5 NFL MVP sleepers primed for monster years in the 2021 season

4. Justin Herbert, QB) Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert is perhaps the most likely to win MVP on this list just because of the position he plays. Every year since 2006, the award has been given to a quarterback. While there are certainly quarterbacks that have a better chance than Herbert, you cannot leave him out of the conversation.

He plays in the style of offense that will maximize his traits and push the ball down the field. Herbert also came out of nowhere last season to end up having tons of success. With a full offseason for the first time in his career, I would expect him to take a step forward similar to the step that Josh Allen took last year with the Buffalo Bills.

In 15 games last season, Herbert threw for 4336 yards, 31 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. While those do not look like MVP-caliber numbers, they are pretty incredible for a rookie. If Herbert could take a second step by easing closer to 5,000 yards, 40 touchdowns and sticking around that 10-interception mark — and his name should be in the MVP conversation if he does.

At the end of the day, it will matter how well the Chargers play and what their record is. It would be hard for Herbert to win the award if his team sat under or around .500. In addition to performing slightly better, Herbert needs to translate his success into wins.

Though that was difficult last season because of the poor coaching and horrible special teams that the Chargers endured, Herbert still is the leader of the team. Under new coach Brandon Staley and offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, who has led Matthew Stafford to success and a Pro Bowl, Herbert needs to keep continuing his progression and translate his success into wins.