Chargers' Justin Herbert Ranked 5th Among NFL Quarterbacks in 2025

Despite injuries to his offensive line and running backs, Herbert led the Chargers to the playoffs.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert was ranked as the 5th best quarterback in the NFL throughout the 2025 season, according to NFL.com's Nick Shook. Herbert finished the year with 3,886 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and a 66.1% completion percentage, while also rushing for 555 yards and 2 touchdowns. Despite losing key offensive players to injury, Herbert carried the Chargers to an 11-6 record and a return trip to the playoffs.

Why it matters

Herbert's performance in 2025 despite significant injuries to his offensive line and running backs showcases his elite talent and ability to elevate his team. As the Chargers look to build on their success next season with a healthy offensive line and new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, Herbert is poised to continue his ascent among the NFL's top quarterbacks.

The details

According to the rankings by NFL.com's Nick Shook, Justin Herbert joined Matthew Stafford, Josh Allen, Dak Prescott, and Drake Maye in the top tier of NFL quarterbacks in 2025. Shook praised Herbert's courage and ability to carry the Chargers to the playoffs despite losing key offensive players to injury, including one starting tackle for the entire season and another for a significant portion, as well as his top two running backs for stretches. Herbert finished the year as both the leading passer and rusher for the Chargers in some games.

  • Justin Herbert finished the 2025 NFL season.

The players

Justin Herbert

The starting quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers, who was ranked as the 5th best quarterback in the NFL in 2025 according to NFL.com.

Nick Shook

An NFL.com writer who compiled the rankings of the top quarterbacks in the league for the 2025 season.

Matthew Stafford

The starting quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, who was ranked as one of the top 5 quarterbacks in the NFL in 2025 according to the rankings.

Josh Allen

The starting quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, who was ranked as one of the top 5 quarterbacks in the NFL in 2025 according to the rankings.

Dak Prescott

The starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, who was ranked as one of the top 5 quarterbacks in the NFL in 2025 according to the rankings.

Drake Maye

The starting quarterback for the New England Patriots, who was ranked as one of the top 5 quarterbacks in the NFL in 2025 according to the rankings.

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What they’re saying

“Justin Herbert deserves a medal for the courage required to get these Chargers to the playoffs. He lost one starting tackle (Rashawn Slater) for the entire season and another for a significant portion of it (Joe Alt) and played a significant chunk of time without one or both of his top two running backs (Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton). He put the Chargers on his back anyway, finishing as both the leading passer and rusher in some games while carrying them to an 11-6 finish and a return trip to the playoffs.”

— Nick Shook, NFL.com writer (NFL.com)

“Oh, he did much of this with a broken hand, too. Hopefully, the Chargers can stay healthy up front and take some of the responsibility off his shoulders next season.”

— Nick Shook, NFL.com writer (NFL.com)

What’s next

The 2026 season should tell a different story for the Chargers, with Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator and a healthy, stronger offensive line protecting Herbert.

The takeaway

Justin Herbert's elite performance in 2025, despite significant injuries to his supporting cast, solidifies his status as one of the NFL's top quarterbacks. As the Chargers look to build on their success next season, Herbert's continued development and leadership will be crucial to their championship aspirations.