Justin Herbert is among the NFL's elite quarterbacks, but his playoff record is under scrutiny.
On January 27, 2026, Mike McDaniel discussed Herbert's potential.

What happened?

Herbert has completed 66.5% of his passes with 24,820 yards and 163 touchdowns against 58 interceptions.
He has willed a largely inept organization to competence.

Why it matters for Justin Herbert

New rankings from John Kosko of Pro Football Focus slot Herbert 23rd overall, citing his postseason performances.
Herbert still needs to elevate his play in the postseason to cement his elite status.

What comes next?

Herbert will continue to get slightly disrespected in quarterback rankings until the Chargers overcome their playoff issues.
McDaniel said Herbert hasn't "neared the ceiling" of what he's capable of.

The Chargers' quarterback situation is not seen as one of the top in the league, despite Herbert's impressive stats.
This is due to the team's lack of playoff success, which is often attributed to Herbert's performances.
Herbert has been one of the NFL's best regular-season passers over the past three years, posting a 90.7 PFF passing grade.
This grade ranks fourth at the position over that span.

The rankings don't put Herbert in the "elite" section with quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen.
This is not unusual, as Herbert's playoff record is still a concern.
Herbert could have played better in his playoff chances, but he hasn't had the same level of support as other elite players.
The Chargers' organization has been largely inept, making it harder for Herbert to succeed.

Herbert's future is still bright, with McDaniel expressing excitement about the possibilities.
The Chargers' fans probably wouldn't agree that there are nine better quarterback situations in the NFL.
Herbert will need to continue to perform well and lead his team to playoff success to change the narrative.
Until then, he will likely remain outside the top tier of quarterbacks in the eyes of many experts.

The NFL QB rankings will continue to be a topic of discussion, with Herbert's status as an elite quarterback still up for debate.
Herbert's stats and performances will be closely watched, as he looks to prove himself as one of the best in the league.
The Chargers' playoff issues will need to be addressed, and Herbert will need to play a key role in resolving them.
Only time will tell if Herbert can overcome the criticism and establish himself as a truly elite quarterback.