5 NFL Stats to Know Through Week 9

Melvin Gordon's 18.6 Fantasy Points Per Game Ranks Second Among Running Backs

Only David Johnson is averaging more standard fantasy points per game than Melvin Gordon, who has racked up more than 12 fantasy points in eight of his nine games this season. Gordon's season-low of 9.70 fantasy points is only 0.10 points less than his best mark last season, when he averaged just 5.4 fantasy points in 14 games.

His -0.02 Rushing NEP per carry through nine games is a significant upgrade over his -0.19 Rushing NEP per play from last year, which was tied for last among the 45 backs with 100 or more carries on the season.

His improved performance, combined with the loss of Danny Woodhead, has led the San Diego Chargers to lean on Gordon this season. His 79.10% market share of his team's carries is more than any other running back. His workload has actually increased over the past three weeks, jumping up to 84.62%, which, of course, still bests any other player at his position.

Gordon ranks third among all running backs with 46.67% of San Diego's redzone opportunities, and he currently leads all players at his position with nine total touchdowns after failing to find the end zone once last season.

He will have a tough test this week against the Miami Dolphins, who have allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing primary running backs this season.