Justin Herbert leads ESPN's drumbeat fantasy risers
Justin Herbert is one of fantasy football's fastest risers for 2026, with ESPN listing the Los Angeles Chargers quarterback among its key 'drumbeat' players to believe. A new offense under Mike McDaniel, improved line health, and a deep receiving corps underpin the buzz—and why Herbert now carries top-10 positional appeal.
Key Takeaways
- ESPN flags Justin Herbert as a major offseason riser after Mike McDaniel joined the Chargers to work with him.
- Herbert averaged 20.1 fantasy points per game (QB8) in Weeks 1–8 of 2025 before Joe Alt's injury; he slipped to 15.8 PPG afterward.
- Alt has been a full participant in camp, while Herbert's weapons and rushing floor support top-10 QB appeal.
- Rookie WR Carnell Tate and other drumbeat names are also drawing early fantasy buzz.
- Sports Illustrated favors Herbert over Trevor Lawrence at similar draft prices due to McDaniel's scheme upside.
Why is Justin Herbert generating so much fantasy buzz?
According to ESPN fantasy analyst Liz Loza, Herbert's rise is less quiet chatter than a full drumbeat. Investors appear charmed by the Chargers' change in offensive philosophy under new coordinator Mike McDaniel.
McDaniel reportedly committed to Los Angeles primarily because he wanted to work with Herbert, citing the quarterback's size, elite arm strength, and anticipatory skills. Notes from training camp suggest the duo have clicked and that Herbert has picked up the new playbook with astonishing ease.
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How did Herbert's 2025 line injuries shape the outlook?
Injuries to Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt capsized Herbert's protection in 2025. Prior to Alt's season-ending ankle fracture in Week 9, Herbert led the position in passing yards with 2,140 while posting 20.1 fantasy points per game from Weeks 1–8.
Without the star right tackle, Herbert registered 1,587 passing yards and an underwhelming 15.8 fantasy PPG the remainder of the regular season. While Slater has missed practice with what is being reported as a minor knee tweak, Alt has been a full go at training camp.
ESPN also highlights a loaded group of pass catchers—wideouts Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Tre' Harris; tight ends Oronde Gadsden and David Njoku; and running backs Omarion Hampton and Keaton Mitchell. Combined with Herbert's sneaky rushing floor after finishing as the QB2 in rushing yards last season, he presents top-10 positional fantasy appeal.
Which other drumbeat players belong on fantasy radars?
ESPN's drumbeat list also features Titans rookie wide receiver Carnell Tate, who has lit up camp with Cam Ward and is projected to draw upward of 120 looks with top-25 positional appeal. Other names include Browns running back Quinshon Judkins, Rams back Blake Corum, 49ers rookie De'Zhaun Stribling, and Packers tight end Tucker Kraft.
Editor's note from ESPN: Houston's Jayden Higgins was also on the list but tore his ACL in practice and will miss the 2026 season. Tate is currently being drafted early in the eighth round of 10-team leagues, while Judkins' sixth-round ADP offers managers willing to wait on a potential breakout.
Is Herbert a better draft target than Trevor Lawrence?
Sports Illustrated notes Herbert is falling around QB10 in drafts, priced below elite quarterbacks without sacrificing top-five upside. FantasyPros projections rate Lawrence slightly ahead at 20.4 fantasy points per game versus 18.7 for Herbert, largely on rushing volume.
SI's bottom line still leans Herbert when draft prices are similar: McDaniel's quarterback-friendly scheme and a healthier Chargers line give him a clearer path to a major fantasy breakout, while Lawrence remains a strong pivot if he falls past his ADP.