March 24, 2026, 10:20 p.m. PT
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert received a bold prediction for the 2026 season.
NFL analyst Brett Kollmann believes Herbert can win MVP, only if, the Chargers offensive line can stay healthy.
“If the offensive line is healthy, Justin Herbert is winning MVP,” Kollmann said. “Justin’s probably going to have north of 30 touchdowns and probably five or fewer picks if his offensive line is healthy. He will win a lot of games because of it. We’re talking 13-win territory, one seed territory, Justin MVP territory.”
Despite the porous offensive line in 2025, Herbert recorded 3,727 yards and 26 touchdowns with a 66.4 completion percentage. He also threw an uncharacteristic 13 interceptions.
Entering his sixth season in the league, Herbert hasn’t had all the right pieces to have an MVP-caliber season but that could very well change in 2026. Herbert’s performance despite so many obstacles was part of the reason Mike McDaniel joined the Chargers instead of taking a head coaching gig.
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“I look at a player that has shown he can do everything on a football field,” McDaniel said. “Football is an 11-person game that there’s a lot that coaches have to offer to help, assist a player. I feel very fortunate to coach a player of [his] skillset.”
The Chargers have elevated the offense in free agency, mainly focusing on bolstering the O-line and improving the rush attack. Kollmann believes this will be the difference-maker for Herbert, who received a single first-place vote in the MVP race last season.
If the Chargers emerge as a serious contender and Herbert plays up to his potential, he’ll receive many more first-place votes in 2026.