The Los Angeles Chargers will likely need some big offensive outbursts to beat the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11.

Could one of those big performances come from wide receiver Quentin Johnston?

After struggling through his rookie campaign and allowing just two turnovers, the 2023 first-round pick has had steady breakthroughs this year with 306 yards and five scores on a 15.3 per catch average.

Johnston has really come alive in recent weeks as the offense has emerged alongside the improving health of Justin Herbret’s ankle. Over his last two appearances, he has caught six passes for 142 yards and two scores.

Now pundits are feeling strongly enough to predict that Johnston will register one of the five biggest surprise performances of Week 11.

“Johnston has a touchdown reception in back-to-back games, and he has at least one in four of his past six,” ESPN’s Matt Bowen wrote. “Against a weak Cincinnati secondary, I expect quarterback Justin Herbert to find Johnston in the end zone for the third straight game. The Bengals have given up 17 touchdowns through the air this season, which ranks sixth in the league.”

Johnston putting in a score in a third straight game could give the Chargers a big advantage in a game where they’ll see them running the ball well against a poor defense, while Herbert also gets someone like breakout rookie Ladd McConkey involved.

And looking long term, Johnston starting to meet his draft slot would go a long way toward addressing a perceived need this offseason as the roster overhaul continues under Jim Harbaugh.

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