In the highly anticipated matchup between the Harbaugh brothers, the spotlight is shining brightly on Justin Herbert. The Los Angeles Chargers quarterback has been nothing short of spectacular lately, boasting a remarkable 13:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Over the last six games, Herbert has guided the Chargers to five victories, showcasing his ability to play risk-free football. But what’s fueling this surge in performance?
Herbert’s Rising Confidence
Herbert’s confidence is palpable, and it’s reflected in his increasing volume of play. Since Week 7, he has thrown 32 or more pass attempts in four out of six games. This uptick in activity isn’t just about passing; he’s also been utilized in designed QB runs, making him a dual threat on the field. This versatility has kept opposing defenses on their toes, allowing Herbert to elevate his play-action rate from 27% to 34.1% since the Chargers’ Week 5 bye.
The Deep Ball Advantage
While Herbert’s ability to run is impressive, it’s his arm that remains his greatest asset. He has thrown seven touchdowns without a single interception in recent weeks, and he ranks second in the league for passing yards on deep throws (20+ air yards). This is crucial as the Chargers prepare to face the Baltimore Ravens in Week 12, a team that has struggled to defend against deep passes. The Ravens currently sit at the bottom of the league, allowing the second-most yards (634) and tied for the most touchdowns (7) given up on those deep attempts.
Defensive Struggles of the Ravens
Let’s take a closer look at the Ravens’ defense. Under John Harbaugh, Baltimore has allowed 22 passing touchdowns, ranking them 31st overall in the league. Opposing teams have taken notice, attacking through the air with a 65.2% pass play percentage, the second-highest in the NFL. This trend suggests that Jim Harbaugh will likely unleash “Beast Herbert” in what promises to be an offensive showdown.
Fantasy Outlook: Herbert as a Top Performer
So, what does this all mean for fantasy football enthusiasts? Over the past month, Justin Herbert has been a fantasy powerhouse, averaging 255.5 passing yards per game with seven touchdowns and zero interceptions. He’s racked up an impressive 21.9 fantasy points per game. In his last game against the Bengals, who are known to be a tough fantasy matchup for quarterbacks, Herbert scored 24.4 points. Now, he faces the Ravens, who have been one of the more favorable matchups for quarterbacks this season. Prior to a strong performance against the Steelers, Baltimore allowed 26.1 fantasy points per game to the QB position over the previous six weeks. With Herbert’s current form, he has all the makings to be the QB1 overall in Week 12.
Key Takeaways for Fantasy Managers
If you’re managing a fantasy team, here are some essential points to consider:
- Herbert’s Recent Form: With a stellar 13:1 TD to INT ratio, he’s one of the safest bets for points.
- Volume and Versatility: His increasing number of pass attempts and dual-threat capability make him a valuable asset.
- Favorable Matchup: The Ravens’ struggles against the deep ball and overall passing defense make this an ideal matchup for Herbert.
- Fantasy Points Potential: Given his recent performances and the Ravens’ defensive weaknesses, expect Herbert to put up significant fantasy points.
What to Watch For
As we approach Week 12, all eyes will be on Herbert. Will he continue his impressive streak against a struggling Ravens defense? Fantasy managers are certainly hoping so! With the potential for an offensive explosion, Herbert could very well be the key to victory for both the Chargers and fantasy teams across the board.
In this thrilling matchup, expect fireworks, and keep your fingers crossed that Herbert continues to shine. The stage is set for an exciting clash, and Herbert is ready to take center stage. Will he rise to the occasion? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the fantasy community is eagerly awaiting what “Beast Herbert” has in store!
