As fantasy football draft season approaches, one of the most debated quarterback decisions this year is whether to draft Chargers QB Justin Herbert or Bears QB Justin Fields as your QB1.
Both talented young quarterbacks have exciting upside but also come with question marks. In this in-depth breakdown, we’ll analyze the key factors to help you make the right choice for your fantasy team in 2023.
, I’ll create the tables for you based on the information you provided. Here they are:
Justin Herbert vs Justin Fields 2022 Stats:
| Stat | Justin Herbert | Justin Fields |
|---|---|---|
| GP | 17 | 15 |
| CMP | 477 | 192 |
| ATT | 699 | 318 |
| PCT | 68.2% | 60.4% |
| ATT/G | 41.1 | 21.2 |
| YDS | 4,739 | 2,242 |
| AVG | 6.8 | 7.1 |
| YDS/G | 278.8 | 149.5 |
| TD | 25 | 17 |
| TD% | 3.6% | 5.3% |
| INT | 10 | 11 |
| INT% | 1.4% | 3.5% |
| LNG | 55 | 56 |
| SCK | 38 | 55 |
| SCKY | 206 | 359 |
| FUM | 8 | 16 |
| LOST | 3 | 2 |
| RATE | 93.2 | 85.2 |
The 2022 statistical comparison between Justin Herbert and Justin Fields showcases some notable distinctions in their performance during the season. Justin Herbert appeared in 17 games, showcasing his durability compared to Fields’ 15 games.
Herbert exhibited higher passing efficiency with a completion percentage of 68.2% compared to Fields’ 60.4%. Herbert also excelled in total passing yards with 4,739 yards at an average of 278.8 yards per game, while Fields accumulated 2,242 yards at an average of 149.5 yards per game.
Notably, Herbert threw 25 touchdowns, illustrating his proficiency in the end zone, whereas Fields managed 17 touchdowns.
However, Fields demonstrated a higher yards-per-attempt at 7.1, indicating his ability to make significant gains with each throw.
Fields endured more sacks (55) compared to Herbert’s 38. In terms of passer rating, Herbert outperformed Fields with a rating of 93.2, whereas Fields held a rating of 85.2.
This statistical breakdown underscores the differences in their 2022 performance, with Herbert displaying a more prolific passing game and Fields excelling in yards per attempt.
Madden 24 Ratings:
Justin Herbert vs Justin Fields: Overall Madden 24 Ratings
| Player | Overall Rating |
|---|---|
| Justin Herbert | 87 |
| Justin Fields | 76 |
The Madden 24 overall ratings for Justin Herbert and Justin Fields provide a snapshot of their virtual gaming prowess. Justin Herbert secures a higher overall rating of 87, indicating a more well-rounded skill set in the game compared to Justin Fields, who received an overall rating of 76.
Herbert’s rating reflects his strong arm, awareness, and ability to read defenses effectively, translating to a higher virtual performance rating. On the other hand, Fields, with a rating of 76, suggests that while he possesses certain standout skills in the game, there may be room for improvement in various aspects of his virtual gameplay.
Justin Herbert vs Justin Fields: Passing Madden 24 Ratings
| Category | Justin Herbert | Justin Fields |
|---|---|---|
| THP (Throw Power) | 96 | 91 |
| ACC (Accuracy) | 20 | 19 |
| AWR (Awareness) | 85 | 65 |
| CTH (Catching) | 39 | 32 |
| CAR (Carrying) | 68 | 59 |
The Madden 24 passing ratings for Justin Herbert and Justin Fields further dissect their virtual football abilities. Herbert leads in “THP” (Throw Power) with a rating of 96, showcasing his ability to throw deep passes with precision.
Fields, while still impressive, lags slightly with a rating of 91 in this category. In terms of “ACC” (Accuracy), Herbert edges ahead with a rating of 20, signifying his precision in ball placement. Fields follows closely with a rating of 19.
However, the biggest disparity emerges in “AWR” (Awareness), with Herbert obtaining a rating of 85, demonstrating his ability to read defenses adeptly, while Fields lags behind with a rating of 65. These ratings highlight the differences in their virtual passing skills, with Herbert being the more accurate and aware passer.
Justin Herbert vs Justin Fields: Rushing Madden 24 Ratings
| Category | Justin Herbert | Justin Fields |
|---|---|---|
| SPD (Speed) | 86 | 93 |
| ACC (Acceleration) | 89 | 95 |
| STR (Strength) | 71 | 65 |
| AGI (Agility) | 80 | 93 |
| AWR (Awareness) | 85 | 65 |
| STA (Stamina) | 91 | 89 |
| INJ (Injury) | 93 | 91 |
| TOU (Toughness) | 95 | 94 |
Analyzing the Madden 24 rushing ratings for Justin Herbert and Justin Fields, distinct traits and abilities come to the fore. Fields holds a significant advantage in “SPD” (Speed) with a rating of 93, making him a formidable threat on the ground, while Herbert, with a rating of 86, showcases above-average speed.
In “ACC” (Acceleration), Fields again excels with a rating of 95, demonstrating his ability to reach top speed quickly. Herbert is close behind with a rating of 89. Fields’ virtual “AGI” (Agility) rating of 93 highlights his agility in evading tacklers, whereas Herbert, with a rating of 80, is still agile but not as elusive.
Interestingly, Fields’ “BCV” (Ball Carrier Vision) and “SPM” (Spin Move) ratings are notably higher than Herbert’s, indicating his prowess in navigating through defenders in the virtual realm. These ratings emphasize Fields’ advantage in rushing and elusiveness within the game.
Justin Herbert vs Justin Fields: Physical Ability Madden 24 Ratings
| Category | Justin Herbert | Justin Fields |
|---|---|---|
| SPD (Speed) | 86 | 93 |
| ACC (Acceleration) | 89 | 95 |
| STR (Strength) | 71 | 65 |
| AGI (Agility) | 80 | 93 |
| AWR (Awareness) | 85 | 65 |
| STA (Stamina) | 91 | 89 |
| INJ (Injury) | 93 | 91 |
| TOU (Toughness) | 95 | 94 |
The Madden 24 physical ability ratings for Justin Herbert and Justin Fields provide insights into their in-game athleticism and durability. In terms of “STA” (Stamina) and “INJ” (Injury) ratings, Herbert demonstrates higher levels of endurance and resilience with ratings of 91 and 93, respectively.
Fields follows closely with ratings of 89 for stamina and 91 for injury. Both players possess impressive “TOU” (Toughness) ratings, with Herbert at 95 and Fields at 94, suggesting their resilience in absorbing hits during gameplay.
Fields, with his higher “SPD” (Speed) and “ACC” (Acceleration) ratings, showcases greater explosiveness, while Herbert boasts a higher “STR” (Strength) rating, potentially providing an advantage in physical confrontations. These ratings highlight their respective physical attributes in the virtual football arena, with Herbert emphasizing endurance and Fields showcasing speed and agility.
Background on Justin Herbert
Justin Herbert entered the league in 2020 as the 6th overall pick by the Los Angeles Chargers. He made an immediate impact, throwing for 4,336 yards and 31 touchdowns his rookie year. Herbert followed that up with another strong season in 2021, throwing for 5,014 yards and 38 touchdowns.
Last season, Herbert took a slight step back statistically but still put up solid numbers:
- 4,739 passing yards (4th in NFL)
- 25 passing touchdowns
- 10 interceptions
- 93.2 passer rating
While the Chargers had high hopes for a deep playoff run, they lost a heartbreaker against the Jags. The offense also struggled with injuries and inconsistent play.
Heading into 2023, Herbert is looking to get back on track and establish himself as a top-tier NFL quarterback. With new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, he has a chance to unlock his full potential.
Background on Justin Fields
The Chicago Bears drafted Justin Fields 11th overall in 2021. He took over as the starter in Week 3 and showed flashes of brilliance mixed with typical rookie struggles. Last season, Fields made significant strides in his development:
- 2,242 passing yards in 15 games
- 17 passing touchdowns
- 11 interceptions
- 85.2 passer rating
Where Fields really excelled was as a runner. He rushed for 1,143 yards and 8 touchdowns, ranking 7th among all NFL players in rushing yards. His unique dual-threat abilities make him a high upside fantasy option.
However, the Bears offense still has major question marks. They lack elite playmakers. Protection has also been spotty. But if Fields takes the next step as a passer, his ceiling is sky-high.
Key Factor 1: Supporting Cast
A quarterback is only as good as the talent around him. In this area, Herbert has a clear advantage over Fields.
The Chargers have surrounded Herbert with elite playmakers. They spend their #1 pick on a exciting WR from TCU, Quentin Johnston. The first round pick along with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams form one of the NFL’s best receiving duos. Running back Austin Ekeler is a hugely valuable pass catcher. Tight end Gerald Everett adds another weapon. The offensive line features standouts like Rashawn Slater.
Meanwhile, the Bears receiving corps is underwhelming. While DJ Moore is emerging, there is no true WR1. Cole Kmet is a decent tight end but no gamebreaker. The running backs don’t make much impact in the passing game. And the offensive line is shaky at best.
Simply put, Herbert has the personnel to produce big numbers. Fields does not. This gives Herbert the edge for fantasy production.
Key Factor 2: Rushing Upside
While Herbert has the better supporting cast, Fields’ running ability gives him elite fantasy upside.
As mentioned earlier, Fields was 7th in the entire NFL in rushing yards last season with 1,143 yards and 8 TDs. He averaged 68.8 rushing yards per game. This rushing floor raises Fields’ fantasy floor each week. Even if he struggles as a passer, his legs will put up points.
Herbert, on the other hand, is strictly a pocket passer. Last season, he rushed for just 302 yards and 3 TDs. While new OC Kellen Moore may get Herbert more involved running, he’ll never match Fields’ upside on the ground.
So Fields’ rushing stats help offset Herbert’s advantage as a passer. Fields has top 5 overall QB upside if he takes the next step throwing the ball.
Key Factor 3: Passing Efficiency
When evaluating these two quarterbacks, we also have to look at their passing efficiency and development trajectory. This is where Herbert has a noticeable edge.
While Fields showed improvement in his second year, he still completed just 60.4% of his passes and posted an 85.2 passer rating. He remains very much a work in progress as a passer. The upside is there, but Fields is not yet an elite passer.
On the other hand, Herbert has been far more efficient and consistent:
- 2021: 65.9% completion, 96.5 rating
- 2022: 68.2% completion, 93.2 rating
Herbert has ranked top 5 in passing yards each of his first three seasons. He’s already playing at a Pro Bowl level as a pure passer. Fields has a long way to go to reach Herbert’s level as a thrower.
Given Herbert’s supporting cast, plus his more polished passing, he’s likely to put up bigger numbers than Fields in 2023. He offers a safer floor week-to-week.
Expert Consensus Rankings
Looking at current expert consensus rankings (ECR) for 2023 fantasy QBs, Justin Herbert is clearly ranked higher:
- Justin Herbert – QB6
- Justin Fields – QB13
On average, Herbert is going off draft boards in Round 8. Meanwhile, Fields is available 2-3 rounds later in Round 11.
Herbert is viewed as a solid QB1 while opinions are mixed on Fields as a QB1 or high-end QB2. The industry view favors Herbert by a wide margin.
Conclusion: Lean Herbert for Safety, Fields for Upside
Predicting Justin Herbert vs Justin Fields comes down to a question of floor vs ceiling.
If you want the safer, high-floor QB1, go with Justin Herbert. His elite supporting cast, efficient passing, and early draft value make him the wise choice to anchor your fantasy team. You can wait longer on a high-upside QB2.
If you want ultimate upside, draft Justin Fields. His rushing ability gives him top 5 upside if he progresses as a passer. But his inefficiency and poor supporting cast make him far riskier. Pair him with a safer QB1.
In redraft leagues, Herbert is the smart pick. But in dynasty formats, Fields offers league-winning potential once he puts it all together. Bottom line: draft Herbert if you value safety, Fields if you’re willing to gamble on upside.