Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) looks on in the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at New Highmark Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Three weeks into the NFL season, and Justin Herbert and new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel have yet to acquaint themselves. 

McDaniel’s system has demanded the two-time Pro Bowler to play faster and more rhythmically, and the adjustment has been a tricky learning curve: Herbert sports a 59 percent completion rate and a putrid 27.8 QBR, the second-lowest overall. 

How bad is that? The Chargers became just the second team in NFL history to suffer consecutive double-digit home losses to opponents that finished the previous season with a winning percentage below .200.

Last week, the Chargers gave Josh Allen and the Bills their best defensive effort of the season, forcing five turnovers, only for the offense to extinguish it.

Herbert turned those opportunities into 10 points, struggling to convert in the red zone all before his late-game interception sealed the deal.

Chargers vs. Seahawks prediction, best bet

Los Angeles is still seeking its first win as it continues trudging through a gauntlet on its schedule, drawing the Seahawks on the road. 

The reigning Super Bowl champions endured their own hardships last week when they allowed backup quarterback Marcus Mariota to light up the scoreboard for a 33-31 defeat. Turnovers were a costly problem given Washington converted for 21 points on three Seattle cough-ups.

Nonetheless, the Seahawks remain the No. 1 defense in the NFL by a substantial margin as they await Herbert looking for a get-right statement on home turf. 

Seattle Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) celebrates an interception against the Arizona Cardinals with cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) during the second half of an NFL football game in Glendale, Ariz., Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

Assuming Sam Darnold settles back in after a rusty return from a glute injury in Week 1, oddsmakers have the Seahawks laying 7.5 points.

The Chargers proved they are still a capable team on defense. Herbert’s woes don’t deserve the same confidence facing the Seahawks’ high ferocious pass rush. Los Angeles ranks 31st in EPA per play, 24th in offensive success rate and fourth-worst in scoring at 14.7 points per game.

Protection has made matters worse. The Chargers rank 27th in pass-block win rate at 45 percent, while Herbert has already taken eight sacks and 34 quarterback hits, the fourth-most in the league.

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Herbert’s top target Ladd McConkey also enters Sunday with a questionable designation. 

The Seahawks have yet to allow 200 yards to an opposing quarterback and are tied with the league lead with four interceptions. 

The Chargers’ offensive line is allowing the fourth-highest quick pressure rate, so fade Herbert comfortably. 

THE PLAY: Justin Herbert Under 199.5 Passing Yards (-114, DraftKings)

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Why Trust New York Post Betting

Sean Treppedi handicaps the NFL, NHL, MLB and college football for the New York Post. He primarily focuses on picks that reflect market value while tracking trends to mitigate risk.