The Chargers quarterback may not always be mentioned among the NFL’s elite, but when Justin Herbert steps into AT&T Stadium on Sunday to face the Cowboys, he’ll be determined to remind everyone why his name belongs in that conversation.
The Chargers (10–4) are charging toward the postseason behind Herbert’s steady leadership. Now in his sixth NFL season since being drafted sixth overall in 2020, he has firmly established himself as the cornerstone of Los Angeles’ offense.
For the Cowboys (6–7–1), the stakes couldn’t be higher. Either an Eagles victory on Saturday or a Cowboys’ loss in Arlington on Sunday would extinguish Dallas’ playoff hopes, making this matchup a potential turning point in both teams’ seasons.
Here are five things to know about the Cowboys’ Week 16 opponent, the L.A. Chargers:
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It’s Herbert’s time
Herbert has been the heartbeat of the Chargers’ offense, keeping Los Angeles competitive in tight contests and delivering under pressure. His ability to extend plays and make throws in critical moments will be tested against Dallas’ pass rush.
The numbers tell the story: Herbert has thrown 23 touchdowns, the fifth-highest total in the league, while piling up 3,191 passing yards (10th overall) with a 65.6% completion rate. What makes these stats remarkable is the punishment he has endured, a league-leading 49 sacks, yet he continues to produce at an elite level.
Despite the physical toll, Herbert has been iron-man steady, starting all 14 games this season without missing a snap due to injury. Even after suffering a fractured left hand (non-throwing) in Week 13 that required surgery on December 1, he returned immediately, playing through the pain against the Eagles and Chiefs with a protective glove.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has been effusive in his praise of Herbert.
“He has it all. There’s not one gene in his body I wouldn’t immediately trade for,” Harbaugh told ESPN recently.
A former NFL quarterback himself, Harbaugh sees rare qualities in Herbert.
“The arm talent, the stature, the way he processes information, his leadership ability, it’s amazing. Even the fierceness with which he competes. I thought I was a competitor, but the way he goes about his daily business is on another level.”
Herbert’s toughness, talent, and leadership have made him the Chargers’ cornerstone, and the player Dallas must account for if they hope to control the game.
Odds and series history
For Sunday’s matchup, sportsbooks list Dallas (-2.5) as a slight favorite. The over/under is set between 48.5 and 49.5 points, signaling expectations of a high-scoring game. The Cowboys lead the all-time series against the Los Angeles Chargers, 8–5, across 13 regular-season meetings dating to 1972. According to Dimers’ NFL model, which ran 10,000 simulations, the Cowboys are favored with a 57% chance of winning, while the Chargers hold a 43% chance. The projected score: Dallas 25, Los Angeles 23.
Fantasy spotlight: Herbert played with his surgically repaired hand last week and finished as QB17 in fantasy. His surprising 10 carries for 66 rushing yards boosted his value. Through the air, Herbert attempted only 26 passes, completing 46.2% for 139 yards at 5.3 yards per attempt, which still gave him a respectable fantasy total.
Not flashy, but effective offense
The Chargers’ offense sits squarely in the middle of the NFL pack, averaging 338 total yards per game. That production dips slightly on the road, where they manage 317 yards per contest. In the backfield, Kimani Vidal has been the most reliable option. He’s logged 620 rushing yards (29th in the league) on 147 carries, averaging 4.2 yards per attempt, and has found the end zone three times this season.
The passing game’s top threat is Ladd McConkey, who has emerged as Herbert’s go-to target. McConkey has racked up 715 receiving yards (31st in the league) and five touchdowns, giving the Chargers a consistent playmaker on the perimeter.
Special teams remain a strength thanks to Cameron Dicker, one of the NFL’s most accurate kickers. He has drilled 34 of 36 field goals, trailing only Jason Myers of Seattle, who leads the league with 37 makes on 42 attempts.
The Chargers’ offensive coordinator is Greg Roman, who was hired in early 2024 and is known for building dominant rushing attacks with teams like the Ravens and the 49ers.
Defensive powerhouse
The Chargers field one of the NFL’s elite defenses, ranking second overall by allowing 279 yards per game. Only the Houston Texans have been stingier, holding opponents to 269 yards per contest.
Against the run, Los Angeles yields 104 rushing yards per game (11th in the league), but their recent form has been outstanding with just 71 yards allowed on average over the last three games. Through the air, the Chargers are even tougher, surrendering only 191 passing yards per game, a mark bettered solely by the Buffalo Bills at 183 yards.
Playmakers drive this unit. Linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu has emerged as the defensive engine, piling up 12 sacks (fifth in the NFL). Daiyan Henley provides stability with 86 total tackles, while veteran safety Tony Jefferson leads the secondary with four interceptions.
Guiding the group is defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, who arrived in 2024 with Harbaugh after capturing a national championship at Michigan. Known for crafting disciplined, high-performing defenses, Minter has quickly built one of the league’s most formidable units and is already viewed as a rising candidate for future head coaching opportunities.
Elite head coach
Few figures in football embody resilience and competitive fire quite like Harbaugh. As a player, he was celebrated for his relentless spirit and unwavering determination to persevere. Those same traits now define his coaching career, in which he has earned respect from his peers and admiration from players.
Harbaugh’s journey on the sidelines began in 2002, when the Raiders hired him as their quarterbacks coach. From there, he steadily built a résumé that culminated in leading the San Francisco 49ers to Super Bowl XLVII, the famed “Harbaugh Bowl” against his brother John’s Ravens, a narrow defeat that remains one of the most memorable coaching duels in NFL history.
After capturing a national championship at Michigan, Harbaugh returned to the NFL in 2024 to take the reins of the Chargers, bringing his trademark intensity and proven track record back to the professional stage. During his tenure in San Francisco, Harbaugh guided the 49ers to three straight NFC Championship games and earned NFL Coach of the Year honors in 2011. His career regular-season winning percentage of .689 ranks among the greatest in league history, placing him fifth all-time behind a distinguished group of Hall of Fame coaches.
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