Las Vegas Raiders vs Los Angeles Chargers: 3 key matchups in Week 18

Oct 4, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) runs the ball for a touchdown against Las Vegas Raiders safety Trevon Moehrig (25) and cornerback Amik Robertson (21) and defensive back Johnathan Abram (24) during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) runs the ball for a touchdown against Las Vegas Raiders safety Trevon Moehrig (25) and cornerback Amik Robertson (21) and defensive back Johnathan Abram (24) during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 04: Running back Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers rushes against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half at SoFi Stadium on October 4, 2021, in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 04: Running back Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers rushes against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half at SoFi Stadium on October 4, 2021, in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Las Vegas Raiders vs Los Angeles Chargers: 3 key matchups in Week 18

The Raiders defense vs Austin Ekeler

The biggest reason the Chargers were able to pull off a victory and end the Raiders’ undefeated start to the season in Week four was mainly because of the do-it-all running back in Austin Ekekler.

The back rushed for over 100 yards on just 15 carries while adding a touchdown on the ground and through the air as the Raider defense had no answer for the shifty back.

The defense has been shifted heavily lately due to injuries and the emergence of linebackers Denzel Perryman and rookie Divine Deablo.

The onus will be on this defense to not only stop one of the most potent passing attacks in all football but try to combat Ekeler, who poses not only a threat on the ground but through the air.

Look for this Raider defense to not only push itself into the background but also use the speed of their star linebackers to try and keep up with the nearly unstoppable in the dangerous 26-year old back — or at least this is the hope, as Ekeler is a key force and large player in this Charger offense.

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