Chargers' Justin Herbert tipped for incredible career-first in 2026

The Los Angeles Chargers, under Jim Harbaugh and Justin Herbert, are building something; it's just taking a little time.

In Harbaugh's two seasons, Herbert has led the Chargers to the postseason twice and has a 22-11 regular-season record, so that's not too bad.

But playoff failures, and bad ones, have hindered Herbert. So too have the injuries to his offensive line been crippling. Now, though, Mike McDaniel is Herbert's new offensive coordinator, and suddenly the good vibes are back.

How back? So much so that ESPN's Seth Walder has tipped the Chargers to make and win the Super Bowl next season.

"Chargers over Packers," Walder wrote. "Am I falling for the Chargers in the offseason, just like we all do every year? Sure. But this time will be different! The 2025 Chargers' biggest weakness -- the offensive line -- already has a built-in solution with their two excellent tackles (Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater) returning to health. Add McDaniel as offensive coordinator and I find myself truly believing."

More: Commanders get outlandish 2026 prediction from ESPN

Walder's prediction means career-first for Herbert

What is interesting about Walder's prediction is that, of course, it could come to fruition, but there's a bit to get through.

Herbert is 0-3 in the playoffs, which means that, depending on the Chargers' AFC seed, he will at least have to rattle off three wins to be a Super Bowl champion.

The fact that he hasn't won a playoff game yet and has played poorly in all three doesn't inspire confidence that he can lead a playoff run.

Will it be different with McDaniel in his ear in 2026? Chargers fans sure hope so.

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