Overview

• Los Angeles (3-1) hosts Washington (2-2) on Sunday, Oct. 5 at SoFi Stadium in a Week 5 meeting.
• Commanders starter Jayden Daniels is expected to return from a knee injury after two missed games, while Terry McLaurin's quad status remains uncertain.
• Washington leans on a top-tier ground game that ranks second in rushing through four weeks, yet its defense has yielded frequent explosive plays, including 435 yards to Atlanta.
• The Chargers have been hit hard up front with LT Rashawn Slater out for the season, Joe Alt sidelined with a high-ankle sprain, and edge rusher Khalil Mack out, contributing to heavy recent pressure on Justin Herbert in a pass-heavy offense.
• USA TODAY's picks largely back Los Angeles as a slight favorite, reflecting concern over Washington's pass defense and uncertainty around key returns.