Game Preview of Washington Commanders @ Los Angeles Chargers. Week 5 of 2025 NFL Season
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.
| Date | Opponent | Result | ATS | O/U |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-09-28 | @ NYG | L 18-21 | W +-6.0 | u43.5 |
| 2025-09-21 | vs DEN | W 23-20 | W +2.5 | u45.5 |
| 2025-09-15 | @ LV | W 20-9 | W +-3.5 | u46.5 |
| 2025-09-05 | vs KC | W 27-21 | W +-3.0 | o47.5 |
| 2025-01-11 | @ HOU | L 12-32 | L -3.0 | o41.5 |
| 2025-01-05 | @ LV | W 34-20 | W +-7.0 | o42.5 |
| 2024-12-28 | @ NE | W 40-7 | W +-6.0 | o42.0 |
| 2024-12-19 | vs DEN | W 34-27 | W +3.0 | o41.5 |
| 2024-12-15 | vs TB | L 17-40 | L 3.0 | o46.0 |
| 2024-12-08 | @ KC | L 17-19 | L 5.0 | u43.5 |
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.
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.
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.
| Statistic | Offense | Rank | Defense | Rank | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Points | 88 | #20 | 91 | #15 | |
| Total Points Per Game | 22 | #20 | 22.8 | #18 | |
| Total Touchdowns | 9 | #20 | 10 | #14 | |
| Passing Touchdowns | 7 | #14 | 7 | #25 | |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 2 | #27 | 3 | #11 | |
| Other Touchdowns | 0 | #22 | 0 | #13 | |
| Total Kicking Points | 32 | #16 | 29 | #22 | |
| Total Two Point Conversions | 1 | #9 | 1 | #4 | |
| Kick Extra Points | 8 | #20 | 8 | #21 |
| Statistic | Offense | Rank | Defense | Rank | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net Passing Yards | 996 | #5 | 994 | #6 | |
| Net Passing Yards Per Game | 249 | #5 | 248 | #6 | |
| Passer Rating | 92.2 | #18 | 104 | #5 | |
| Passing Attempts | 149 | #6 | 123 | #13 | |
| Completions | 95 | #5 | 75 | #25 | |
| Completion Percentage | 63.8 | #20 | 61 | #7 | |
| Passing 1st downs | 49 | #6 | 49 | #26 | |
| Passing 1st Down % | 59.0 | #5 | 61.3 | #27 | |
| Longest Pass | 60 | #10 | 69 | #6 | |
| Passing Fumbles Lost | 0 | #23 | 0 | #25 | |
| Receiving Targets | 145 | #4 | 112 | #24 | |
| Receptions | 95 | #5 | 75 | #8 | |
| Receiving Yards After Catch | 434 | #13 | 438 | #20 | |
| YAC Average | 4.6 | #24 | 5.8 | #26 |
| Statistic | Offense | Rank | Defense | Rank | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards | 429 | #21 | 430 | #14 | |
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 107 | #21 | 108 | #19 | |
| Rushing Attempts | 92 | #27 | 118 | #26 | |
| Yards Per Rush Attempt | 4.7 | #10 | 3.6 | #28 | |
| Rushing 1st downs | 24 | #23 | 24 | #14 | |
| 20+ Yard Rushing Plays | 3 | #12 | 0 | #31 | |
| Long Rushing | 54 | #7 | 19 | #31 | |
| Rushing Fumbles | 3 | #12 | 0 | #31 | |
| Rushing Fumbles Lost | 0 | #15 | 0 | #15 | 🏈 |