Justin Herbert sits 8th in MVP voting during bye week

Herbert remains in the running even after a poor performance in week six.

After a shaky two games to begin the 2021 season, Justin Herbert put together a three-game stretch where he led the NFL with 11 touchdown passes with zero turnovers committed. Those three weeks help thrust the second-year quarterback into the thick of the MVP race, but his most-recent performance against the Ravens put quite the damper on all the momentum he had been gaining.

As things stand at the bye week, Herbert is currently eighth with +1400 odds to win the award, per DraftKings Sportsbook. The only players in front of him are Dak Prescott (+450), Kyler Murray (+450), Josh Allen (+550), Tom Brady (+800), Aaron Rodgers (+1200), Lamar Jackson (+1200), and Matthew Stafford (+1200).

So far this season, Herbert has thrown for 14 touchdowns to four interceptions. He’s also added one rushing touchdown. Among the top-eight quarterbacks in MVP odds, he is tied fifth in touchdowns, tied for the second-least in interceptions, and fourth in passing yards.

I think the craziest part about where he stands is that he’s been able to do all of this while playing through one of the league’s toughest six-game stretches to begin the season. Four of the six teams were playoff teams from a year ago and the Cowboys are currently in the running to end up as one of the best teams in the NFC this year. It should also be noted that the Chargers’ remaining schedule is going to get A LOT softer. Among the final 11 games, only two opponent’s are currently over .500: the Bengals (4-2) and Raiders (4-2).

I think it’s pretty safe to say that there are much brighter days ahead for Herbert and the rest of this offense.