Justin Herbert is once again part of a debated conversation about NFL rankings. Not many question his talent, but many still wonder whether his success in the regular season alone is enough to place him among the league’s elite. Until he wins in the playoffs, the debate will probably continue.
Justin Herbert’s Ranking in NFL Top 100 Sparks Reactions
The particular conversation picked up again after Herbert was voted No. 39 in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026, a list voted on by NFL players. The Los Angeles Chargers quarterback jumped 17 spots from last year’s ranking.
While players hold Herbert in high regard, many people on X felt the ranking was too generous, saying Herbert should not be ranked ahead of quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson or Caleb Williams.
“Herbert over Lamar lol great list,” a fan said.
“I’M SORRY… JUSTIN HERBERT IS NOT BETTER THAN CALEB WILLIAMS!!! 😮” another fan noted.
I’M SORRY…
JUSTIN HERBERT IS NOT BETTER THAN CALEB WILLIAMS!!! 😮
🐻⬇️ pic.twitter.com/DhwNnF7yBg
— A Monster Of The Midway 1985🏈 (@ForeverBearDown) August 3, 2026
“I mean we’re done with this league,” another fan quipped.
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“Still riding the PR wave of a 5k season during Trump’s first term 💀,” a fan commented.
Still riding the PR wave of a 5k season during Trump’s first term 💀 https://t.co/nANGYEEMgL
— Tucker Kraft Enjoyer (@KraftGOAT) August 3, 2026
“No playoffs wins ranked above Burrow, Lamar, Hurts and Purdy👌🏼,” a fan noted while taking a dig ath overall rankings.
pic.twitter.com/wfNwzIZ8Zm No playoffs wins ranked above Burrow, Lamar, Hurts and Purdy👌🏼 https://t.co/YxNOOBtdbf
— 𝙏𝙈 ☆ KӨDΛK 💫 🇺🇸🇲🇽 ☆ (@HoodiKodak) August 3, 2026
“Justin Herbert has something on the NFL. There is no way he is constantly ranked this high by players and the media without something happening behind the scenes,” a fan wrote.
“I actually used to enjoy watching the NFL TOP 100.😔 Now I don’t even pay attention to these lists or rankings anymore. It makes no sense and is laughable at this point,” Colin Pull wrote.
I actually used to enjoy watching the NFL TOP 100.😔 Now I don’t even pay attention to these lists or rankings anymore. It makes no sense and is laughable at this point. https://t.co/wI1BIcwfkC
— Collin Pull (@CollinPull) August 3, 2026
Pro Football Network also has its own ranking in place. While Herbert remains at No. 39 on the NFL’s player-voted Top 100 list, PFN ranked him as the league’s No. 13 QB and 80th best player in the league on its own top 100 players’ list in 2026.
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A post on X confirms this as well: “Justin Herbert came in at No. 39 on the NFL Top 100 list. 👀 PFN’s Top 100 has the Chargers QB ranked BELOW:
- Josh Allen
- Lamar Jackson
- Drake Maye
- Joe Burrow
- Matthew Stafford
- Patrick Mahomes
- Brock Purdy
- Jordan Love
- Dak Prescott
- Jared Goff
- Jalen Hurts
- Sam Darnold”
Justin Herbert came in at No. 39 on the NFL Top 100 list. 👀
PFN’s Top 100 has the Chargers QB ranked BELOW:
Josh Allen
Lamar Jackson
Drake Maye
Joe Burrow
Matthew Stafford
Patrick Mahomes
Brock Purdy
Jordan Love
Dak Prescott
Jared Goff
Jalen Hurts
Sam Darnold pic.twitter.com/zYlVDUo5lS— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) August 3, 2026
Last season, Herbert threw for 3,727 yards and 26 touchdowns, Williams finished with 3,942 passing yards and 27 touchdowns, while Jackson threw for 2,549 yards and 21 touchdowns in just 13 games.
In the case of Herbert, he put together a good regular season despite dealing with difficult circumstances. The Chargers lost starting tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt to season-ending injuries, forcing Herbert to play behind a battered offensive line. He faced a league-high 263 pressures but still rushed for a career-best 498 yards, the second-most among NFL quarterbacks last season.
According to PFN’s QB Impact Metric, Herbert posted an impact score of 75.1 last season, ranking 18th in the league.
Meanwhile, Lamar has two NFL MVP awards in comparison, multiple All-Pro honors, and a long track record of winning and a skill wherein he can warp defensive game plans, which gives a higher floor and ceiling than standard pocket passers, while Williams has shown greatness late in games, taking care of the football with a rhythm and protection that some feel Herbert has lacked.
Nevertheless, Herbert’s biggest criticism hasn’t changed. He was still looking for his first playoff win after the Chargers were eliminated in the Wild Card round, in which Herbert threw for 159 yards and was sacked six times.
