After a few lackluster games since returning to the Chargers lineup after his holdout due to contract disputes, running back Melvin Gordon is starting to pick things up and display the player that everyone has been anticipating.
The past two games combined, Gordon has rushed for 188 yards on 42 carries (4.4 yards per carry), including three touchdowns. His performance against the Raiders last Thursday marked the first time a Chargers player has rushed for over 100 yards.
Gordon will have an opportunity to have a season-high game, facing a Chiefs run defense that is allowing 148.1 rushing yards per game, which ranks second-worst in the NFL.
Gordon’s first few performances showed a rusty player that had been out of live game action for so long. But since he’s been getting more reps and is getting into a flow, along with the change to the offensive coordinator, it’s all starting to come together for the former Wisconsin product.
Starting out of the backfield, Gordon’s vision has improved significantly. He is quickly diagnosing defenders coming his way and seeing holes that are made for him instead of relying purely on his strength to drive through a pile of scrap.
Along with that, Gordon is running with the grit and toughness that he’s known for, refusing to go down and delivering blows to defenders to keep the play churning.
Going into the Week 11 matchup, expect the offense to rely heavily on pounding the rock with Gordon and Austin Ekeler to exploit the weakness of the Chiefs defense.
If you own Gordon on your fantasy team, start him this week.
