Las Vegas Raiders X-Factors against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4

2 of 3

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 26: Bryan Edwards #89 of the Las Vegas Raiders reacts during overtime as Jevon Holland #8 of the Miami Dolphins looks on at Allegiant Stadium on September 26, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images) /

Las Vegas Raiders X-Factors against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4

Offense

Peyton Barber

This solely depends on the health of Josh Jacobs, who is a game-time decision but is expected to suit up (barring a last-minute setback). Even with Jacobs back in the rotation, Las Vegas could run with a deep running back committee with Jacobs, Kenyan Drake, and Barber. If that proves to be the case, then Barber could be just as impactful to the running game.

The Achilles heel for the Chargers’ defense has been the run game: Los Angeles is last in yards allowed per rush as well as last in rushing yards per game. Even with Jacobs back, Barber (who sparked the rushing game last week with 111 yards and a touchdown) can help make the Chargers pay on the ground.

Bryan Edwards

One of the keys to the Raiders’ stellar passing attack has been Carr’s ability to spread the ball around to each offensive unit. For the receiving corps, in particular, it’s been a mix of Henry Ruggs III, Hunter Renfrow, and Bryan Edwards making the opposing secondary pay. Spreading the ball around has kept defenses on their toes, and it will be another sound strategy come Monday night.

While Ruggs remains a threat deep and Renfrow is lethal with his route running from the slot, look for Edwards to be the x-factor in making the Chargers’ secondary pay with chunk yardage gains downfield. Edwards led all Raiders receivers last week with 89 yards, and it’s not too far-fetched to see him build on that performance against the Chargers.

Home/Las Vegas Raiders News