After leaving last Sunday’s game against the Steelers with a high ankle sprain, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert’s ($5,500) status for Week 4’s matchup with the Chiefs is in doubt. The Los Angeles star was able to take part in a limited practice on Wednesday, leaving room for optimism that he can play against Kansas City.
Ankle injuries are always tricky, and Herbert’s use of a walking boot postgame in Pittsburgh has only amplified fears of an extended absence. Even if the former Offensive Rookie of the Year does suit up, he’s not going to be operating at full strength.
The glass half-full argument is that even a 60-70% healthy Herbert could do damage on Sunday. The Chiefs’ defense has surrendered the ninth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, thanks in large part to a secondary allowing the fifth-most passing yards in the NFL. In seven career starts vs. Kansas City, Herbert has a passer rating of 102.6, tossing 16 touchdowns to just six interceptions.
However, these are not the same old Chargers. Under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, Los Angeles has thrown the ball just 66 times, the second-lowest mark in football. With so much emphasis on J.K. Dobbins ($6,300) and the running game, it’s been tough for Herbert to replicate the gaudy passing numbers fantasy managers are used to seeing.
Any contest involving Patrick Mahomes ($7,100) can turn into a shootout quickly, yet the over/under between these two is just 40 points. A back-and-forth affair isn’t the kind of game LA wants to play. Harbaugh’s run-first scheme isn’t just a way to keep Kansas City off the field. It’s also a way of protecting Herbert in the first month of a long, grueling season.
Injured QB’s are almost never the move in fantasy football, and this instance is no different. Even if Herbert gets cleared to play, there are way too many questions right now to start him in 12 team or lower leagues. Given the amount of quality QBs on the waiver wire, managers should look elsewhere.
The Crown Is Yours: Sign up for DraftKings and experience the ultimate host for games and betting experiences!
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is barmy) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
