Herbert Vs. Jones: Who To Start At QB?

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Hey guys, it's that time again: fantasy football lineup decisions! This week, we're diving deep into a classic QB conundrum: Justin Herbert vs. Daniel Jones. Both guys have their strengths, but only one can make it into your starting lineup. When deciding who to start, the most important things to consider include the players' matchups, recent performance, and potential for points. The difference between winning and losing in fantasy football often comes down to making the right call at quarterback, so let's break down Herbert and Jones to help you make the best decision. Remember, the 4-point passing touchdown is the standard, so we'll be keeping that in mind as we break down the situation.

Justin Herbert: The Chargers' Gunslinger

Justin Herbert, the Los Angeles Chargers quarterback, is known for his cannon arm and ability to rack up fantasy points. He's got a proven track record of throwing for big yardage and touchdowns. He has a great receiving core and is not afraid to throw the ball down the field. His offensive system is designed to showcase his arm talent, and he has the trust of his coaching staff. When you think about the Chargers offense, you think about a pass-heavy attack that wants to be aggressive downfield. The main reason why you draft Justin Herbert is for his floor. The Chargers offense is designed to throw the ball and put up points. He is a safe start most weeks. The team’s offensive play calling is usually very favorable for Herbert’s success. With a capable head coach and offensive coordinator, the Chargers have all the pieces to unlock his potential as a fantasy QB1. When he is healthy, you can feel comfortable starting him, knowing that he will generate points. However, there is always a risk with Herbert. He tends to get injured more frequently than other QBs, and it is something that needs to be considered when deciding whether to start him. When he gets hurt, he has a tendency to play through the injury, so it is important to monitor the injury reports.

Herbert's Strengths

  • Arm Talent: Herbert's arm is elite. He can make every throw, which makes him a threat to score points on any given play. He is also able to throw the ball into tight windows. His arm talent gives him a high ceiling every week.
  • Volume: The Chargers' offense typically throws the ball a lot. High passing volume is a great indicator of fantasy success.
  • Supporting Cast: He has great weapons, including Keenan Allen and Mike Williams (when healthy). These are reliable targets that can make plays.
  • Upside: Herbert has the potential to put up huge point totals, making him a league-winning type of player when he is at his best. He is more likely to have multiple touchdown games.

Herbert's Weaknesses

  • Inconsistency: Like all QBs, he can have up and down performances. While his ceiling is high, his floor can be low if he's facing a tough defense.
  • Injury Risk: He has had some injuries over the past few seasons, so that is always a concern for fantasy football.
  • Turnovers: While he's improved in this area, he can still make mistakes, leading to interceptions and lost fantasy points.

Daniel Jones: The Giants' Dual-Threat

Daniel Jones, the quarterback for the New York Giants, offers a different dimension to your fantasy lineup. He's a dual-threat QB, meaning he can score points with both his arm and his legs. This gives him a higher floor than some other quarterbacks. When evaluating his ability to generate points, you need to consider his arm talent, his ability to make plays with his legs, and his team's offensive game plan. His value is in his ability to put up points, so that should be the key focus when deciding to start him. The best aspect of Jones is his ability to run the ball. Even when he is not playing at his best, he can still generate points on the ground and keep your floor high. He is less reliant on his receivers to generate points. When evaluating Jones, it is important to consider the opponents he is facing. The Giants have to play tough teams in their division, so he will not always perform well. If he plays a divisional rival, there is a higher likelihood of him having a lower ceiling and floor. When you draft Jones, you have to be aware that he could underperform.

Jones' Strengths

  • Rushing Ability: Jones is a threat to run the ball, adding valuable rushing yards and touchdowns to his fantasy total. He will run the ball and generate points even if his passing game is struggling.
  • Dual-Threat Upside: The ability to score both through the air and on the ground gives him a high floor and a decent ceiling.
  • Improv Skills: He's good at extending plays, which can lead to unexpected fantasy points.

Jones' Weaknesses

  • Inconsistent Passing: His passing game can be hit or miss, with games where he struggles to connect with his receivers.
  • Turnover Prone: While he has improved, he can still make costly mistakes, which can impact his fantasy scoring.
  • Team Performance: The Giants' overall team performance can fluctuate, impacting Jones' fantasy output.

Comparing Herbert and Jones

Let's break down how Herbert and Jones stack up against each other, guys.

  • Passing Upside: Herbert has the higher ceiling in terms of passing yards and touchdowns. His arm talent gives him a decided edge in this category.
  • Rushing Ability: Jones is the clear winner here. His ability to run the ball gives him a higher floor and a different way to score fantasy points.
  • Consistency: Jones' rushing ability gives him a more consistent floor, even if his passing game struggles. Herbert is more reliant on his passing success.
  • Matchup Dependency: Both QBs are matchup-dependent, but their outcomes can change drastically depending on the opposing team's defensive strengths and weaknesses.

Making the Start/Sit Decision

So, who do you start between Herbert and Jones, assuming a 4-point passing touchdown league? Here's how to make the call, based on different scenarios:

Start Herbert If:

  • Favorable Matchup: Herbert has a great matchup against a team that struggles against the pass.
  • Projected High-Scoring Game: The game is expected to be a shootout. Herbert's arm will be needed to keep pace.
  • Need for a High Ceiling: You're trailing in your matchup and need a QB with the potential to put up a huge score.

Start Jones If:

  • Need for a Safe Floor: You need a QB who can generate points even in a tough matchup.
  • Favorable Rushing Matchup: The opposing defense is weak against the run.
  • Uncertainty at WR: You may want to protect yourself in case your receivers have a bad week.
  • Tough Matchup for Herbert: If Herbert faces a tough defense, Jones may be the safer play.

Additional Considerations

  • Injury Reports: Always check the injury reports. A last-minute injury can change everything.
  • Weather: Adverse weather conditions can impact passing offenses. Consider the game's weather forecast before making your decision.
  • Team News: Keep up with any relevant team news, such as changes in offensive schemes or player availability.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the decision of whether to start Herbert or Jones depends on your specific team needs and the nuances of the matchup. Herbert offers the higher ceiling, while Jones provides a more stable floor. Be sure to weigh all the factors we've discussed, and trust your gut! Good luck with your fantasy football decisions this week, everyone, and may your team achieve victory! Remember to have fun and enjoy the game! Fantasy football is supposed to be fun, so make the best decision for your team. Don't get too caught up in the details. Make the best decision, and stick with it.