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Chargers primed for playoff push behind Justin Herbert

By Brad Weiss

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 27: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers looks to pass during the first half of a game against the Denver Broncos at SoFi Stadium on December 27, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 27: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers looks to pass during the first half of a game against the Denver Broncos at SoFi Stadium on December 27, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Star quarterback Justin Herbert has the Los Angeles Chargers pointed in the right direction, and a playoff berth could be in the cards in 2021.

Best-case scenario

The Los Angeles Chargers went with Justin Herbert with one of their first-round picks in 2020, and that selection paid off in a big way in Year 1 for the young quarterback. He went on to be the AFC’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, putting together a historic season and easing the transition away from future Hall of Famer Philip Rivers.

The best-case scenario is Herbert continuing to progress, helping this team put more notches in the win column, and possibly challenging for a Wild Card spot in a very tough AFC.

Worst-case scenario

The worst-case scenario would be Justin Herbert taking a step back in his development, whether it be due to his offensive line having some issues, or the Chargers suffering an injury to one of his best weapons, which has happened before to Keelan Allen.

The Chargers do have some talented young players, including left tackle Rashawn Slater, but we have seen rookie left tackles struggle in the past, and that could rear its ugly head for the 2021 Chargers. The worst-case scenario is Herbert does not get the protection he needs, and the Chargers miss out on the playoffs once again this season.

X-factor

The X-factor for this Los Angeles Chargers team in 2021 will come on the defensive side of the ball, as the hope is that the team can get a healthy Derwin James back in the fold this season. James made an instant impact coming into the league, becoming one of the best young safeties in the game, and he will be tasked with leading a very young unit in 2021.

The Chargers take on elite quarterbacks seemingly every week this season, but if James is the player he was before the injury, Los Angeles should be very confident with what they have in the defensive backfield.

Biggest game

The biggest game on the 2021 slate for the Los Angeles Chargers would have to be the final regular-season matchup, a road game against the Las Vegas Raiders inside Allegiant Stadium. Based on their rosters, the Raiders and Chargers could be battling it out for a playoff spot come Week 18, making the 17th game on their schedule perhaps their biggest one.

The Bolts have tough games throughout, including an early one on the road against Kansas City, but in terms of where they could be in the standing, this could be a make-or-break game for Los Angeles.

Bold prediction

Justin Herbert has superstar written all over him, and this could be the year that he makes his first Pro Bowl, and plays in his first playoff game.

A bold prediction for the Chargers would be that first-year head coach Brandon Staley proves to be the best choice possible, leading this franchise on a playoff run, and they used the skill of Herbert to win a game on Wild Card weekend. With this roster, there is no reason why they should finish in the bottom of the AFC West, so a No. 2 spot in the division and a playoff berth is possible.