Oakland Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers: 3 things we learned in Week 16

CARSON, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 22: DeAndre Washington #33 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates his touchdown run, to take a 21-7 lead over the Los Angeles Chargers, during the third quarter at Dignity Health Sports Park on December 22, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

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CARSON, CA – DECEMBER 22: Wide receiver Hunter Renfrow #13 of the Oakland Raiders scores a touchdown against against Los Angeles Chargers during the first half at Dignity Health Sports Park on December 22, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

Hunter Renfrow is a third down machine

No one could have predicted this statement to ring true but it truly does: Hunter Renfrow is the Raiders’ best receiver right now by a mile. A bold statement for a fifth-round draft pick that does his damage in the slot, but Renfrow’s return to action on Sunday showed how desperately Derek Carr and the Raiders missed his skillset, particularly on third downs.

Against the Chargers, Renfrow was targeted nine times and hauled in seven catches for 107 yards. His longest of the day went for 56 yards on his touchdown reception on the opening drive. But perhaps even more impressive, Renfrow was consistently targeted on third downs by Carr and did his job in helping move the chains.

Another bright spot of this Raiders rookie class, Renfrow has slowly worked his way into becoming a key and vital part of this offense. He came up huge against Los Angeles and he’s proving to be a lethal option in the slot for the Raiders’ future.

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