Friday, September 25, 2020

Los Angeles Chargers Week 3 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Los Angeles Chargers rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 17.4 (17th)
  • Best ranking: 15th (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 21st (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 3 roundup for the Chargers in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 21

What we learned: It's time to roll with Justin Herbert. Anthony Lynn said he's going back to Tyrod Taylor when Taylor's healthy, and that's a mistake. Taylor experienced complications from a pregame injection and was sidelined Sunday, forcing Herbert into action against the Chiefs. The only case for Taylor would be that the Chargers want to make the playoffs, and he gives them their best chance. The only problem? Herbert very well might be better than Taylor right now. He went 22-for-33 for 311 yards against Kansas City. Herbert took his lumps. His accuracy was off at times, and he threw a bad interception. But he did not look overwhelmed and made a couple of "wow" throws, including one on third down that lofted over Tyrann Mathieu into Keenan Allen's hands. Herbert is the future, and he offers upside for 2020 that doesn't exist with Taylor. Sticking with Taylor because that was the plan is pure madness. Lynn has new information. Use it, and go all-in to help Herbert.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 15

It looks like Tyrod Taylor is back in at quarterback after missing last week, but they have to feel good about the way rookie Justin Herbert played. He is the future.

USA Today -- Rank: 15

As part of his unexpected but impressive debut Sunday, rookie Justin Herbert became first Bolts QB to score a rushing TD since 2011.

ESPN -- Rank: 18

Under-the-radar fantasy standout: RB Austin Ekeler

Ekeler was targeted just once against Cincinnati a week ago. Coach Anthony Lynn realized Ekeler needed to be more involved against the Chiefs, and he was electric. Ekeler had four catches for 55 yards and ran the ball 16 times for 93 yards. He got the extra yard where none was expected. The undrafted and little-known 5-foot-10 back out of Western Colorado figures to be important down the road. He should, as he signed a four-year $24.5 million contract extension in March. -- Shelley Smith

NFL.com -- Rank: 18

That's why you always stay ready, kids. Justin Herbert didn't know he was making his NFL debut until right before kickoff on Sunday, which made the resulting performance against the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs all the more impressive. Herbert kept his poise and made a number of quality throws, giving the offense a spark it didn't have under Tyrod Taylor in Week 1. Taylor spent part of his Sunday in a hospital dealing with chest pains, but head coach Anthony Lynn said the veteran will remain the starter if healthy. To which we ask ... why? Herbert is the future of the franchise, and he's now proved he can learn on the job while keeping the Chargers competitive. Tyrod Taylor is a good man, but he's not the right man for these Chargers at QB1.

Previous update: Los Angeles Chargers Week 2 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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