The Los Angeles Chargers are led offensively by quarterback Justin Herbert, who had a tremendous rookie campaign. Herbert broke multiple rookie records in 2020, including most passing touchdowns with 31 and most completions with 396. Pro Bowl center Corey Linsley was brought in via free agency, and the Chargers drafted offensive tackle Rashawn Slater in the first round. With a much-improved offensive line, Herbert is bound to have an even better season in 2021.

Herbert was highly touted coming out of Oregon and instantly became a top fantasy quarterback. He played so well in his rookie season that he is in the top 10 for MVP odds, according to DraftKings.

2020 Fantasy Statistics

After Tyrod Taylor suffered a punctured lung, Justin Herbert was thrown into a Week 2 game that ultimately earned him the starting spot for the season. The Herbert-led Chargers offense was dynamic due to his versatility in both the pass and run game.

Herbert had a good completion percentage at 66.6% (396-for-595) while throwing for 4,336 yards. He also threw for 31 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions. Herbert is a tremendous athlete, which many people forget, which translates to his success in the run game. Herbert had 55 rushing attempts for 234 yards and five touchdowns in 2020, elevating his fantasy value.

The most intriguing storyline for Herbert's fantasy value is having a new head coach and offensive coordinator. They brought in former Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley to be the head coach and former New Orleans Saints quarterbacks coach Joe Lombardi to be offensive coordinator.

Lombardi is a great offensive mind and should help take Herbert's game to another level. He was an offensive coordinator once before with the Detroit Lions. During that time, Lombardi helped lead receivers Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate to the Pro Bowl, along with quarterback Matthew Stafford. He has a great passing scheme, which should skyrocket Herbert's production even more in 2021.

2021 Fantasy Projections

ESPN has projected a slight decline in numbers for Justin Herbert this season. They have him throwing for about 90 more yards, but three fewer touchdowns and two more interceptions. ESPN also has Herbert's rushing touchdowns dipping to four. Even with a projected decline, Herbert is still one of the top quarterbacks to go after. He is a safe QB1 to go with and has more upside beyond that.

One of the most important parts of a quarterback's fantasy production is their offensive weapons. The Chargers have one of the best receivers in Keenan Allen. Allen is a difficult receiver to guard due to his elite route-running ability. They also have a deep threat with jump-ball receiver Mike Williams. The Chargers did, however, lose tight end Hunter Henry in free agency but replaced him by signing veteran tight end Jared Cook. Cook could be a viable target for Herbert, especially in the red zone.

While ESPN projects a decline in numbers, that may not be the case. Lombardi's pass-heavy scheme will put a lot on the young quarterback as he heads into his second season. While it will be a lot to take on, Herbert has shown the ability to shine and could see an increase in his production.

A safe projection for Herbert would be for him to be behind players like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Kyler Murray for fantasy output. Look for Herbert to be in the same tier as Dak Prescott, Lamar Jackson, Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, and Tom Brady.

Rank at Position

Justin Herbert looks to easily be in the top 10 for fantasy quarterbacks in the upcoming season, assuming he remains healthy. He is primed to have another strong campaign as he looks to build upon his tremendous rookie season.

Mahomes and Allen are the clear-cut top fantasy options as we head into 2021. They are both the leaders of contending teams in the AFC, and both will have another year of familiarity in their systems.

The next tier of quarterbacks is a more difficult decision for fantasy owners to make. Rodgers is coming off an MVP season, but questions are still surrounding his future with the Green Bay Packers. Prescott is coming off a devastating injury, while Jackson had a disappointing fantasy campaign in 2020. The two safest bets in this tier are Brady and Wilson, but they don't offer the same ceiling as the rest.

That leaves Justin Herbert, who ranks at the bottom of this tier. The main concern for drafting Herbert this year is that he will be playing in a new offensive system, though it shouldn't be a big concern as he proved last season that he is quick to adapt to challenges.

For those who have already drafted Herbert or drafters looking to target Herbert, you should look to draft him once a few quarterbacks go off the board. It differs from each draft, but around the fifth round would be a good spot to select him.

If Justin Herbert turns out to be your fantasy quarterback this year, you will like what he brings to the table.