NFLGame PreviewsWSH VS LAC Preview Week5 05-Oct-2025

Game Preview of Washington Commanders @ Los Angeles Chargers. Week 5 of 2025 NFL Season

WSH logo

WSH

2-2-0
@
05OCT25
04:25pm
LAC logo

LAC

3-1-0
SoFi Stadium

Game Preview

The Washington Commanders travel to Los Angeles to face the Chargers on Sunday at SoFi Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM ET in Week 5.

The big news is the return of Jayden Daniels. The second-year quarterback missed two games with a sprained knee but is cleared to start. He’ll play in his home state of California for the first time as a pro, though he’s expected to wear a brace. Washington went 1-1 with Marcus Mariota filling in and needs a spark after a tough road loss to Atlanta.

The Commanders’ passing game could be in trouble. Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel, and Noah Brown are all listed as questionable. That leaves Daniels with limited weapons and pushes rookies into key roles.

The Chargers have problems of their own. Their offensive line is banged up with both starting tackles sidelined or doubtful. That leaves Justin Herbert at risk of pressure, though rookie back Omarion Hampton provides a boost. Hampton rushed for 128 yards and a score last week, flashing explosive ability that the Chargers badly need.

The market expects a close one. Los Angeles is a 3.5-point favorite at home, and the total sits at 48.5. Both teams have struggled on defense, so this game could swing on which quarterback gets more help.

Current Season Form

WSH logo

WSH

Away
Record:2-2-0
ATS:2-2-0
O/U:2-2-0
LAC logo

LAC

Home
Record:3-1-0
ATS:3-1-0
O/U:1-3-0

Head-to-Head Summary

Record:
1-4Winner logo
ATS:1-3-1
O/U:2-3-0

Past Results

DateOpponentResultATSO/U
2025-09-28@ NYGL 18-21W +-6.0u43.5
2025-09-21vs DENW 23-20W +2.5u45.5
2025-09-15@ LVW 20-9W +-3.5u46.5
2025-09-05vs KCW 27-21W +-3.0o47.5
2025-01-11@ HOUL 12-32L -3.0o41.5
2025-01-05@ LVW 34-20W +-7.0o42.5
2024-12-28@ NEW 40-7W +-6.0o42.0
2024-12-19vs DENW 34-27W +3.0o41.5
2024-12-15vs TBL 17-40L 3.0o46.0
2024-12-08@ KCL 17-19L 5.0u43.5

Key Insights

 

  • Omarion Hampton has boosted the Chargers’ ground game, which ranks in the top 12% for explosive runs at 6.6%.

  • The Chargers have struggled in the red zone, converting only 36.4% of trips into touchdowns.

  • Washington’s receiving corps is battered, with McLaurin, Samuel, and Brown all questionable. That caps their explosive pass profile.

  • The Commanders’ run defense ranked 30th last season and now faces a red-hot rookie in Hampton.

  • The Chargers’ pass protection is shaky without both starting tackles, raising pressure risk against Washington’s front.

  • Daniels’ return gives Washington mobility, but a knee brace and lack of WRs add volatility.

 

Betting Insights

  • Spread: Chargers -3.5 (-101). Market leans to LAC at home but juice suggests variance.

  • Total: 48.5 (Over -110, Under -125). Odds shaded slightly to the under.

  • Player Prop: Omarion Hampton over 66.5 rushing yards (-116). Faces a weak Washington run D.

  • Player Prop: Jayden Daniels under 219.5 passing yards (-120). WR injuries limit deep ball chances.

  • Player Prop: Keenan Allen over 55.5 receiving yards (-119). Washington secondary thin.

  • Anytime TD: Omarion Hampton (-161). Lead back with red-zone role.

  • Anytime TD: Jacory Croskey-Merritt (+150, if active). Washington RB carries scoring load.

Final Summary

This matchup is shaped by injuries. Washington gets Jayden Daniels back, but their top receivers are all questionable. Without Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel at full strength, Daniels may be forced to lean on short throws and his legs.

Los Angeles has its own issues. Their offensive line is down multiple starters, leaving Herbert exposed. The silver lining is Omarion Hampton, who adds an explosive rushing element. If he breaks a few runs, the Chargers can balance their offense.

Both defenses have been leaky. The Commanders give up big plays on the road, and the Chargers rank near the bottom in red-zone efficiency. That makes turnovers and red-zone stops even more critical.

The line favors the Chargers by just over a field goal, with a total around 48.5. Expect a competitive game where Daniels’ health and Hampton’s breakout play could swing the outcome.

Statistical Battle Boards

Viewing: LAC Offense vs WSH Defense
Offense team logoOffense
Defense team logoDefense
StatisticOffenseRankDefenseRankAdvantage
Total Points88#2091#15WSH advantage
Total Points Per Game22#2022.8#18WSH advantage
Total Touchdowns9#2010#14WSH advantage
Passing Touchdowns7#147#25LAC advantage
Rushing Touchdowns2#273#11WSH advantage
Other Touchdowns0#220#13WSH advantage
Total Kicking Points32#1629#22LAC advantage
Total Two Point Conversions1#91#4WSH advantage
Kick Extra Points8#208#21LAC advantage
Offense team logoOffense
Defense team logoDefense
StatisticOffenseRankDefenseRankAdvantage
Net Passing Yards996#5994#6LAC advantage
Net Passing Yards Per Game249#5248#6LAC advantage
Passer Rating92.2#18104#5WSH advantage
Passing Attempts149#6123#13LAC advantage
Completions95#575#25LAC advantage
Completion Percentage63.8#2061#7WSH advantage
Passing 1st downs49#649#26LAC advantage
Passing 1st Down %59.0#561.3#27LAC advantage
Longest Pass60#1069#6WSH advantage
Passing Fumbles Lost0#230#25LAC advantage
Receiving Targets145#4112#24LAC advantage
Receptions95#575#8LAC advantage
Receiving Yards After Catch434#13438#20LAC advantage
YAC Average4.6#245.8#26LAC advantage
Offense team logoOffense
Defense team logoDefense
StatisticOffenseRankDefenseRankAdvantage
Rushing Yards429#21430#14WSH advantage
Rushing Yards Per Game107#21108#19WSH advantage
Rushing Attempts92#27118#26WSH advantage
Yards Per Rush Attempt4.7#103.6#28LAC advantage
Rushing 1st downs24#2324#14WSH advantage
20+ Yard Rushing Plays3#120#31LAC advantage
Long Rushing54#719#31LAC advantage
Rushing Fumbles3#120#31LAC advantage
Rushing Fumbles Lost0#150#15🏈