longer have Kareem Hunt, which has had an obvious impact on the team.
The Steelers don’t have Le’Veon Bell and James Connor should be ready for the postseason but is not elite. The Texans and Ravens can run the ball with their scrambling quarterback but still lack that elite back to turn to when you need two yards on third down.