Should I Start Justin Herbert?

Tuesday, August 25, 9:47 AM

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.