Eric Smith

The Chargers appear primed for plenty of success in 2025.

If the Bolts do indeed make a deep playoff run, who could lead the way in getting there?

Brandon Austin ofPro Football Networkrecently tabbed a player from each NFL team who could take home MVP honors.

Unsurprisingly, Austin went with quarterbackJustin Herbertfor the Chargers.

Austin wrote:

The Los Angeles Chargers went 11-6 and made the playoffs in Jim Harbaugh's first season as head coach. They didn't last long in the postseason, but this team looks like a contender again in 2025.

For a deeper playoff run, LA will need Justin Herbert to take another step. He's been a good quarterback, but he's yet to break into the NFL's elite.

The Chargers' front office added help around Herbert this offseason. Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton lead a new backfield, and Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith join Ladd McConkey at wide receiver. Herbert has the weapons to put together a big 2025.

Herbert threw for 3,870 yards with 23 touchdowns and just three interceptions in 2024 as he played through numerous injuries.

He also posted a career-best 101.7 quarterback rating the first time he surpassed 100 in his career and added a career-high 306 rushing yards.

Herbert is among the many big-name players on the Chargers roster, a group that includes Khalil Mack, Derwin James, Jr., Rashawn Slater and others.

But it's a safe bet that the Bolts will go as far as Herbert takes them in 2025.

Herbert's biggest backer is Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, who said earlier this offseason that he wants to help Herbert make it to thePro Football Hall of Fame.

"You kind of process that, that would mean winning a couple of Super Bowls and a lot of people would benefit from that," Harbaugh said. "That's a worthy goal, and I think it's necessary we get him surrounded with as many good football players to his level as possible."