Week 5 NFL Preview: Chargers vs. Commanders – Key Matchups, Injuries & X-Factors
Week 5 is here, and the football gods are serving us a cross-conference clash with just the right amount of drama. The Los Angeles Chargers (3–1) host the Washington Commanders (2–2) at SoFi Stadium, and both teams are coming off losses that exposed some cracks. With injuries, breakout performances, and a few spicy storylines, this game is shaping up to be a must-watch.
Chargers: Big Arm, Big Plays, Big Protection Problems
Strengths:
Herbert’s Cannon: Justin Herbert is fourth in the league in passing yards (1,063) and has been slinging it with surgical precision. The Chargers are leaning into a pass-heavy scheme, the third-highest pass rate in the NFL, and it’s working.
WR Renaissance: Quentin Johnston has finally arrived, ranking third in the NFL with 337 receiving yards, and is tied for third with four touchdown catches, too! Keenan Allen is still the route-running professor, and while Ladd McConkey’s sophomore season has been quieter—averaging under 44 yards per game—he remains a dependable slot option who can move chains when needed.
Rookie Rumble: Omarion Hampton is giving the Chargers a legit ground game. After torching the Giants for 128 yards and a touchdown, he’s proving he’s not just a change-of-pace guy—he’s a problem.
Weaknesses:
O-Line Meltdown: Losing Joe Alt to a sprained ankle is a nightmare. With Rashawn Slater already out for the season, Herbert’s blindside is now guarded by backups like Austin Deculus and Jamaree Salyer. Expect pressure, sacks, and maybe a few “how did he survive that?” scrambles.
Red Zone Funk: The Chargers can move the ball, but finishing drives? That’s another story. Settling for field goals won’t cut it against a team that can grind out long possessions.
Washington Commanders Will Look To Play a Complete Game
Strengths:
Jayden Daniels Is Back: After missing two games with a knee injury, Daniels is cleared and ready to go. He’s got wheels, poise, and just enough chaos in his game to keep defenses guessing. His return adds a dynamic layer to Washington’s offense.
Ground Game Revival: In Week 3 against the Raiders, Washington rushed for 201 yards on 31 carries. Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols led the ground game charge, shredding a top-five run defense and proving this backfield can ball.
Pass Rush Party: The Commanders sacked Geno Smith five times in Week 3! That is 50% of their sacks so far this season, in one game. Dorance Armstrong leads the “Sack-Attach” this season with 3. How many more sacks can they get against the Chargers in Week 5? In addition to sacks, Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu are still tackling the offense with purpose. The Commanders’ Defense will be licking its chops against LA’s patchwork line.
Weaknesses:
Swiss Cheese Secondary: Washington’s pass defense ranks 27th, allowing 8.1 yards per attempt or a whopping 248.5 per game. That’s not just bad—it’s “Herbert might throw for 400 yards” bad. If they don’t tighten coverage, it’s going to be a long afternoon.
Thin Receiving Corps: With Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown ruled out, Daniels will lean heavily on Deebo Samuel, John Bates, and Tay Martin. That limits deep shots and puts more pressure on the run game to carry the load.
Nerdy X-Factors To Watch
Herbert’s Houdini Act: Can he escape pressure and still deliver bombs? If yes, LA’s offense stays dangerous. If not, it’s sack city.
Daniels’ Decision-Making: Coming off injury, he needs to be smart—not just flashy. One bad read against LA’s zone-heavy defense could flip the game.
Turnover Tango: Both teams have flirted with chaos. The one that protects the ball and wins third downs will likely control the tempo.
Clelin Ferrell’s Revenge Game: Recently elevated from the Chargers’ practice squad, Ferrell gets a shot at his former team. Expect some extra juice in his pass rush.
Final Prediction
This game’s got all the ingredients for a spicy showdown: elite QB talent, defensive fireworks, and just enough injury drama to keep things unpredictable. The Chargers have the firepower, but their protection is sketchy. Washington has grit and a returning QB with something to prove. Expect momentum swings, highlight plays, and at least one “did that just happen?” moment.
So grab your snacks, mute your group chat trash talk until halftime, and settle in—because this one’s gonna be loud, messy, and absolutely worth watching.
