What to do with Justin Herbert in Week 15 fantasy football

After a few down weeks, will Justin Herbert look more like his early-season self on Thursday night versus the Raiders. Herbert’s fantasy managers certainly hope so.

Fantasy Football analysis: Chargers QB Justin Herbert

In six of his first nine starts, Herbert averaged more than eight air yards per pass attempt. In his last three starts, Herbert’s average air yard total hasn’t topped 5.6. Fewer downfield chances have capped the rookie’s DraftKings outputs in those three games; he has scored 20 fantasy points in only one of those games after scoring at least 20 fantasy points in eight of his first nine games.

The Raiders haven’t been allowing a ton of deep pass completions, but Herbert should still be able to find success against this crumbling defense that just ousted its coordinator. Las Vegas has given up two passing touchdowns in each of the last four games. That stretch includes a game against Jets QB Sam Darnold in which he scored 23 DraftKings points. Herbert might be able to push the ball downfield more often if deep-threat WR Mike Williams, who missed most of Week 14 due to a back injury but has been limited in practice the past couple of days, returns to Los Angeles’ lineup.

Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation

You aren’t getting a discount on Herbert ($6,900) despite his struggles. But those struggles are relatively small potatoes compared to the crisis Raiders’ defense is experiencing right now. The rookie should turn in his best fantasy box score since Week 11.