The Washington Commanders return to action in Week 5 as they travel to Los Angeles to take on the Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Washington enters the game with a 2-2 record after falling 34-27 to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 4. The Chargers sit at 3-1 and present one of the toughest challenges of the season. This marks the first time these two teams have met since 2021 and the first time Washington has faced the Chargers on the road since 2017. With playoff implications already looming, this matchup promises to be intense and intriguing.
Head-to-Head History and Recent Trends
The Commanders hold a 7-5 overall record against the Chargers, but their struggles on the road stand out. Washington has gone 2-3 in its five previous road games against the franchise and has lost three straight contests away to Los Angeles. To make matters more challenging, the Commanders are also riding a two-game losing streak against the Chargers, dating back to 2017. Breaking those skids will require a sharp performance in all three phases of the game.
This matchup carries a unique wrinkle, as Washington has never faced the Chargers in Week 5. The unfamiliar timing, combined with the cross-country travel, adds to the difficulty of the task. However, Washington has proven resilient this season, particularly with its ability to generate explosive plays on offense. Fans can expect a motivated Commanders team looking to rebound after last weekâs tough loss.
Statistical Matchups to Watch
The Commanders‘ offense enters Week 5 ranked eighth in points scored, averaging 26.75 per game. That production comes primarily from their ground game, which ranks second in the league with 154.75 rushing yards per contest. Running backs have taken advantage of strong blocking to average an impressive 5.90 yards per carry. The challenge will come against a Chargers defense ranked 16th against the run, allowing 111.25 yards per game. If Washington can control the line of scrimmage, it may find success in wearing down the Los Angeles front.
Passing has been more of a struggle for Washington, as the team sits 25th in the league with just 184.25 passing yards per outing. Quarterback play has been inconsistent, and the offensive line has given up pressure at key moments. Facing a Chargers defense ranked fifth against the pass, Washington must find balance early to avoid becoming predictable. The good news is that star signal caller Jayden Daniels should be back under center after missing the past two outings with a knee injury. Washington averages nearly 10 yards per pass attempt, which shows their potential for big plays down the field if timing improves.
On the defensive side, Washington has work to do. The Commanders rank 27th against the pass, giving up 248.5 yards per game, and must face a Chargers offense led by quarterback Justin Herbert that ranks fifth in passing yards with 249 per game. If the secondary cannot contain explosive plays, Washington risks falling behind quickly. However, the Commanders ‘ defense has fared better against the run, holding opponents to just 107.5 yards per contest, which could help force Los Angeles into a one dimensional approach.
Turnovers could become a decisive factor. Washington ranks seventh in the league in limiting turnovers, averaging only 0.50 per game, while the Chargers ‘ offense averages more giveaways. If Washington can win the turnover battle, it may tilt the momentum in their favor.
Keys for the Commanders on Sunday
For Washington to pull off the upset, several keys stand out. First, the running game must set the tone. By leaning on their top tier rushing attack, the Commanders can keep the ball away from the Chargers ‘ offense and help control the clock. That would also ease the burden on their passing game and create play-action opportunities.
Second, the defense must find answers against the Chargers ‘ passing attack. Limiting chunk plays and forcing Los Angeles into longer drives will give Washington a chance to dictate tempo. Generating sacks and turnovers will also be critical, as the Commanders have struggled in recent weeks to flip the field with defensive plays.
Finally, Washington needs to finish drives in the red zone. The Chargers ‘ defense allows fewer than 18 points per game, and field goals will not be enough. Converting scoring opportunities into touchdowns could be the difference between victory and defeat.
The Commanders enter SoFi Stadium with a chance to rewrite their recent history against the Chargers . Breaking a three-game road losing streak in Los Angeles and ending a two-game skid against the franchise would mark a significant early-season statement. With their record sitting at 2-2, this matchup provides an opportunity to climb above .500 and reassert themselves in the NFC race.
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