Power ranking the AFC West by position groups

Running Backs

4) Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers have an interesting backfield, but it is simply too premature to know if they’re going to be any good. The team, of course, let Melvin Gordon go this offseason which makes their running back room more unknown than anything. We know that presumptive starter Austin Ekeler is a very good complimentary back – he’s a good pass catcher and a willing blocker. But, can he be the number one guy for a full season? In 2019 he tried, and was okay but not great, but attempted to do so without being the guy through camp. Behind Ekeler is relatively unproven career RB3 Justin Jackson, and 2020 third round pick Joshua Kelley. We’ll see – LA is very much “TBD” at the running back position.

3) Kansas City Chiefs

This may be too low for the defending Super Bowl Champions, but Kansas City has quite a bit riding on the talents of a rookie running back and three relatively unproven rushers behind him. If first round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire is the home run that many believe that he is, then Kansas City could find themselves atop the AFC West running back power rankings by the end of the season. But, for now, the Chiefs simply have no proven commodities at the position.

2) Las Vegas Raiders

Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs is not only the 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year, he’s also the best running back in the AFC West. While it is surprising that they’re rolling with veteran underwhelmer Jalen Richard and rookie (converted) rusher Lynn Bowden, Jr. behind him, Jacobs did enough in year one to prove that he’s a legitimate workhorse, three down back in the NFL. If Bowden, Jr. is the playmaker that general manager Mike Mayock believes he is, Las Vegas could easily be the top rushing back group in the West by midseason.

1) Denver Broncos

For now, the Denver Broncos sit atop these rankings because their running back room features two former Pro Bowlers in a very friendly rushing environment which always seems to produce excellent rushing seasons. Melvin Gordon failed to look the part in 2019, but between injuries and contract disputes, we’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and say his resumé before that is important, too. Phillip Lindsay has two 1,000 yard seasons in two years in the league – he’s proven he’s a quality rusher and should be more efficient with less of a workload in 2020.