NFL playoffs 2018: Biggest difference-maker for each contender

By Ian Wharton | Dec 19, 2018

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 28: Chicago Bears Wide Receiver Anthony Miller (17) runs after catch in the 1st quarter during an NFL football game between the New York Jets and the Chicago Bears on October 28, 2018, at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Daniel Bartel/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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CARSON, CA – NOVEMBER 25: Running back Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs past free safety Antoine Bethea #41 of the Arizona Cardinals in the third quarter at StubHub Center on November 25, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Los Angeles Chargers – Austin Ekeler

Another benefactor of being in a powerful offense with a great quarterback is the Los Angeles Chargers’ running back room. Melvin Gordon has been producing at a high-level, but even his backups are doing well. Third-stringer Justin Jackson has filled in nicely, but he’s no Austin Ekeler.

If Ekeler is out of the concussion protocol for the playoffs, he’s going to be an x-factor. His per-touch efficiency remains at an incredibly high level. He’s one of the premier part-time players in the league.

He’s averaged 5.1 yards per carry and 10.4 yards per catch this season, totaling 900 yards and five touchdowns. There are teams in the playoff hunt not even seeing that level of impact from their starters, let alone their backup. Ekeler’s quickness makes him a nightmare for linebackers and safeties, and he’s patient enough to let blocks develop for him to scurry past.

Defenses must be on high-alert every time he’s on the field, but can’t afford to be due to the depth of playmakers on the Chargers’ offense.

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