Chargers News: Why Justin Herbert Isn't Projected As Truly Elite Fantasy QB
Los Angeles Chargers Pro Bowl quarterback Justin Herbert has emerged as an elite signal caller in the NFL already. Playing just 13 of 17 possible games last season due to injury, Herbert's rocket arm helped the 6'6", 236-pound former Oregon Duck pass for 3,134 yards and 20 touchdowns (against just seven interceptions), notching a 64.1 quarterback rating.
So he seems like a fantasy football no-brainer then, right?
Not so fast, posits Dave Ventresca of RotoBaller, who notes that, because Herbert is more of a passing than a rushing quarterback, he is not quite as well-rounded as some others (like, say, Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs).
"Herbert is currently ranked as the QB8 in our up-to-date dynasty rankings," Ventresca writes. "This is a fair ranking given his last two seasons and lack of rushing production. KeepTradeCut (KTC), which crowdsources data from dynasty players to create rankings and values, also shows Herbert as the dynasty QB8. KTC estimates his trade value as an early 2024 first-round pick in superflex leagues and a late first-round pick in one quarterback leagues."
"Herbert seems to have fallen out of favor with the dynasty community after the Chargers hired Greg Roman to call plays and sent their top two receivers [Keenan Allen and Mike Williams] packing. Ironically, now it feels like the right move is to go buy Herbert," Ventresca adds. "A few months ago, you could make the argument that Herbert was a sell. Today, he’s arguably a great buy-low. Man, if that doesn’t tell you how crazy the dynasty marketplace is, I don’t know what will.
"While he remains one of the better dynasty football quarterbacks, Herbert’s 2024 outlook is, well, not great," Ventresca opines. "He lost pass catchers Allen and Williams. Quentin Johnston and Joshua Palmer are currently his top receivers. Jim Harbaugh, Greg Roman, and their run-heavy offensive scheme are now in town. They are determined to take some pressure off Herbert and are expected to lean heavily on the run game."
