Justin Herbert provides the Chargers with a significant edge at the quarterback position in nearly every matchup.
However, the Bolts are up against a formidable slate of quarterbacks this season. Here’s a look at the quarterbacks Herbert will compete against:
1. Matthew Stafford, Rams, Week 8
Stafford, now 38, just completed an MVP season. Of course, he was already in great form before 2025. The seasoned quarterback is among the elite of his era, showing no signs of slowing down.
His impressive performance secured him another contract extension potentially worth up to $105 million over the next two years.
As long as he stays healthy, Stafford will be in top shape.
2. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs, Weeks 6 and 17
In any ordinary season, Mahomes would top this list. He’s essentially the GOAT of his time.
That said, he’s recovering from a serious knee injury and wasn’t playing at his peak before that last December.
The subpar season was more about the surrounding talent than a drop in his skills. With his recovery underway, it might take him a bit to reclaim his usual role.
Still, he remains a challenging opponent every time he steps onto the field.
3. Josh Allen, Bills, Week 3
This is going to be a close matchup, and Herbert will definitely be in the spotlight throughout the season. Allen is incredibly skilled, and with offensive-minded coach Joe Brady at the helm, there’s an expectation for him to excel even further.
Allen can take you down both through the air and with his legs, making him a tough adversary.
4. Lamar Jackson, Ravens, Week 10
Jackson didn’t have his best season last year, partly due to a hamstring injury that hampered him early on. Observing him play made it clear that the injury was holding him back; he just seemed less dynamic and hesitant to use his mobility.
If he can regain his form, we should see the return of the explosive Jackson we know. He’s now under 29-year-old offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, who previously worked with the Bears.
Doyle is aimed at maximizing Jackson’s abilities and hopefully getting him back to his usual level.
5. Brock Purdy, 49ers, Week 15
Purdy struggled through an injury-laden season, which resulted in 10 interceptions over 11 games, including the playoffs. The injuries took a toll on his performance.
The 49ers’ playmakers also weren’t performing as effectively as the previous year, with star tight end George Kittle sidelined for several games due to injury.
With better health and support, plus Kyle Shanahan’s knack for creating game plans that play to Purdy’s strengths, it’s expected that he will make a comeback.
6. Drake Maye, Patriots, Week 12
Maye would rank higher if not for some underwhelming performances in the AFC Championship and Super Bowl. Prior to those games, he was an MVP candidate.
However, those games happened, and they’ve left him needing to prove himself again. There’s star potential there, but it’s not fully realized yet.
7. Sam Darnold, Seahawks, Week 4
This feels a bit low for Darnold, who has had breakout seasons with the Vikings and even led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory.
His transformation from a perceived bust to Super Bowl standout is remarkable. He still has time to distance himself from any negative associations.
With another solid season under his belt, he’s gaining recognition as one of the top quarterbacks in the league.
8. Bo Nix, Broncos, Weeks 5 and 18
It’s tough to gauge if Nix is truly that good or if he’s just a decent player benefitting from a solid supporting cast and a scheme that hides some flaws.
With new play-caller Davis Webb taking over for the Broncos, there’s talk that Webb will adopt a more aggressive approach, placing even more responsibility on Nix.
His response will likely shape our perception of his future potential.
9. CJ Stroud, Texans, Week 9
Stroud didn’t perform well in the playoffs last year, and honestly, his regular season wasn’t much better.
It feels like he’s far from the remarkable rookie year in 2023, during which he recorded 23 touchdowns and only five interceptions.
He definitely has some work ahead to regain past form and earn back everyone’s trust. It’s a pivotal moment for him as the Texans weigh a potential contract extension.
10. Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers, Week 13
At this stage, Mayfield is pretty much who we expect him to be—a reliable quarterback willing to maximize his abilities and rally his team, given adequate support.
If things fall into place, he’s capable enough to keep a team in playoff contention. From there, if the right stars align, he could help them to secure playoff victories.
But is he the one who can shoulder the burden and elevate the team? That’s uncertain.
11. Kirk Cousins or Fernando Mendoza, Raiders, Weeks 2 and 14
Cousins seems like the projected starter for the Raiders, but it wouldn’t be surprising if Mendoza took over by Week 14.
If Cousins can remain healthy and maintain the starting role, he could easily move up this ranking. That’s a significant assumption, though. Mendoza has the potential but will need time to develop fully.
12. Geno Smith, Jets, Week 11
I mean, it’s a bit surprising that Smith is back with the Jets. Both sides were probably just desperate enough to make this reunion work.
After a rough season in Las Vegas, he needs to demonstrate that he can replicate the solid performances he had in Seattle. But is the situation with the Jets much better than what he faced in Las Vegas?
Things could definitely take a turn for the worse.
13. Malik Willis, Dolphins, Week 16
Willis had limited opportunities with just 89 attempts as a backup, but he completed a remarkable 78.7% of them, with six touchdowns and no interceptions.
This earned him a three-year deal with the Dolphins for up to $67 million, as well as a chance to cement his status as a starting quarterback in the NFL.
Time will tell if those impressive numbers were legitimate or just a fluke.
14. Jacoby Brissett, Cardinals, Week 1
Brissett is looking for a new contract, yet he hasn’t been involved in the Cardinals’ offseason program, leaving uncertainty over who will start for the Chargers against Arizona.
Of the players in contention, Beck likely has the best chance for a long-term role with the Cardinals. They are already eyeing next year’s quarterback draft class, which appears to be one of the most promising in years.
