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AFC West positional rankings: Josh Jacobs leads division’s running backs

By Grant Tuttle

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 22: Running back Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders dives for the end zone against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half of their game at Allegiant Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 22: Running back Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders dives for the end zone against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half of their game at Allegiant Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images) /
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MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – NOVEMBER 18: Running back Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers is tackled by free safety Juan Thornhill #22 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quart of the game at Estadio Azteca on November 18, 2019 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images)
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – NOVEMBER 18: Running back Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers is tackled by free safety Juan Thornhill #22 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quart of the game at Estadio Azteca on November 18, 2019 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images) /

4. Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers

#2 Running back: Justin Jackson

Austin Ekeler is a household name and may be considered top-notch in many other divisions. The AFC West is loaded with running back talent. Ekeler is one of the top receiving backs in the NFL. In a passing league, that makes him vitally important to the Chargers offense. Behind Keenan Allen and Justin Herbert, there is no more important piece to the Los Angeles offense.

In 2019, Ekeler finished the season with nearly 1,000 yards receiving. Last year, he did not have the same success due to injury, but still finished the season as one of the top receiving running backs in the league. On the ground he is less of a threat, but has great quickness in the open field.

At the #2 spot, Justin Jackson is a very talented option. With an excellent downhill style of rushing, Jackson is a good power back. With durability and toughness, he offers exactly what you would hope for from your second running back.

The bottom line is that the Chargers will be much more concerned about running their offense through Mike Williams and Allen than the running back position. Herbert had an excellent rookie campaign and will be looking to further that success through the air again this season. The Chargers are a dark horse team and it will be fascinating to see how they utilize the running back position.

Ekeler last season: 116 carries for 530 yards, 4.6 ypc, 1 touchdown. 54 receptions for 403 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Jackson last season: 59 carries for 270 yards, 4.6 ypc. 19 receptions for 173 yards.

Ekeler 2021-2022 prediction: 192 carries for 869 yards, 4.5 ypc. 71 receptions for 791 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Jackson 2021-2022 prediction: 72 carries for 302 yards, 4.1 ypc, 1 touchdown. 15 receptions for 91 yards.

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