Predicting 2023 NFL Stat Leaders for All Major Categories | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

This might be the year in which Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert officially makes the jump from being a talented young quarterback to an elite signal-caller.

The recently extended 25-year-old finished second with 4,739 yards in 2022 and should benefit from the additions of offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and rookie receiver Quentin Johnston.

However, it's hard to pick against reigning passing champ and reigning MVP Patrick Mahomes here. The 27-year-old is only entering his prime and continues to develop under venerated head coach Andy Reid.

"With quarterbacks, the work's never done," Reid told reporters. "... We're always trying to give him new challenges with things and he loves that and loves to attack those types of things. So, that's where it's at."

Mahomes is the best quarterback in the game and has stayed consistent through numerous changes. In 2022, for example, he lost No. 1 wideout Tyreek Hill when Hill was traded to the Miami Dolphins. He went on to lead the league in passing for the first time in his career.

The loss of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy shouldn't have a significant impact, with Reid still calling the plays and former Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy stepping back into a familiar role.

And while Kansas City lost wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster in free agency, it added Richie James and rookie Rashee Rice. With Travis Kelce, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Jerick McKinnon also in the mix, Mahomes will have no shortage of receiving options this year.

He will prove once again this season that he's still the top quarterback in the NFL, let alone in the AFC West.

Leader Projections

1. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs: 5,106 passing yards

2. Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers: 5,086 passing yards

3. Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals: 4,892 passing yards