Comparing the Oakland Raiders offense to the AFC West at each position
By Nick Ellis
Running Back
This position is another one that the AFC West represents well. The Chargers take the top spot here, with Melvin Gordon proving to be one of the best backs in the NFL when healthy, and having Austin Ekeler on the roster doesn’t hurt the Chargers rank either.
The Denver Broncos take the number two spot in the rankings with sophomore backs Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman carrying the rock. Lindsay proved to be not only a starting back in the NFL last season, but breaking 1,000 rushing yards, as well. The Broncos have a solid committee of young backs in their backfield.
Once again, the Raiders finish in third place here. Even though Josh Jacobs has the ability to be the best starting back in this division, he has not proven anything yet, so it is impossible to put him ahead of either the Chargers or Broncos. The Raiders have other backs such as Doug Martin and Jalen Richard helping in the backfield, but that does not push them above the other teams.
The Chiefs finish in last here, even though they have a solid running game every year. Without Kareem Hunt and Spencer Ware, we will see a completely different groups of backs in Kansas City. Damien Williams and Carlos Hyde are capable of having great seasons, but I still place the Raiders ahead of them.