Analyze Justin Herbert's matchup for week 9
Herbert enters Week 9 red-hot (71 % completions, 8 TD-3 INT in last three) against a Titans defense that bleeds 378 total yards and 26.5 points per game; his dual-threat profile and extra rest after TNF make him a locked-in QB1 with top-five upside.
The Titans sit 20th vs. pass (215.8 yds/gm) and 29th vs. QB runs (150 yds/gm), giving Herbert both efficiency and rushing-floor paths to 20-plus fantasy points; their red-zone D is respectable, but Herbert’s 7.1 YPA and three reliable weapons should still translate to multiple scores.
Averaging 19.8 fantasy points over his last five, Herbert has topped 27 twice while adding 186 rush yards on the season; the 71 % completion rate since Week 5 shows peak command of Harbaugh’s offense.
Herbert’s momentum is the story: 911 yards and eight touchdowns in his last three games, plus 95 rushing yards that quietly elevate his floor. That dual-threat element is critical against Tennessee, which has surrendered 150 rushing yards per game to quarterbacks—second-worst in football. Expect designed roll-outs and zone-read keepers that pad Herbert’s rushing line while stretching a secondary that has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to passers. The Titans’ 44 % red-zone TD rate is mildly concerning, yet Herbert’s three viable red-zone targets (McConkey, Gadsden, Harris) plus his own legs give the Chargers multiple ways to finish drives. Game script also tilts positive: Los Angeles is a 7-point road favorite, so Herbert should stay aggressive through three quarters rather than morphing into a clock-killer. Finally, the extra three days of rest after Thursday night football historically boosts road favorites by 3–4 % in offensive efficiency, a small but actionable edge for a quarterback already peaking. Fire him up as a confident QB1 with 300-yard, multi-touchdown ceiling.