Justin Herbert handed massive NFL honor that Patrick Mahomes wont like originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Justin Herbert has regularly produced impressive numbers for the Los Angeles Chargers, but questions about his place among the NFLs elite quarterbacks have followed him throughout his career.One prominent ranking just delivered its answer.Herbert was placed third in Bleacher Reports NFL 1000 quarterback rankings, putting him ahead of Kansas City Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson.Only Matthew Stafford and Josh Allen finished ahead of Herbert.Justin Herbert narrowly beats Patrick MahomesHerbert and Mahomes each received an overall grade of 91 out of 100. According to Bleacher Reports stated methodology, ties were broken through a majority vote involving its scouts. That vote elevated Herbert to No. 3 and pushed Mahomes down to No. 4.Herbert earned a perfect 15 for arm talent and strong scores for accuracy, processing, leadership and pocket presence. The original B/R scouting report praised his combination of elite arm strength, advanced pocket awareness and athleticism.The Chargers quarterback helped Los Angeles finish 11-5 and reach the playoffs during the 2025 season. He accomplished that despite dealing with injuries around him and continued to demonstrate an ability to elevate the offense.Herbert was not presented as a flawless player. Bleacher Report noted that some of his worst decisions and throws came when opposing defenses created pressure. That criticism did not stop the evaluators from ranking him above several quarterbacks with more postseason success.MORE:Matthew Stafford leaves Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes behind in explosive NFL rankingThe pressure on Herbert just increasedBeing ranked above Mahomes brings a new level of expectation. Mahomes owns three Super Bowl victories and has repeatedly blocked AFC rivals from reaching the championship stage. Herbert has yet to build anything close to that playoff resume.The ranking is therefore more of an assessment of current quarterback play and individual traits than a comparison of career accomplishments. Stafford earned the No. 1 spot after an MVP season in which he threw for more than 4,700 yards and 46 touchdowns. Allen was second, followed by Herbert, Mahomes and Burrow.The Chargers will gladly accept the confidence being shown in their franchise quarterback. Now Herbert must turn that individual respect into the postseason run that has remained the missing piece of his career. Outranking Mahomes in August is noteworthy. Beating him when the games matter most would be far more significant.More NFL news:Ben Johnson responds to Liam Coens pointed Caleb Williams commentA.J. Brown and Stefon Diggs have a Patriots, Bills, Drake Maye, Josh Allen linkJosh Allen called out by a coach with a major losing recordLamar Jackson has an obvious reason not to sign right nowCommanders have plenty of reason not to want Brandon Aiyuk