‘MNF’ preview: Chargers eye pivotal win against streaking Jets

The Los Angeles Chargers (3-4) aim to start a winning streak on “Monday Night Football,” while the New York Jets (4-3) attempt to extend their own. Here’s what to watch for each in a matchup where early playoff implications are on the line. 

When the Chargers are on offense

Can the running game finally gather momentum?: The Chargers have had trouble running the ball all season, and while RB Austin Ekeler missing three games with an injury exacerbated the problem, his re-entry into the lineup hasn’t made much of a difference either. 

Los Angeles is averaging 82 rushing yards per game following Ekeler’s return in Week 6, the sixth-worst mark in the NFL since then.

For as stout as the Jets defense is, it has been the second-worst unit at defending the run (144.9 rushing yards allowed per game), so Ekeler has a chance to turn things around on Monday. 

The Jets have conceded over 200 rushing yards in a game twice this season, including to a Giants team that refused to throw the ball last week. 

WR Keenan Allen closing in on a milestone: Allen needs just 70 receiving yards to become the 54th player all-time to reach the 10,000-yard career receiving mark. Given that the Jets have the third-best pass defense in the NFL, as long as Allen has a typical game by this season’s standards, he should be able to achieve the feat. 

The five-time Pro Bowler is averaging 91.9 receiving yards per game this season, a career-high and the eighth-most in the league. 

An important spot for WR Quentin Johnston: The already undermanned Chargers receiving corps took another hit as Joshua Palmer, who ranks second on the team in receptions (23) and yards (377), has been ruled out with a knee injury. 

Palmer’s absence provides an opportunity for Los Angeles’ first-round pick Johnston to build on the most impressive outing of his young career. Johnston has underwhelmed as a rookie, catching only 12 passes for 114 yards, but was solid last week with his most extensive playing time yet, posting 50 yards on five receptions. 

LB Quincy Williams strives to continue his dominant play from October: Williams, brother of Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, has emerged as a star in his own right and has been instrumental to New York’s current three-game winning streak. 

Over his last four games, Williams registered 45 tackles, six for loss, two sacks and a forced fumble, which earned him AFC Defensive Player of the Month honors for October. 

Considering the Chargers offense averages the seventh-most yards per game (362.4), Williams faces a formidable task as he looks to build on October’s success.

When the Jets are on offense

Can QB Zach Wilson keep playing well enough to succeed?: Despite averaging 191 passing yards per game and guiding an offense that ranks as the sixth-worst scoring unit, Wilson is doing enough to help the Jets survive. 

It hasn’t been pretty as New York punted 11 times in last week’s overtime win against the Giants, though Wilson was sharp in the clutch, delivering consecutive 29-yard strikes to set up the game-tying field goal as time expired.

The late-game heroics are encouraging to see from the former No. 2 overall draft pick, but facing a team with an explosive offense, the Jets will need Wilson to be efficient and mistake-free to win.

Will RB Breece Hall remain a receiving threat?: After being taken off a snap count entering Week 5, Hall appears to be back to his rookie-year form, racking up 380 all-purpose yards and three total touchdowns in his last three games. 

Although injuries to the offensive line and difficult matchups have limited Hall to averaging 28 rushing yards in his last two contests, he’s been effective as a pass-catcher, amassing 130 receiving yards in that time. 

Hall may struggle on the ground since the Chargers have improved their run defense this season and have surrendered the sixth-fewest rushing yards per game (93.43). 

However, the second-year tailback could continue to be a threat in the receiving game. Los Angeles has allowed 384 receiving yards to running backs, the fifth-most among teams entering Week 9. 

Offensive line gaining strength: The Jets have dealt with a number of significant injuries this season, and as much as QB Aaron Rodgers was the most notable loss, the offensive line has been severely affected by various ailments. 

Even though center Connor McGovern and guard Wes Schweitzer were placed on injured reserve Tuesday, the O-line is getting a boost with Laken Tomlinson and Joe Tippmann expected to play on Monday. 

The two interior linemen were listed on the injury report with hamstring and quad issues, respectively. Tippmann’s availability is of particular importance for the Jets, as the rookie has been one of New York’s better run blockers this season.

But will the reinforcements be enough to withstand an aggressive pass rush?: While the Jets offensive line is getting help, it doesn’t mean that its issues will suddenly be resolved. The unit has allowed 24 sacks this season, with 13 coming over the last three games. 

The Chargers have registered 23 sacks on the year, 13 of which were generated by the pass-rushing trio of Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu.