The Chargers and Packers face off on Sunday as Los Angeles looks to bounce back from their loss to the Lions and get back into the playoff mix.
While Green Bay might be 3-6, they have some players that could pose a challenge for the Bolts.
WR Jayden Reed
The Packers have an explosive playmaker in Reed, who has seven receptions of 30-plus yards this season. Meanwhile, the Chargers have been susceptible to explosive passing plays, as they’ve allowed 38 passes of 20-plus yards, which is tied for the third most in the NFL. Despite being a rookie, Reed has great speed and quickness that must be honed in on.
RB AJ Dillon
The Chargers are a game removed from their worst run-defense performance of the year. I expect them to bounce back, but they will still have to be wary of Dillon, who is playing his best football of the season. In his last five games, Dillon is averaging 4.4 yards per carry and 9.9 yards per reception. Aaron Jones should get more touches, but don’t be surprised if head coach Matt LaFleur leans on Dillon, who had a career-best 40-yard carry last weekend against the Steelers.
OT Zach Tom
The Chargers struggled to generate pressure against the Lions. That will need to change this weekend, but it won’t be easy going up against a Packers offensive line that’s No. 2 in ESPN’s pass block win rate, led by Tom, who has looked like one of the better right tackles in the league. Tom is second in pressure rate allowed for second-year offensive tackles (5.6%). On the opposite side, left tackle Rasheed Walker is tied for fourth (7%).
EDGE Rashan Gary
The Chargers did an excellent job of keeping Justin Herbert clean in the pocket last weekend and as a result, he thrived. They will need to keep it up and prioritize minimizing Gary, who is second behind Browns’ Myles Garrett in pass rush win rate (25.6%). He has 34 pressures and five sacks on 177 pass-rush snaps.
