It seems like months ago since the Chargers’ team doctor decided to shake up the team’s quarterback depth chart and puncture the lung of Tyrod Taylor. While we have always been a pro-TyGod site, that doctor set off a chain of events that will shape the remainder of the Chargers’ season from both fantasy and real-life standpoints. Not only has Justin Herbert injected life into the Chargers’ offense, but he quickly revitalized the fantasy stock of Keenan Allen and Austin Ekeler (RIP), while also making something out of Joshua Kelley.
The rocket-armed rookie from Oregon has put up 23, 16, and 24 fantasy points during his first three starts while peppering Allen and Ekeler along the way. These numbers alone make him a top Week 5 Waiver Wire target.
Most recently, he endured a head-to-head duel with the GOAT, executing a perfect passer rating through three quarters, and putting the team on his back against one of the most aggressive defenses in the league.
Justin Herbert is SLINGING #BoltUp pic.twitter.com/EUm1jOtdfC
— Roto Street Journal (@RotoStJournal) October 4, 2020
Now, you might be hesitant to drop some precious Week 5 Waiver Wire FAAB on a quarterback whose coach publically said he was going back to the veteran as soon as possible. But, Chargers beat writer Daniel Popper knows Herbert has done more than enough to own this job for the remainder of the season.
“I have seen enough,” said Popper. “This performance made it crystal clear. Herbert deserves the starting job, even if Tyrod Taylor is healthy. He has grown considerably from game to game. He has proven capable of processing information fast enough to be successful in the NFL. He is doing things few rookie quarterbacks in this league have ever done.”
“He is the real deal,” Popper gushed. “He has earned this. He gives the Chargers the best chance to win. They need firepower on offense with all the injuries on defense, and Herbert unquestionably makes this unit more dangerous. I don’t think they will have a chance to win games consistently with the ball-control style Taylor plays.”
It’s almost as if Popper shares the same brain as the rest of the fantasy community.
But everything Popper said is correct. Herbert is completing over 70 percent of his throws, and he’s a big play waiting to happen. In just three starts, he’s delivered 11 20-plus yard plays, and 36.3 percent of his passing plays have moved the chains.
Looking forward, Herbert’s schedule is a fantasy wet dream. Before their Week 10 bye week, Herbert would get the Saints, Jets, Dolphins, Jaguars, and Raiders. That’s enough right there to pull the trigger.
If you needed any more evidence, The Wolf moved Herbert up to his QB17 on the Rest of Season Rankings & Big Board, a full ten spots higher above the sleepy experts.
Both you and Anthony Lynn need to face the facts and name Herbert, your starter.
