In training camp this season, the Falcons were shopping Heinicke, who lost his backup job when Atlanta brought in Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. The Falcons reached a deal with the Chargers, who traded a sixth-round pick for Heinicke to backup Herbert.

The stats say Justin Herbert is elite. But the Chargers QB is still seeking his first playoff win. Will he get it this weekend?

One area the Los Angeles Chargers will look to upgrade over the offseason is their offensive weapons. They found a gem in Ladd McConkey, who's dominated during his rookie season and is looking to carry his momentum into the Chargers' playoff game on Saturday against the Houston Texans.

Despite helping lead the Chargers to 11 victories — their most since 2018 — it has been a mixed season statistically for Herbert. He averaged a career-low 227.6 passing yards per game, but has a career-best 101.7 passer rating.

The Chargers' success rests with Justin Herbert. He is the second NFL QB ever with 500 pass attempts and 3 or fewer interceptions in a season.

The Los Angeles Chargers will be looking for the X-factor against the Houston Texans, and it won't be Justin Herbert.

Justin Herbert has caught fire. The offensive line is clicking. And Greg Roman had his best game as the Chargers' offensive play caller.

And can get the ball basically wherever he wants to go."Herbert threw for 3,870 yards, 23 touchdowns and three interceptions while completing 65.9 percent of his passes and posting a passer rating of 101.

Justin Herbert threw three touchdown passes and the Los Angeles Chargers clinched their second playoff appearance in three seasons with a 40-7 victory over the New England Patriots.