The Chargers will hit the road for their first game away from SoFi Stadium in Week 3.
It will be their toughest test yet as they take on the 2-0 Bills, who have started the season red-hot, scoring 77 points and establishing themselves as one of the league's top rushing units.
Buffalo looks like the team many expect them to be, and the Chargers look like the exact opposite to start the season.
The Chargers may be 0-2, but their run defense appears to be finding its groove.
The Chargers' rushing defense was among the few bright spots in Week 2 against the Raiders, holding them to just 57 rushing yards on 29 carries.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh was pleased with his team's run defense.
"The play of the defensive line, play of Derwin [James], the guys, it
was very good. There was a run wall there," Harbaugh said.
There aren't a ton of things going well for the Chargers; however, the same can't be said for the rushing defense. Through the first two games, the run defense ranks fifth in defensive EPA per play (-0.257).
Pro Football Focus also grades the Chargers' defense at 79.2, and they have only allowed three explosive runs (10-plus yards), which is tied for second in the NFL.
Howver, they are in for a big challenge with Josh Allen and James Cook.
The Bills boast a dynamic and highly productive rushing offense under Joe Brady. Buffalo is averaging 144.5 rushing yards per game, ranking fifth in the NFL.
As a unit, the Bills are averaging 5.1 yards per carry and have totaled 289 rushing yards in the first two weeks.
Cook has picked up right where he left off in 2025, averaging 5.6 yards per attempt. Allen is on track for another MVP season, remaining an elite weapon near the end zone and already rushing for four touchdowns.
It will be a tough battle for the Chargers' run defense, but if they want any shot at a win, containing the Bills' run game will be key.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers' improved run defense gets ultimate test against Bills
