Justin Herbert In New Offense Could Mean Top-3 QB For Fantasy Football
Fantasy

Justin Herbert In New Offense Could Mean Top-3 QB For Fantasy Football

Ian Hartitz examines Justin Herbert possibly reaching a new level under OC Mike McDaniel, which could mean great things for fantasy football.

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Justin Herbert has been tantalizing both real and fantasy football fans since his electric 2020 debut. Now he could have the offensive environment with OC Mike McDaniel to make all of that talent come together. A little health all around would be a great thing. Ian Hartitz breaks it down as part of his Los Angeles Chargers Team Preview.

Is Justin Herbert a dark-horse candidate to post a top-3 fantasy finish?

Well, Herbert is one of just 10 QBs ever with multiple career seasons averaging north of 22 fantasy points per game, so the ceiling is certainly there. The man has a 5,000-yard passing season to his name, and his QB10 finish in fantasy points per game last season was heavily aided by a career-high 498 rushing yards.

It'd make sense if better health from both the offensive line and Herbert himself (broke his left hand in Week 13), combined with an improved scheme courtesy of new OC Mike McDaniel, leads to bigger and better things for this passing game. After all, McDaniel has pushed the "easy buttons" more than just about anyone over the years.

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There are just two primary concerns here:

  • Volume: Last year, the Chargers ranked 13th in pass attempts, but that was probably due in large part to their running back room being devastated by injuries. They ranked 28th in 2024 in Harbaugh's first season. McDaniel's Dolphins ranked 12th, 20th, 8th and most recently 30th. A healthier o-line and backfield could compel the team to deploy Herbert as more of a game manager as opposed to putting the offense on his back every week.
  • Supporting cast: This *should* not be as big of an issue in 2026 if the injury gods just chill the hell out for a change, but man: The Chargers have ranked 15th, 28th, 29th, 21st and most recently 30th in my "Supporting Cast Rating" metric during the last five years. Only the Jets, Texans and Giants have worse average ranks in this stretch.

Ultimately, I'm drinking the Kool-Aid on Herbert having a big-time 2026 season: He's a legit top-5 real-life talent with VERY good rushing upside and a new offensive coordinator whom we have seen get the most out of far less talented QBs. He's my QB7 (highest of the Fantasy Life rankers) and someone I have ranked ahead of guys like Caleb Williams, Trevor Lawrence and Dak Prescott, among others.

Also note: Backup QB Trey Lance is still just 26 years old and has the sort of rushing ability to serve as a quality QB2 in fantasy land should anything happen to Herbert. Obviously, handcuffing your QB isn't necessary in normal one-QB redraft leagues, but I love the idea of stashing Lance in superflex dynasty formats where, hey, you could also find yourself with a Malik Willis-esque lottery ticket should the former No. 3 overall pick make the most out of his opportunities at some point.

Players Mentioned in this Article

  1. Justin Herbert
    JustinHerbert
    QBLACLAC
    PPG
    17.4
    Proj
    299.2

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