Justin Herbert
Quarterback #10
Justin Herbert News
Justin Herbert Carries QB1 Overall Upside in Fantasy-Friendly Week 1 Matchup
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert will make his 2026 debut in Mike McDaniel's offense with a favorable home matchup against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. The 28-year-old is coming off a solid fantasy football campaign, finishing as the QB10 in overall scoring and points per game (18.7) last year. Herbert is expected to get a statistical boost this season with McDaniel's as the offensive coordinator, who has orchestrated one of the league's most explosive offenses and has led the league in passing yards before. The quarterback-coordinator duo will face a Cardinals pass defense that finished near the bottom in most passing stats last year. They allowed the sixth-most passing touchdowns (31), ninth-most completions (375), 10th-most passing yards (4,128), 11th-highest completion percentage (65.6), and had the third-fewest sacks (30). In addition, the Cardinals will deploy a similar defensive scheme after keeping Nick Rallis as their defensive coordinator and making no big additions on defense this offseason. Herbert is RotoBaller's QB4 in a dream matchup and has it within his realm of outcomes to be the QB1 overall in Week 1.
Sep 12, 2026 5:17 AM EST
Justin Herbert Poised for Career Year Following Coaching Changes in Los Angeles?
Across 16 games in 2025, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert completed 66.4% of his pass attempts for 3,727 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. The 28-year-old also rushed for a career-high 498 yards and two touchdowns on 83 attempts, which helped him finish the year as the fantasy QB10 in both overall and per-game scoring. Entering 2026, there's reason to believe Herbert could be well-positioned to top 4,000 passing yards for the first time since 2022. The Chargers have a new offensive coordinator in former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, who should help open up the offense with more explosive plays down the field. Herbert also has a much healthier offensive line in front of him and an extremely talented group of offensive weapons to throw the ball to. As long as he stays healthy, Herbert has a chance to put together his most productive statistical season since 2021, when he threw for 5,014 yards and 35 touchdowns.
Sep 4, 2026 12:19 PM EST
Justin Herbert Shakes Off Early Mistake, Showcases Elite Arm Talent
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and some of the team's starting offense played two series against the Rams' defensive reserves in Thursday night's preseason finale, with both drives lasting exactly two plays. After his fumbled handoff attempt on the Chargers' second play of the game led to a Rams' field goal, Herbert quickly made up for the mistake on his next opportunity, uncorking a 65-yard touchdown strike to fourth-year receiver Quentin Johnston. Herbert's physical abilities have never been in question, but since a QB2 finish in 2021, he's been unable to overcome a series of environmental setbacks, with a number of catastrophic injuries to his offensive line most recently holding him back in 2025. While the Chargers have already lost center Tyler Biadasz (knee) to a season-ending knee injury, the returns to health of bookend Pro Bowl tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater have Herbert well-positioned for a fantasy bounceback in Mike McDaniel's new-look offense. As RotoBaller's QB7, Herbert is already priced higher than any of his fantasy finishes since his second season in the league, but with the skill set, the surrounding cast, and the playcaller all seemingly in place, he could ultimately prove to be a league-winning value in 2026.
Aug 28, 2026 5:49 AM EST
Justin Herbert, Chargers' Starters to Play in Preseason Finale
The plan is for all of the Los Angeles Chargers starters, including quarterback Justin Herbert, to play in the preseason finale on Thursday against the Los Angeles Rams, minus safety Derwin James and pass-rusher Khalil Mack, according to Alex Insdorf. New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has been effusive in his praise of Herbert as he learns his offense this summer. The 28-year-old former sixth overall pick in 2020 from Oregon had at least 4,000 passing yards in each of his first three years in the NFL, but he is now on a run of three straight seasons with fewer than 4,000 yards. In 16 regular-season starts in 2025, Herbert threw for 3,727 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions behind a bad offensive line in L.A. If the Bolts' offensive line can protect Herbert better, he will have a great chance to return to the 4,000-yard passing mark in 2026 in his seventh NFL season under McDaniel. RotoBaller currently has Herbert ranked as the No. 7 fantasy QB, behind only Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Jayden Daniels, Jalen Hurts, Joe Burrow, and Drake Maye.
Aug 25, 2026 9:47 AM EST
Justin Herbert Sees First Preseason Action Against the 49ers
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert got the start in Thursday's 41-17 preseason loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Herbert was removed after a quick three-and-out on the team's opening drive. The 28-year-old completed one of two passing attempts for nine yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. He was able to connect to Charlie Kolar on his first pass attempt but was unable to connect with Ladd McConkey on third down to extend the drive. Chargers team reporter Eric Smith noted that Harbaugh planned for Herbert to play only one drive, which means he didn't consider putting him back out for a second drive. This was Herbert's first action this preseason and his first time playing under new OC Mike McDaniel in a game. He will have to continue getting comfortable in a new offense through practice reps since the team is expected to limit his usage in their preseason finale next week against the Los Angeles Rams.
Aug 22, 2026 8:46 AM EST
Justin Herbert to Start Preseason Game on Thursday
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that the team's starters will play a series on Thursday in the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers, including quarterback Justin Herbert, according to Steve Wyche of the NFL Network. It will be important for Herbert in terms of game operation and to get game reps with new center Tyler Biadasz. It will be the first preseason action this year for the 28-year-old after he sat out the opener last week against the Houston Texans. New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has given the 28-year-old signal-caller plenty of praise for picking up his offense extremely quickly during training camp. McDaniel should put Herbert in a better position to succeed in 2026 in his sixth year in the league, and with his dual-threat abilities at the position, Herbert will be an intriguing midrange QB1 for fantasy managers after the big names come off the board. Although the Chargers' receiving corps does not strike fear in opposing defenses, the Chargers' offense should be more explosive with McDaniel running the show.
Aug 18, 2026 9:04 AM EST
Mike McDaniel Has High Praise for Justin Herbert
Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel praised quarterback Justin Herbert for how he has adjusted to the new system. On Monday, McDaniel said Herbert is "far past where quarterbacks usually are in Year 1." "He's been everything I'd hoped for and more." Herbert is transitioning from former offensive coordinator Greg Roman's system to McDaniel's, which will feature extensive pre-snap motion and varied alignments. During his two years under Roman, Herbert posted career lows in passing yards, attempts, and completions. Currently ranked QB7 in RotoBaller's positional rankings, Herbert and the Chargers are hoping for an offensive explosion in the first year of McDaniel's offense.
Aug 17, 2026 7:25 PM EST
Justin Herbert Growing More Comfortable in Chargers New Offense
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is growing comfortable in his new offensive scheme, according to ESPN's Kris Rhim. Under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, Herbert has improved his timing and has been sharp and accurate with his receivers. Herbert's fantasy value has declined over the past two seasons under Greg Roman, averaging 17.3 fantasy points per game, 2.4 points below his previous average from his first four seasons. If McDaniel's offense unlocks more passing volume than Roman's, Herbert could return to his old form as a consistent Top-5 quarterback. Fantasy managers should expect Herbert to rank as a mid-QB1 in 2026 drafts.
Aug 10, 2026 6:53 PM EST
Justin Herbert Exceeding Mike McDaniel's Expectations
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has impressed new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel even more than expected, according to Dan Graziano of ESPN. McDaniel praised Herbert's rare combination of size, arm strength and field vision, saying the quarterback can play with anticipation and reach areas of the field that most passers cannot. He also called Herbert the team's hardest worker, which has helped the rest of the offense buy into the changes being installed. One of those adjustments has Herbert lining up with his left foot forward in the shotgun, allowing him to get the ball out sooner and better match his throws to the timing of the routes. Herbert completed 66.4% of his passes for 3,727 yards, 26 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 16 games last season, while adding a career-high 498 rushing yards. Positive summer reviews do not guarantee a jump in fantasy production, but the early fit between Herbert and McDaniel is encouraging.
Aug 4, 2026 10:17 AM EST
Justin Herbert Excited to Get Charlie Kolar the Ball in 2026
Los Angeles Chargers' new tight end, Charlie Kolar, is expected to be a major factor in the team's tight end room in 2026. Kolar signed a three-year, $24.3 million contract with the Chargers, marking one of the team's first free-agent moves, well before the addition of former Browns tight end David Njoku. Quarterback Justin Herbert praised both Kolar and Njoku, saying, "I think it's really cool to have Charlie [Kolar] and David [Njoku]." He added that he expects Kolar to have a very good year and is excited to get him the ball. Kolar and Njoku joined Oronde Gadsden II, who had a tremendous rookie season as a receiver but struggled as a blocker. From a fantasy perspective, targeting any tight end in this offense seems risky.
Jul 31, 2026 7:29 PM EST
Justin Herbert Well-Positioned for a Fantasy Resurgence
Los Angeles Chargers seventh-year veteran Justin Herbert has become one of the most polarizing quarterbacks in the league in recent years, but for those who have always believed in his talent, the situation he now finds himself in makes him an obvious target in 2026 drafts. 2025 first-round pick Omarion Hampton comes into the year at full health after missing eight games as a rookie, as does an offensive line that played poorly enough through its own injury struggles to earn Herbert a token MVP vote. New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel brings excitement into the building, and a heavy investment at both fullback and tight end should lead to more big-play opportunities through heavy play-action usage. Unable to crack the top nine since his QB2 finish of 2021, Herbert is well-positioned to rejoin the fantasy elite, and at RotoBaller's QB8, he can still be found in the middle rounds of single-quarterback drafts.
Jul 19, 2026 9:01 AM EST
Justin Herbert Has the Tools Around Him to Outperform His Current Redraft ADP
Across 16 games in 2025, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert completed 66.4% of his pass attempts for 3,727 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. The 28-year-old also rushed for a career-high 498 yards and two scores, which helped him finish as the fantasy QB10 on a per-game basis. Entering 2026, Herbert could be in a position to put together his best fantasy season to date. The Chargers have a new play-caller in place in Mike McDaniel, who should help open up the offense. Los Angeles will also have its star tackle duo of Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt back in action after the two combined to play just six games in 2025. Finally, Herbert has a strong core of young playmakers around him in wide receivers Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston, tight end Oronde Gadsden II, and running back Omarion Hampton. If the Chargers offense takes a step forward in its first season under McDaniel and Herbert maintains his increased rushing aggression from a season ago, he could be undervalued by current redraft ADP as the ninth quarterback off the board.
Jun 26, 2026 12:58 PM EST
Justin Herbert Overhauling his Footwork This Offseason
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert said on Tuesday that new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has been overhauling his footwork in the offseason in an effort to speed up his release and get the ball out of his hand quicker, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. "Mechanically, it's a little different timing ... he wants the ball out early. We feel like that is going to help us get the ball out quicker," Herbert said. McDaniel said last month that the goal is for Herbert to "own the position," and McDaniel plans to maximize Herbert's success on passes with 2.4 seconds or less time to throw. Once plays extended into the intermediate timing window last year -- between roughly 2.4 and 3.5 seconds, Herbert's efficiency dipped. The move to get the ball out of Herbert's hand faster makes plenty of sense, as he was the league's most hit and pressured QB in 2025, spending most of his time scrambling to avoid pass-rushers behind an ineffective and banged-up offensive line. With Pro Bowl tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt returning from injury, Herbert should be better protected, but it may not matter if he's getting the ball out quicker. The Oregon product's fantasy stock is on the rise heading into the 2026 season, and he'll be a nice low-end QB1 target if you wait a bit on the position.
Jun 3, 2026 11:30 AM EST
Is Justin Herbert Entering His True Dynasty Prime?
Following an Offensive Rookie of the Year win in 2020 and a 5,000-yard passing season in year two, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert peaked as high as the QB1 in consensus dynasty rankings. Since then, he's had fantasy finishes as the QB11, QB17, QB12, and QB10, and had nearly fallen out of dynasty's top 10 by the end of his second season in Greg Roman's run-heavy offense. Heading into 2026, the Chargers hired former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel to run the offense and have begun shaping the roster to match his scheme. Los Angeles added quality pieces at fullback and tight end, which should, in theory, create more one-on-one opportunities for Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston, while free agent Keaton Mitchell and fourth-round pick Brenen Thompson add game-breaking speed. With a healthier offensive line, the Chargers could have one of the most improved offenses in 2026, and yet Herbert's dynasty stock has been relatively unimpacted, as he still sits at QB9 in RotoBaller's latest rankings. Only 28 years old and likely priced close to his floor, he has become one of this offseason's most attractive buy candidates.
May 30, 2026 8:50 AM EST
Justin Herbert's Dynasty Value Rising Following Offseason Overhaul in Los Angeles
Across 16 games in 2025, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert completed 66.4% of his pass attempts for 3,727 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. Herbert also had the most productive season of his career with his legs, racking up 498 yards and two touchdowns on 83 rushing attempts. Despite averaging a relatively modest 32 pass attempts per game, Herbert's uptick in rushing production allowed him to finish as the overall QB10 in fantasy. Heading into 2026, there's reason to believe that Herbert could be in line for an even better season. For one, Los Angeles replaced conservative play-caller Greg Roman with former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, who could help unlock a new level of explosiveness for the Chargers offense. Additionally, Los Angeles overhauled the interior of its offensive line and will get back its star tackle duo of Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, who combined to play just six games in 2025. All in all, Herbert's dynasty outlook is trending up as he heads into his age-28 season.
May 1, 2026 12:30 PM EST
Justin Herbert a Dynasty Target with New-Look Offense Around Him?
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is coming off his best fantasy season since 2021, and there's a real chance that he could continue to trend upward going forward. Herbert was the overall QB10 in fantasy football last season, tallying 26 passing touchdowns but throwing 13 interceptions. It was his highest interception since, ironically, that aforementioned 2021 campaign. Managers should be optimistic about the future outlook of the first-round pick, given the state of the offense. For starters, the Chargers hired offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, a potential play-calling mastermind who can maximize the potential of his players. The Chargers also made a concerted effort to bolster their league-worst offensive line. Now, Herbert will have Cole Strange and Tyler Biadasz in front of him, and he should also get star tackles Rashawn Slater (knee) and Joe Alt (ankle) back from injury. The only glaring subtraction is wide receiver Keenan Allen, but Herbert should still have plenty of reliable targets in Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Oronde Gadsden III. With a solidified offense around him, Herbert can be a top-10 fantasy quarterback with top-five upside in 2026 and beyond. He's an intriguing target in dynasty leagues this offseason.
Apr 7, 2026 9:55 PM EST
Will Justin Herbert Have Higher Fantasy Ceiling in New Offense?
Thankfully for fantasy managers, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert's playoff woes don't count. Herbert was named a Pro Bowler for the second time in his career in 2025, but he looked bad again in an ugly playoff loss to the New England Patriots. During the regular season, the 28-year-old completed 66.4% of his passes for 3,727 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in 16 games to finish as the QB10 in overall fantasy points. He added a career-high 83 rushing attempts for 498 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. The fact that L.A.'s offensive line was so banged up and ineffective led to Herbert taking off and running more than he ever has in his career. It helped him stay in the top-12 overall fantasy QBs. With a healthier offensive line in 2026 and with new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel leading the offense, Herbert should be in better hands. He might even return to the 4,000-yard passing mark, which he hasn't reached since his third year in the league in 2022. Herbert's dynasty and redraft stock is on the rise, making him at least a low-end QB1 target in drafts later this year.
Mar 19, 2026 10:41 AM EST
Justin Herbert Would Benefit From a Revamped Offensive Line
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert remained productive during the 2025 regular season, but his ceiling was limited due to poor offensive line play in front of him. The 27-year-old racked up 3,727 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions across 16 games, finishing as the overall QB10 in fantasy football. This was his first top-10 finish since 2021. He added an additional two rushing touchdowns and a career-high 498 rushing yards. Herbert played in front of a worse offensive line this past season. In fact, the Chargers' offensive line ranked third-to-last in PFF's end-of-year rankings. The trenches figure to be an area of focus for the Bolts in free agency, and improved protection would aid Herbert in his quest to make strides as a passer next year. Assuming the Chargers have a productive offseason, it's fair to envision that Herbert will be a top-10 fantasy quarterback with top-five upside in 2026. He's a "hold" in most dynasty leagues at the moment.
Feb 16, 2026 11:25 AM EST
Justin Herbert to Have More Upside With New Offensive Coordinator?
The Los Angeles Chargers fired offensive coordinator Greg Roman after another early playoff exit and hired former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel to take over. The Chargers need to get healthy on the offensive line first and foremost, but the move to McDaniel should be great news for the fantasy outlook of quarterback Justin Herbert in 2026. One of the first things that McDaniel hopes to do is to craft an offense that doesn't rely as much on Herbert's individual talents, such as scrambling and making miraculous plays outside of the pocket. "I think not relying too heavily on Justin's ability to do above and beyond, I think is critical to maximize those types of opportunities," McDaniel said. "That'll be one of the first things that we'll try to do is take a little off his plate so that he is free to do that when his greatness is required." Herbert went over 4,000 passing yards in each of his first three seasons, but he hasn't been able to do it the last three years. He finished as the QB10 in overall fantasy points in 2025. With McDaniel in the fold, Herbert should have more upside to reach his true ceiling.
Jan 27, 2026 4:11 PM EST
Justin Herbert Looks to Shake Interception Trend After Week of Rest
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is well-rested coming into Wild Card Weekend after he sat out Week 18 against the Denver Broncos. Now, the Chargers open their playoff run with a road game against the AFC East champion New England Patriots. When Herbert last played 15 days ago against the Texans, He tallied 236 passing yards, 37 rushing yards, and one touchdown. However, he also took five sacks and threw an interception in that four-point loss. The interceptions have become a worrisome trend for Herbert, who has been picked off in four of his last five games. He also has five total turnovers during that span. Herbert hasn't gone back-to-back weeks without an interception since Weeks 1 and 2. He'll be tasked with protecting the football on Sunday if the Chargers have any chance of pulling off a road upset. One potential route to success for Herbert is running the football. He has 145 rushing yards in his last four games.
Jan 11, 2026 4:30 PM EST
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