Melvin Gordon posted season-highs in carries (20), total yards (109), TDs (2) and Fantasy Points (25.9 PPR) during the Chargers Week 9 upset of the Packers. In Anthony Lynn’s return to play calling, the Chargers offense ran almost entirely through the backfield. Austin Ekeler did remain involved (16 touches to Gordon’s 23), but this was indeed a positive step for Gordon towards his RB1 ceiling.
Lynn has long been a bellcow breeder. In fact, in 14 years as an RBs or OC, 11 RBs have hit the 1,000 yard threshold. He was intent on reestablishing Gordon and the run here, and the results were clearly positive. The defense got plenty of time to rest with the offense dominating time of possession, the play-action clicked, and the team pulled off a massive upset.
Granted, Green Bay’s awful run-defense (7th most FPs to RBs) certainly assisted. Ekeler also didn’t disappear, and even logged GL attempts (though he was stuffed). But Gordon has to be considered a significant Week 9 Riser. He’s but 4 RB spots to my RB17, alongside the “High-End RB2, Low-End RB1” tier.
