Justin Herbert’s Chargers eye big season with added help in NFL power rankings

Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers enter the 2026 NFL offseason ranked No. 14 in the latest power rankings, with analysts betting on a bounce-back season if the offense finally gives the star quarterback more help.

What the rankings say about Justin Herbert’s Chargers

The Chargers sit at No. 14 in the offseason power rankings released this week, with the forecast hinging on whether the supporting cast can step up for Justin Herbert. The ranking reflects a belief that Herbert’s elite arm talent alone won’t carry the team deep into January unless the trenches and skill positions improve. The Chargers finished 9-8 last season, with Herbert throwing for 4,739 yards and 25 touchdowns despite constant pressure up front.

Why the ranking matters for Justin Herbert

For Justin Herbert, the No. 14 spot is both a challenge and a chance. The Chargers’ front office added depth along the offensive line and at wide receiver this offseason, moves designed to keep Herbert upright and extend plays. Herbert’s 35 sacks taken last year ranked third-worst in the league, a number the team hopes to cut sharply. If the new pieces click, Herbert could push for a return to the playoffs for the first time since 2021.

What comes next for the Bolts

The Chargers open training camp on 25 Jul 2026 in Costa Mesa, with Herbert already working out with the first-team offense. The added help includes veteran guard Matt Feiler and rookie wideout Xavier Worthy, both expected to start. Herbert has thrown in private sessions this month, telling reporters he feels “lighter” after the roster overhaul. The schedule features a Week 2 trip to Las Vegas, a game that could set the tone for the entire season.

Can Herbert silence the doubters?

Critics point to Herbert’s 16 interceptions last year and the Chargers’ 3-7 record in one-score games. Yet the power rankings still see a path if the defense tightens up and the run game finds consistency. Herbert, now 27, has never missed a start in five pro seasons. The No. 14 ranking isn’t a guarantee-it’s a bet that the pieces around him finally align.