Why drafting Justin Herbert in fantasy football is a must despite offensive injuries piling up

The Los Angeles Chargers’ injury report is becoming uncomfortable, but fantasy football managers should not allow it to scare them away from Justin Herbert.

Starting center Tyler Biadasz could miss significant time after suffering a knee injury during training camp. Left tackle Rashawn Slater and wide receiver Quentin Johnston are also dealing with injuries as Week 1 approaches.

Those concerns cannot be dismissed. However, Herbert still possesses the talent, supporting cast, and offensive system required to become a top-five fantasy quarterback in 2026.

"If the Chargers stay healthy this season, he will threaten to finish within the top five at the position" –@Roto_Wizard

Do you believe in Justin Herbert? pic.twitter.com/WGeJ7cS3b2

— FantasyPros (@FantasyPros) August 20, 2026

Chargers have a potential answer for Tyler Biadasz’s injury

Losing Biadasz for an extended period hurts, especially because center is responsible for protection calls and communication across the offensive line. Fortunately, the Chargers prepared for this possibility when they drafted Jake Slaughter out of Florida.

Slaughter has impressed throughout training camp and can step directly into the center competition. Asking a rookie to replace Biadasz is not ideal, but the Chargers have a potential solution already on the roster.

Slater’s health will be even more important. When available, he and Joe Alt give Herbert one of the league’s best offensive tackle combinations. That pairing can help stabilize the line while Slaughter adjusts to handling responsibilities in the middle.

If Slater is ready for Week 1, the situation in front of Herbert should remain manageable.

Mike McDaniel can unlock Justin Herbert’s fantasy ceiling

The most exciting reason to draft Herbert is his partnership with new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. Since McDaniel joined Jim Harbaugh’s staff, there has been considerable excitement about what his creativity could bring to the Chargers. Herbert has one of the strongest arms in football, but McDaniel should also make the offense easier on him by creating open throws and putting playmakers in space.

Los Angeles has plenty of weapons for McDaniel to utilize. Ladd McConkey should remain Herbert’s most dependable receiver, while Tre Harris, Johnston, and speedy rookie Brenen Thompson provide additional options. Tight ends David Njoku and Oronde Gadsden can create mismatches in the middle of the field.

The Chargers also have an explosive collection of running backs featuring Omarion Hampton, Keaton Mitchell, and Kimani Vidal. A strong rushing attack should force defenses to respect play-action, creating more opportunities for Herbert downfield.

McDaniel’s job will be to combine those pieces into one of the NFL’s most dangerous offenses. Herbert has more than enough talent to make that vision work.

Justin Herbert can return to 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns

Herbert surpassed 4,000 passing yards in each of his first three NFL seasons. His best campaign came in 2021, when he threw for more than 5,000 yards. Reaching that 5k number again could be difficult in an offense still guided by Harbaugh’s physical philosophy. However, a return to 4,000 yards is completely realistic.

Herbert also has a legitimate opportunity to throw more than 30 touchdown passes. His combination of arm strength, accuracy, and improved skill-position talent gives him considerable weekly upside.

Turnovers will be crucial. Herbert threw only three interceptions during the 2024 regular season, proving that he can protect the football while still making aggressive throws. It increased to 13 in 2025. If he approaches that 2024 level of efficiency again, his fantasy production should rise considerably.

The injuries create risk, but every quarterback outside the elite tier carries concerns. Herbert’s potential reward outweighs them.

Fantasy managers should feel comfortable drafting him as a top-10 quarterback. If the offensive line gets healthy and McDaniel maximizes the Chargers’ weapons, Herbert could easily finish much higher.

"I absolutely expect Justin Herbert to be in the MVP conversations deep into this season."

—@danorlovsky7 on his expectations for Justin Herbert and the Chargers offense pic.twitter.com/lt213guhuP

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) August 20, 2026

Do not let the preseason injury headlines obscure the bigger picture. Herbert remains one of the NFL’s most gifted quarterbacks, and 2026 could produce his best fantasy season in years.

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