Saturday, October 16, 2021

Los Angeles Chargers Week 6 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 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: 5.6 (6th)
  • Best ranking: 5th (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 7th (ESPN)

Below you will find a Week 6 roundup for the Chargers in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 7

Most improved player: OT Storm Norton

How they've improved: Norton was previously in the XFL but now is the Chargers' starting right tackle because of an injury to Bryan Bulaga. Norton stumbled in his first start but has risen up the ranks, as he is currently the Chargers' No. 2-ranked offensive lineman per Pro Football Focus. He was given a game ball by Chargers coach Brandon Staley after Sunday's win over the Browns. Staley believes in the 6-foot-8, 308-pound Norton, as does Justin Herbert, who saw Norton standing up Cleveland's Myles Garrett. He wasn't perfect, giving up a sack to the NFL's sack leader, but he has proved to be reliable. -- Shelley Smith

NFL.com -- Rank: 5

Justin Herbert Is A Savage In The Pocket. The second-year prodigy was an unstoppable force against the Browns, throwing for 398 yards with five total scores in a 47-42 win at Hollywood Park. The Bolts' usually reliable defense stumbled through its worst performance of the season, but Herbert was there to pick up the slack with his cadre of playmakers. L.A.'s 26 points in the final period were the most by a team in a fourth quarter in eight years. "To win a game like this that turns into a track meet, you have to have a superstar quarterback," coach Brandon Staley said after the victory. "And that's what he is." You know what else he is? (Please see first sentence.)

CBS Sports -- Rank: 5

At 4-1, they lead the AFC West and look to be one of the best teams in the conference. Justin Herbert is the real deal. But the run defense has to be better going forward.

USA Today -- Rank: 6

WR Mike Williams has impeccable timing. His salary ballooned to $15.7 million this year after the Bolts picked up his fifth-year option, but the NFL's leader in TD catches (6) should really cash in following the season, when he's scheduled to reach free agency.

The Athletic -- Rank: 5

Breakout player: Justin Herbert gets all the headlines, but what has gotten into Mike Williams? He had eight catches for 165 yards on Sunday, and in a contract year, Williams' 471 receiving yards are fifth in the NFL. He is using his 6-foot-4 frame to make catches down the field -- seven have gone for 20 yards or more -- and he has been clutch. You could make a strong case that he and Keenan Allen have been the best duo in the league.

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