Week 7 features a matchup between two of the AFC’s best teams to begin the season. Decimated by injuries recently, the Chargers were able to get back to their winning ways in Week 6.
Let’s take a look at some key matchups that will decide this weekend’s matchup between the Chargers and Colts.
Jonathan Taylor vs. Chargers run defense
Taylor has established himself as one of the game’s premier backs. Through six weeks, he leads the league with 603 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. Taylor’s been a major reason for the team’s hot 5-1 start and specifically the No. 1 scoring offense in the NFL.
The Chargers’ defense is 21st against the run in 2025 and has allowed an average of 124.2 rushing yards per contest. It’s gotten worse over the last few weeks, though, as the last two running backs have eclipsed 110 rushing yards and averaged 8 yards per carry. With Taylor coming to town, defensive coordinator Jesse Minter must come up with a better game plan against this Colts rushing attack this weekend.
Ladd McConkey vs. Colts secondary
The Chargers seem to have their guy back. After a slow start to the year, McConkey has had stellar back-to-back performances with a total of 12 catches on 16 targets. The Colts’ defense allows 232.8 passing yards per game, just 22nd across the NFL.
The opportunity is there for McConkey to get a touchdown in his third consecutive game, particularly with Quentin Johnston’s availability still up in the air. Keenan Allen is one to keep an eye on as well, as he went for 11 catches and 104 receiving yards in the last meeting between these two sides back in 2022.
DeForest Buckner vs. Chargers interior offensive line
The interior portion of the Chargers’ offensive line has long been documented as the weakness of the group. That doesn’t bode well against a dominant interior force such as Buckner. In that game back in 2022, Buckner wreaked havoc with 1.5 sacks, five total tackles, and a tackle for loss.
The Chargers must limit the impact that the three-time Pro Bowler has in this weekend’s contest because he is the kind of player who can alter the course of a game. To make matters worse, the Chargers’ offensive line has been banged up lately.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers vs. Colts: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 7
