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Yahoo Sports NFL fantasy football takes on Justin Herbert
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Yahoo Sports NFL about Justin Herbert.
80
Insights
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Positive
61
Negative
Insight ledger
All Yahoo Sports NFL insights about Justin Herbert
NegativeMatchupSep 22, 2026
Herbert faced significant pressure from the Raiders' defense in Week 2, particularly from Dean's pass-rush stunts and blitzes. On one play, Dean's hands in coverage forced Herbert off his third option in the progression, forcing a scramble for minimal gain on second-and-long. On another, a Dean-Laulu stunt with poor offensive line communication resulted in a quarterback hit. The source also notes Herbert dumped off to Ladd McConkey on a checkdown that Dean tackled for a stop, keeping the Chargers behind the sticks late in the game.NegativeProjectionSep 22, 2026
Herbert looks lost and angrier than he has ever been at the helm of a flat offense; he had three fumbles (all recovered) and two interceptions in Week 2, though one was due to a dropped pass by tight end David Njoku. The source notes that under new coordinator Mike McDaniel, Herbert looks almost unrecognizable despite the offense being supposed to elevate the team into a championship contender.NegativeBustSep 22, 2026
Through two weeks of the 2026 season, Herbert has laid two massive eggs: two touchdowns to three interceptions, completing just 59 percent of his passes, and ranking 27th in EPA per play despite the Chargers being gifted two games against teams they were expected to beat. In Week 1, he completed just over 60 percent for one touchdown and one interception against Arizona (9.5-point favorites); in Week 2 against Vegas, the offense had eight drives of six plays or fewer, all ending in punts or turnovers.NegativeProjectionSep 22, 2026
Herbert has been mediocre since 2022; since that year, among all quarterbacks to play 250+ snaps, he has a 0.03 EPA per play—the same mark as C.J. Stroud and Michael Penix. While fourth in yards and eighth in touchdown passes, he has missed the playoffs as many times as he's made them and is statistically one of the worst playoff quarterbacks of the last 25 years.NegativeProjectionSep 22, 2026
Herbert continues to receive national media excuses despite poor performance; the Chargers rank 25th and their AFC West offseason crown was short-lived.NegativeProjectionSep 22, 2026
Herbert has struggled during the Chargers' 0-2 start, leading the betting market to lose faith in Los Angeles; the Chargers have lost their second game in a row as a favorite of a touchdown or more in Week 2, with the Bills line moving from -3 at opening to -7 by Week 3, reflecting the Chargers as the NFL's biggest disappointment through two weeks.NegativeProjectionSep 22, 2026
Justin Herbert and offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel have been complete disasters together for the Chargers; the source expresses serious concern about their pairing and suggests without a complete 180 soon, the team will face calls for changes heading into the offseason.NegativeProjectionSep 22, 2026
Herbert has struggled early in the season with two touchdowns and three interceptions through two weeks. One interception came on a dropped pass that was batted in the air, but the overall performance has been disappointing as offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has not transformed the offense as expected.NegativeMatchupSep 21, 2026
The source notes that the Bills-Chargers matchup should feature plenty of fireworks by quarterbacks Josh Allen and Justin Herbert, though the Chargers' offensive injuries may limit his pass-catching options.NegativeProjectionSep 21, 2026
Through two games under Jim Harbaugh and Mike McDaniel, Herbert already looks January-level flustered. The source attributes this to offensive dysfunction stemming from potential conflict between Harbaugh's fundamental approach and McDaniel's flash-heavy scheme, resulting in a clunky, dysfunctional offense despite preseason hype about McDaniel unlocking the quarterback's potential.NegativeMatchupSep 21, 2026
Chargers quarterback threw two interceptions to rookie cornerback Hezekiah Masses in Week 2 loss to the Raiders; obliged the rookie's confidence by targeting him, resulting in first-quarter bobble interception and fourth-quarter stepping-in-front interception.NegativeProjectionSep 21, 2026
Justin Herbert appears to be regressing at this stage of his career; the source notes he looks emotional on the field and the Chargers have fallen to 0-2 after losses to the Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders. The source suggests expectations may be getting to him, and his early-season struggles raise concerns about his trajectory despite being in the prime of his career.NegativeUsageSep 21, 2026
Through two games, Herbert has thrown three interceptions and the Chargers sit at -4 in turnover margin, with Herbert's ball security and decision-making contributing to the team's offensive dysfunction and inability to move the ball consistently.PositiveProjectionSep 21, 2026
Herbert has been a focal point of league expectations to 'level up' for half a decade, but the Chargers' offensive struggles through two games suggest those projections remain unfulfilled. The source notes Herbert is 0-3 in the playoffs and that McDaniel's complex schemes rely on quick ball release; Herbert's 2025 release time stands at 2.8 seconds (32nd among NFL QBs), barely improved from the preseason target of 2.4 seconds despite McDaniel's offensive design being predicated on faster releases.NegativeMatchupSep 21, 2026
Herbert finished with 192 passing yards, two interceptions, one touchdown, and a 59.5 passer rating against the Raiders defense in Week 2; the source notes the Chargers were favored at -6.5 and this was supposed to be a get-right game for his offense, but the Raiders defense dominated him with three sacks, two interceptions, and forced multiple turnovers.NegativeProjectionSep 21, 2026
Justin Herbert and the Chargers face a dire schedule outlook after an 0-2 home start with identical 26-14 losses to the Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders. Six of their next seven games come against playoff teams from last season, with only the 2-0 Kansas City Chiefs (who were in the Super Bowl in Feb. 2025) as a potential exception. The Chargers have a two-game road trip against undefeated Buffalo Bills and defending champion Seattle Seahawks, followed by games against Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, Houston Texans, and Baltimore Ravens. The source warns there's a good chance the Chargers won't be favored in any of these games, and if they lose all of them, they'd finish 0-9, effectively ending their season by midyear.NegativeProjectionSep 21, 2026
Herbert has completed 59.3% of his throws with two touchdowns and three interceptions while being sacked six times through a 0-2 start to the 2026 season, continuing a pattern of poor performance that includes a dud playoff game last January.NegativeProjectionSep 21, 2026
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has underperformed through two games under new coordinator Mike McDaniel, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns. The offense ranks 28th in the NFL in points per game, well below expectations for a team that was supposed to take a step forward with McDaniel's arrival.NegativeProjectionSep 21, 2026
Justin Herbert has gone through a significant regression this season with the Chargers. The offensive personnel isn't comfortable with all the wrinkles that offensive coordinator McDaniel has installed, and nobody is playing relaxed, natural football. The Chargers are 0-2 and face a brutal schedule ahead (Bills, Seahawks, Broncos, Chiefs, Rams, Texans, Ravens) with few winnable games based on how the team is playing.NegativeRoleSep 21, 2026
Herbert is being placed in overcomplicated offensive schemes under McDaniel, including poor play-calling decisions such as lining him up in shotgun on third-and-inches with motion that resulted in a snap hitting receiver Tre' Harris instead of Herbert, losing five yards and prompting visible frustration from the quarterback.NegativeProjectionSep 21, 2026
Through two games under Mike McDaniel's offense, Herbert has thrown for just 401 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions (one bounced off David Njoku's hands), marking a significant underperformance relative to expectations for an All-Pro quarterback in his fifth offensive coordinator change in seven seasons.NegativeMatchupSep 21, 2026
Chargers quarterback threw two interceptions to Raiders cornerback Hezekiah Masses in Week 2 loss; faced overwhelming offensive line issues with three sacks allowed and 54.8% pressure rate per Next Gen Stats.NegativeRoleSep 21, 2026
The source identifies recurring issues with Herbert's supporting cast and coaching: tight end David Njoku bobbled a catch on an underthrown ball turning it into an interception; receivers dropped passes; key members of the offensive line and receiving corps suffer season-ending injuries annually, leaving him exposed. Jim Harbaugh has yet to win a playoff game with the team, and new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, despite a reputation as a schematic whiz, has overseen a sputtering Chargers offense. The source concludes that while Herbert must shoulder blame, 'the very best quarterbacks find a way to win even when the pocket collapses,' implying Herbert has not met that standard.NegativeProjectionSep 21, 2026
Herbert completed 15 of 27 passes for a touchdown and two interceptions with three sacks in a 26-14 loss to the Raiders; he averaged 7.1 yards per attempt compared to Kirk Cousins' 8.7 yards per attempt. The source notes Herbert has been labeled 'the quarterback of tomorrow' his entire NFL career despite being the sixth overall pick in 2020, yet consistency remains elusive and he is 0-3 in the playoffs. The Chargers are now 0-2 on the year, and the source states 'to recover, they'll need Herbert to be Superman' but questions whether he can deliver that level of performance.NegativeProjectionSep 20, 2026
Herbert finished 15-of-27 for 192 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in the Chargers' 26-14 loss to the Raiders; he had three of the Chargers' six fumbles on the day, though the team did not lose possession on any of them.NegativeRoleSep 20, 2026
Herbert and the Chargers offense struggled to establish rhythm and consistently move the football despite an offensive overhaul with high expectations; the source notes Herbert was unable to hide his frustration after a botched snap on third-and-inches when the offense sent Tre' Harris in motion from right to left, snapping the ball at the precise moment the receiver was between center and quarterback, causing the snap to bounce off Harris' knee and forcing Herbert to pounce on the loose ball.NegativeProjectionSep 20, 2026
Herbert had another rough game in the Chargers' 26-14 loss to the Raiders, throwing two interceptions in a putrid offensive performance at home. His struggles continue into Week 2 after a similarly poor Week 1 home loss to the Cardinals, raising concerns about his early-season form and the Chargers' offensive execution.NegativeProjectionSep 20, 2026
Herbert has been very disappointing to start the season, throwing two interceptions in the Chargers' Week 2 loss to the Raiders. The source notes that Los Angeles' offense hasn't taken off with Mike McDaniel at coordinator as expected, and the Chargers are 0-2 after being clear favorites in each home game.NegativeProjectionSep 20, 2026
Herbert is 7-of-15 passing for 79 yards with one interception through the first half, completing 47% of his passes with inefficient production; his interception came off a receiver's hands.NegativeMatchupSep 20, 2026
Justin Herbert and the Chargers enter Week 2 in a must-win situation after a Week 1 loss to the Cardinals, facing the Raiders who are coming off a win over the Dolphins. The source notes that teams starting 0-2 have only about a 10 percent chance of making the postseason, making this game critical for the Chargers' playoff hopes.NegativeProjectionSep 19, 2026
Herbert was expected to return to video game numbers like 2020-2022 under Mike McDaniel, but the Week 1 loss to Arizona has cast doubt on that projection. Michael Peterson notes Herbert had as many super productive seasons as fairly average ones, and while he normally takes care of what he can control, the interception against the Cardinals was uncharacteristic and concerning; if more games like Sunday stack up, fan support may fade faster than expected.NegativeProjectionSep 19, 2026
Herbert was sacked three times in the Chargers' Week 1 loss to Arizona, a 26-14 defeat where the newly unveiled Mike McDaniel offense failed to generate real traction; the source notes this as part of the Chargers' poor opening performance that necessitates an urgent reset.NegativeRoleSep 19, 2026
Herbert's veteran experience helps the Chargers' offense despite the loss of center Tyler Biadasz; Jim Harbaugh indicated that Herbert now calls the team's protections, which is a departure from the typical Shanahan coaching tree approach where the center sets protection to take that responsibility off the quarterback.NegativeProjectionSep 19, 2026
Herbert completed 17 of 27 passes for 207 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Week 1 loss to Arizona; never looked fully comfortable and the source notes the offense must show urgency and improvement in Week 2 against Las Vegas.NegativeMatchupSep 19, 2026
Herbert threw for 209 yards, one touchdown, and one interception against Arizona; the source notes the Chargers' offensive line wasn't sharp, allowing lots of pressure on Herbert and forcing him to alter his launch points frequently. Against the Raiders' defensive line featuring Maxx Crosby and others, Herbert faces a defense that tallied five sacks against Miami using twists, stunts, and blitzes—a weakness the Chargers' offensive line struggled to pick up.PositiveMatchupSep 18, 2026
Herbert has done fairly well against the Raiders all-time in 11 matchups, going 8-3 overall while connecting on 255 of 390 passes for 2,909 yards and 22 touchdowns to just three interceptions. He has been sacked 22 times by the Raiders, however, making the Raiders' pass rush a key factor in this Week 2 divisional matchup.NegativeProjectionSep 18, 2026
Herbert, the sixth overall pick of the 2020 draft, had a rough Week 1 outing against Arizona, finishing 17 of 27 for 209 yards with one touchdown pass and one interception while getting sacked three times. The 28-year-old, 6-foot-6, 236-pound quarterback was rattled as the game progressed. Head coach Jim Harbaugh has said numerous times Herbert is the engine that drives the Chargers and a rebound game is a must.NegativeProjectionSep 18, 2026
Herbert's Week 1 performance against Arizona was a mixed bag leaning toward the wrong side; he threw an inexcusable interception given the situation and was shouldering the entire offensive load without the dynamic run game and explosive passing attack the Chargers expected. The source notes that McDaniel must figure out how to make the offense work for Herbert in Week 2, and questions whether the Chargers can execute at a baseline level and improve each week.PositiveProjectionSep 18, 2026
The source favors Justin Herbert and McConkey over Cousins and Tre Tucker in the skill positions matchup, suggesting Herbert has a talent and experience advantage that could help the Chargers in this divisional contest.NegativeMatchupSep 18, 2026
The Chargers quarterback had trouble protecting himself last week, and the Raiders had five sacks and constantly pressured Malik Willis; the source indicates the Raiders have an opportunity for another big pressure day against Herbert this week, suggesting vulnerability in the Chargers' pass protection.NegativeProjectionSep 18, 2026
Quarterback Justin Herbert's pairing with Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel started with high expectations that kept rising all offseason, but the Chargers' first outing of the 2026 season fell far short of them, described as 'a case of humble pie' by McDaniel.NegativeUsageSep 17, 2026
In the Chargers' Week 1 loss to Arizona (268 total yards), Justin Herbert accumulated late rushing yards as the primary source of ground production; the run game was otherwise virtually nonexistent, with running backs combining for 52 yards on 16 carries.NegativeMatchupSep 17, 2026
Herbert was sacked three times in Week 1 despite the Chargers' elite bookend tackles (Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt), indicating interior offensive line issues rather than edge protection problems.NegativeProjectionSep 17, 2026
Justin Herbert should not be treated as a QB1 without Ladd McConkey; McConkey's rib injury makes his availability against the Raiders unlikely, and the Chargers' offense looks completely out of sync, making McConkey's likely absence that much more difficult for everyone to get on the same page; the source is concerned about the Chargers' play-making depth.NegativeProjectionSep 17, 2026
Herbert's Week One debut under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel was disappointing; the source notes his box score of 209 yards, one touchdown, and one interception on 17-of-27 passing masked troubling eye-test issues. He and his receivers—outside of Ladd McConkey—lacked timing and connection through progressions and routes. His fourth-quarter interception was described as a 'YOLO arm punt' into double coverage near the goal line, representing a 'very troubling start' to his 2026 season despite preseason expectations that McDaniel's system would 'unlock' Herbert and showcase his arm talent.PositiveProjectionSep 17, 2026
Justin Herbert will be dropping points on the NFL once the Chargers' new coordinators gel, according to the source. The Chargers lost as a massive home favorite to Arizona in Week 1, but the source expects better days ahead with Mike McDaniel's system.PositiveProjectionSep 17, 2026
Justin Herbert and the Chargers are expected to bounce back strongly in Week 2 against the Raiders after a poor Week 1 performance; the source projects Los Angeles to win 27-23, noting that the Chargers' poor Week 1 play suggests 'a strong bounce back is coming.'NegativeProjectionSep 16, 2026
Herbert failed to find rhythm in Week 1 under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel; the Chargers offense looked disjointed and had only two plays longer than 15 yards against an Arizona defense not expected to be strong, raising concerns about his performance and the new offensive system's effectiveness.NegativeProjectionSep 15, 2026
Justin Herbert's Week 1 performance was shockingly poor, throwing for only 209 yards. This disappointing output raises questions about the Chargers' offensive execution and potentially Jim Harbaugh's coaching effectiveness in Week 2.NegativeProjectionSep 15, 2026
Herbert finished Week 1 against Arizona 23rd in EPA per pass despite being pressured on just 28.6 percent of his dropbacks (third-lowest in the league). His late-down passing success rate was 11 percent, ranking 30th, ahead of only Bo Nix and Deshaun Watson. The Chargers lost to Arizona by 12 as 9.5-point favorites.NegativeProjectionSep 15, 2026
The source expected Mike McDaniel to milk a career-best season out of Herbert following his hiring by the Chargers, but that did not come to fruition in Los Angeles' Week 1 loss to Arizona; however, the main issue is the Chargers' interior offensive line play rather than McDaniel's play-calling.NegativeMatchupSep 15, 2026
Herbert and the Chargers were held to just 268 yards by the Cardinals' defense in Week 1, with Herbert sacked three times and throwing an interception in the upset loss.NegativeMatchupSep 15, 2026
Chargers QB Justin Herbert was sacked three times and threw an interception in the team's Week 1 loss to the Cardinals. The Chargers managed just 268 yards of offense in the defeat.NegativeRoleSep 15, 2026
In Week 1 against Arizona, Justin Herbert completed 17 of 27 passes for 209 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception. ESPN NFL the source Dan Orlovsky identified a key issue with Herbert's play: he got 'locked on to receivers far too often,' meaning he was only throwing to one receiver he thought would be open instead of progressing to second or third reads. Orlovsky attributed this tendency to the McDaniel/Shanahan system the Chargers employ.NegativeMatchupSep 14, 2026
Herbert completed 17 of 27 passes for 187 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception, and took three sacks in the Chargers' 26-13 loss to Arizona; the offensive line looked confused and failed to provide adequate protection, including a critical fourth-quarter sack when three linemen picked up only one defender on an all-out blitz.NegativeRoleSep 14, 2026
Herbert's accuracy was poor in Week 1 against Arizona; the source notes the Chargers were wholly undisciplined from pass protection to Herbert's accuracy, contributing to an offense that never got on schedule after an opening-drive TD and managed only 2 for 8 on third downs.NegativeProjectionSep 14, 2026
Herbert finished Week 1 against Arizona 17-of-27 for 209 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, with five scrambles for 29 yards. The source notes the offense made several preseason-type mistakes in the loss, and Herbert threw an interception in double coverage late in the game that looked like 'a prayer, hoping for the best.' Head coach Jim Harbaugh regretted not playing starters more in the preseason, suggesting the team's offensive execution suffered from lack of game reps.NegativeProjectionSep 14, 2026
The source criticizes Jim Harbaugh's excessive hype around Justin Herbert, arguing that Harbaugh's prediction of Herbert becoming the greatest quarterback ever is unrealistic and puts undue pressure on Herbert. The source notes Herbert has been one of the better quarterbacks currently in football but is not the best, has not won a playoff game in six seasons with the Chargers, and has a long way to go to be a Hall of Famer, much less the 'greatest, best ever to play the position of quarterback.' While Herbert reached 25,000 passing yards as the fourth fastest to do so, the source contends this accomplishment does not justify Harbaugh's GOAT-level proclamation.NegativeProjectionSep 14, 2026
Herbert went 17-for-27 for 209 yards, one touchdown and one interception against Arizona in Week 1, also rushing for 29 yards on five carries. Despite connecting with main pass catchers, he did not post great numbers; he can still be a low-end No. 1 quarterback in fantasy leagues facing Las Vegas next week.NegativeProjectionSep 14, 2026
With McConkey's likely absence and Quentin Johnston miscast as a No. 2 receiver, Herbert would be left with only a field-stretcher as his No. 1 and role players/tight ends. If McConkey misses time, Herbert could find himself outside the top 12 in fantasy.NegativeMatchupSep 14, 2026
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert struggled against the Cardinals' pass rush in Week 1, going 17-of-27 with a costly interception that helped seal a 26-14 loss; the Cardinals' defensive line was consistently in the backfield, with Herbert sacked three times officially but feeling like more.NegativeMatchupSep 14, 2026
Justin Herbert and the Chargers were thoroughly outplayed by the Cardinals in their Week 1 home opener, a game the source expected them to win comfortably given Herbert's talent and Mike McDaniels' offensive scheme. The loss is particularly concerning because it came against a team expected to be a top-5 draft pick, suggesting the Chargers' offense underperformed relative to preseason expectations.NegativeProjectionSep 14, 2026
In Week 1 loss to Arizona, Herbert completed 17 of 27 passes (63.0%) for 209 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT with 5 rushes for 29 yards. The Chargers entered as 8.5-point favorites but lost by double digits in a game marred by mistakes including Herbert's interception, Hampton's fumble, and a blocked punt that led to Arizona's two-possession fourth-quarter lead.NegativeRoleSep 14, 2026
Jim Harbaugh praised Herbert enthusiastically throughout the offseason as part of the Chargers' offensive plan, but Week 1 execution fell short with the offense limited to 268 yards and multiple fourth-down conversion failures in a 26-14 loss to Arizona; Harbaugh attributed the poor performance to sloppiness including seven penalties, two turnovers, and a blocked punt rather than Herbert's capability.NegativeProjectionSep 14, 2026
Herbert completed just 17 of 27 passes for 209 yards with one touchdown and one interception in the Chargers' 26-14 season-opening loss to Arizona; he was sacked three times including a 13-yard loss on a pivotal fourth-down play in the second quarter. Despite a revamped offensive line and new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel supposed to unlock new levels, Herbert had only 15 pass attempts entering the third quarter—as few as in any game in his previous six NFL seasons—suggesting underutilization and execution issues in the new system.NegativeProjectionSep 14, 2026
Herbert was not safeguarded by the Chargers' offensive line in Week 1's 26-14 loss to Arizona. The source notes the offensive line failed to provide sufficient push in the run game or protection for Herbert, contributing to the offense's inability to click and the team going 2-for-11 on third and fourth downs.NegativeProjectionSep 14, 2026
Herbert attempted just two passes of 20 or more air yards (completing one) in Los Angeles's 26-14 loss to Arizona, despite the Chargers' offseason investment in new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel to unleash his deep-passing tools. The source notes Herbert looked exactly like the scheme-limited player he has been so far in his Chargers career, failing to capitalize on the expected offensive upgrade.NegativeProjectionSep 14, 2026
Herbert's season-opening performance against Arizona fell well short of preseason expectations for the revamped Chargers offense. He completed 17 of 27 passes for 209 yards, one touchdown and one interception while being sacked three times, posting an 83.7 passer rating—his sixth-worst in a regular-season game under Jim Harbaugh. The source notes Herbert and his receivers often appeared to be on different pages, preventing rhythm through the air despite McDaniel's reputation as an offensive architect.NegativeProjectionSep 14, 2026
Herbert's first game under OC Mike McDaniel was underwhelming: 17-of-27 completions, 209 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 INT. He was under duress on a third of his dropbacks and still heaving the ball downfield with an 11.0 passing aDOT, his highest mark since Week 11 of 2024. The source expected McDaniel's arrival to simplify things for Herbert, but instead the team's response heading into Week 2 against the Bills, Seahawks, and Broncos will be the biggest storyline.NegativeProjectionSep 13, 2026
Herbert completed 17 of 27 passes for 209 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the Chargers' 26-14 loss to Arizona; he was sacked three times. The source notes that new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel worked all offseason on getting the ball out of Herbert's hands faster to reduce punishing hits, and Herbert did absorb fewer hits than typical last season, but he lacked receiving options and struggled with execution in the new scheme.NegativeProjectionSep 13, 2026
Herbert turned in a highly disappointing performance in Week 1, completing 17 of 27 passes for 209 yards with one touchdown and one interception in the Chargers' upset loss to Arizona. His inefficiency and the team's overall poor execution raise concerns about the Chargers' offensive capability.NegativeMatchupSep 13, 2026
Sacked late in the first quarter by Dante Stills and the Arizona Cardinals defense, which delivered a huge stop on 4th-and-goal.NegativeRoleSep 13, 2026
Franchise QB for the Chargers pairing with new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel for the first time in the 2026 season opener; critical to see how the pairing fits.PositiveProjectionSep 12, 2026
The source projects the Los Angeles Chargers to return to the AFC Playoffs with Justin Herbert under new head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. The source states: 'With Jim Harbaugh, Justin Herbert, and now Mike McDaniel, it's tough to think this team won't be back in the AFC Playoffs.' The Chargers are ranked eleventh.PositiveProjectionSep 12, 2026
Chargers need to improve pass protection for the seventh-year quarterback, and rookie center Jake Slaughter will play a key role in that effort. Herbert has built trust with Slaughter during preseason and endorsed his readiness, saying he's 'playing like a veteran out there' and 'hasn't slowed him down' despite playing earlier than expected.PositiveProjectionSep 12, 2026
Jim Harbaugh made a bold projection on The White House with Michael Irvin, stating that Justin Herbert will be recognized as the greatest quarterback in NFL history by the time his career ends. Harbaugh said: "Allow me to call my shot, like Babe Ruth pointing his bat over to centerfield: Justin Herbert, when it's all said and done, when his career comes to an end, I predict he will be known as the greatest, best ever to play the position of quarterback." The article notes Herbert is 28 years old heading into his seventh NFL season and has not yet achieved major accolades—no playoff wins, no first-team All-Pro, no MVP, no league statistical category leads—suggesting Harbaugh is betting on Herbert's unrealized potential rather than current performance.PositiveRoleSep 12, 2026
Herbert looks increasingly comfortable in Mike McDaniel's offensive scheme as the Chargers' new offensive coordinator; paired with two new tight ends and fresh running back Omarion Hampton, Herbert has more firepower around him heading into Week 1.NegativeProjectionSep 11, 2026
Ranked #6 in 2026 preseason QB rankings. Declan Doyle characterizes Herbert as a regular season warrior and postseason dud who really needs some postseason success to have his image start to change.PositiveProjectionSep 11, 2026
The Chargers QB has reunited with OC Mike McDaniel, who created explosive plays in Miami. Herbert's ability to uncork deep balls is elite, though he ranked near the middle of the pack in completion rate on downfield shots last year. However, McDaniel's play-calling tendencies prioritize efficiency over volume: his offenses rank 28th in neutral dropbacks per game, 32nd in neutral pace, and 28th in plays per game. While Herbert's highlight plays are impressive, if he's only getting 20 attempts per day, his fantasy value may be limited despite the coaching upgrade.NegativeProjectionSep 11, 2026
Chargers QB in his seventh year; the source notes Herbert is objectively one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL, and to his biggest fans he is the second coming of Peyton Manning. However, two consecutive 11-6 seasons ending in wildcard losses have fans wanting more, and it's time for Herbert to notch a playoff win.