After two games, the Los Angeles Chargers lead the NFL by allowing 2.75 yards per rush; excluding six opponent kneel-downs, the average rises to 3.03, still fourth-best. The analysis calls run defense their clearest on-paper edge against Buffalo.
The assessment is based on 63 run-defense snaps. The Chargers stopped four consecutive Las Vegas runs after a turnover put the Raiders at Los Angeles’ 3-yard line, and the writer says the early figures do not appear to be entirely a mirage. Still, the two-game sample is small, and the analysis does not assume the Chargers will stay No. 1 all season.
The writer notes Los Angeles has allowed a few explosive runs to the outside and identifies James Cook as a possible fit for that opening. Buffalo ranked fourth in yards per carry, while Josh Allen was second in passing yards per attempt at 9.7.
