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LA Chargers: Is Justin Herbert a lock for ROTY? Analyzing his chances

By Alexander Insdorf

TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 04: The helmet worn by Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers reads "Black Lives Matter" during the third quarter of a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 04: The helmet worn by Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers reads "Black Lives Matter" during the third quarter of a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) – LA Chargers
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) – LA Chargers /

Justin Jefferson and the rest of the candidates

When it comes to wide receivers in contention, it’s all about Justin Jefferson and to a lesser degree Chase Claypool. CeeDee Lamb is around +1400 odds, but that seems way too high considering the unfortunate injury to Dak Prescott. In his first game with Andy Dalton under center, Lamb recorded his second lowest receiving output of the season.

Chase Claypool would become an interesting candidate if he showed more consistency. The Eagles game was an amazing effort form him, but there’s nothing that really suggests he’s going to become the No. 1 receiving option in Pittsburgh this year. The target volume just isn’t there for him right now.

If the season ended today, Justin Jefferson would be my second choice for ROTY after Justin Herbert. In his last four games, Jefferson has 465 yards and three touchdowns. That’s historic production for a receiver, especially considering the fact that his quarterback isn’t good.

Jefferson needs to maintain that level of production to boost his rookie of the year stock, but it’s doable. Dalvin Cook missed last game and his health status continues to be up in the air. Other than Adam Thielen, no one comes close to touching Jefferson’s target and production volume. If I were a betting man, I’d throw a few bucks on +700 odds for him.

While Herbert leads the pack, his ROTY campaign is far from a slam dunk. Burrow will get a lot of attention at quarterback if he can start playing better during the back half of the season. Jefferson is on pace to have a historic rookie wide receiver season, which could make things very difficult for the Chargers’ starting quarterback.

Chargers that need to play better after the bye week. Next

Edwards-Helaire could have a chance, but his odds are hurt by the addition of Bell. The attention will turn to Tua time in Miami, but he’s simply not going to have enough games to get level with Burrow or Herbert.

As of now, it’s a two quarterback race between Herbert and Burrow with Jefferson being the best option amongst skill position players.

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