The Chargers invested heavily in their running back room this offseaosn, leading many to think Jim Harbaugh was finally going to establish it after leaning on his quarterback in 2024. That couldn’t have been further from the truth as Herbert came out swinging versus Kansas City with three straight dropbacks on his first drive. He marched LA down the field and capped the drive with a five-yard toss to Quentin Johnston in the end zone. Herbert dropped back on 16-of-26 first downs and was successful more often than not. Given how well this approach worked, it’s hard to imagine Jim Harbaugh pulling back when the Chargers square off against the Raiders in 10 days. Herbert should work his way into the QB1 ranks for Week 2.

Observing Herbert’s connection with his recently revamped receiving corps will be worthwhile for fantasy managers. Keenan Allen’s return to the lineup could have a fantasy-unfriendly effect on players like Quentin Johnston, Tre’ Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith. Derwin James and Khalil Mack are the only two starters who will not play.

Herbert’s mobility was significantly hampered by injuries last year. He dealt with a plantar fascia injury in his right foot, a recurring high-ankle sprain in his left ankle and injured one of his thighs. Speaking on the Dan Patrick Show on Thursday, Herbert discussed the frequency with which the Bills “run quarterback power” with Josh Allen, and celebrated Allen’s ability to “take” and “deliver” hits, and score touchdowns in the red zone. Herbert closed the segment by saying, it would be “really helpful” for the Chargers’ offense if they can “work” those concepts and playing styles into his game. It would be really helpful for fantasy managers, too. Mobile quarterbacks continue to dominate the elite QB1 tier. If Herbert adds a serious rushing component in 2025, he can break into that group.

The addition of rookie WR Tre’ Harris and TE Oronde Gadsden Jr., Popper said, is sure to make Ladd McConkey “even more dangerous” in 2025 as Justin Herbert’s clear-cut No. 1 pass catcher. Popper said LA’s passing attack looked different in offseason practices than it did in 2024. Harris, he said, “made plays outside the numbers in contested-catch situations” and Gadsden “was a threat down the seam and on big, sweeping over routes.” The team’s “passing game felt stunted at times last year because it lacked vertical threats. That will not be the case this year.” In an offense that got progressively more pass heavy as the season wore on, Herbert in 2024 ranked fifth in adjusted yards per attempt, 24th in drop back success rate, and 15th in accuracy, just ahead of Daniel Jones. Herbert, entering his second year under OC Greg Roman, should have more viable pass-catching options if Harris and Gadsden stay healthy this season.