Las Vegas Raiders: 3 Chargers players to worry about in Week 18

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 17: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers drops back to pass during the NFL game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chargers defeated the Raiders in overtime 30-27. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 17: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers drops back to pass during the NFL game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chargers defeated the Raiders in overtime 30-27. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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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 /

Las Vegas Raiders: 3 Los Angeles Chargers players to Worry About in Week 18

Austin Ekeler, Running Back

In their Week 4 matchup against the Chargers, the Silver and Black had no answer for Austin Ekeler, who had his best game of the season against their division rival. Ekeler rushed for a season-high 117 yards against this Raiders defense and hauled in three of five targets for 28 yards.

All told, Ekeler found the end zone once on the ground, and once through the air, and was a thorn in the Raiders side all game long. For the season, Ekeler has been a touchdown machine for the Chargers, scoring at least one touchdown in each of the team’s last seven games, including a four-touchdown game against the Pittsburgh Steelers back in Week 11.

Los Angeles is certainly going to utilize Ekeler in this matchup, and he is someone that the Raiders have to stop. This is a defense that is playing at a much higher level than they were in Week 4 and has been outstanding against the run in recent weeks, so containing Ekeler could prove a lot easier than it did back on October 4 of last year.