Why the Chargers QB is Emerging as the Early MVP Favorite
Three weeks into the 2025 NFL season, the MVP race is already heating up—and Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is rapidly emerging as the frontrunner. With a league-leading 860 passing yards, six touchdowns, and just one interception, Herbert has been the driving force behind the Chargers’ undefeated start. Under the guidance of head coach Jim Harbaugh and a revamped offensive scheme, Herbert has not only silenced critics who questioned his clutch performance but also delivered highlight-reel plays in prime-time matchups. If his current trajectory holds, Herbert could be on track to claim the league’s most wanted individual honor for the first time in his career.
What makes Herbert’s early-season dominance even more compelling is the context: he’s thriving despite a reshuffled receiving corps and a new offensive line configuration. His poise in the pocket, ability to read defenses, and pinpoint deep-ball accuracy have elevated the Chargers into legitimate contenders. Analysts are already comparing his start to past MVP campaigns from Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers, noting that Herbert’s blend of athleticism and football IQ is translating into consistent, elite-level production. Beyond the stats and highlight throws, what truly sets Justin Herbert apart this season is his mental toughness and adaptability.
After enduring a turbulent 2024 campaign marked by injuries and coaching instability, Herbert entered 2025 with renewed focus and maturity. He’s shown an uncanny ability to adjust mid-game, countering defensive schemes with audibles and quick reads that keep the Chargers’ offense humming. Another standout aspect of Justin Herbert’s game this season is his elevated football IQ and lightning-fast processing speed. Herbert is consistently outsmarting defensive coordinators, identifying blitz packages and disguised coverages before the snap, and adjusting protections or routes accordingly. His accuracy has sharpened to elite levels—not just in deep throws, but in the short and intermediate game where timing and ball placement are critical. Herbert’s mobility also adds a dynamic edge; he’s escaping pressure with ease, keeping plays alive, and delivering strikes on the move. Perhaps most importantly, his leadership has matured; he’s commanding the huddle, mentoring younger teammates, and setting the tone for a Chargers squad that’s playing with confidence and urgency.
This NFL season is shaping up to be Justin Herbert’s best yet, thanks to a combination of elite performance, leadership, and resilience. In a dramatic Week Three comeback against the Broncos, Herbert delivered under intense pressure—despite being sacked five times and facing the highest pressure rate of his career, he led a game-tying drive and a last-minute march into field goal range. His toughness and poise earned praise from Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, who called him “one-of-one” at the quarterback position. With the Chargers undefeated so far and Herbert orchestrating his 13th career fourth-quarter comeback and 17th game-winning drive, he’s not just putting up numbers—he’s defining his season.
