Commanders vs Chargers NFL Pick: LA Hosts Washington After Upset Loss to Giants (Oct 5)

• In NFL Week 5 Commanders-Chargers, both teams try to recover from upset losses in Week 4
• Washington is 2-2, but QB Jayden Daniels is expected to return from a sprained knee that cost him two games
• LA is 3-1 and will be without running back Najee Harris, out for the season with a torn Achilles
• The teams have not met since 2021, a Chargers’ 20-16 win in Washington

The Commanders Welcome Back Jayden Daniels

Backup QB Marcus Mariota did an admirable job filling in for Daniels, but the Commanders hopes hinge on their second-year star from LSU.

In Week 4 against the Falcons, Washington was playing from behind from the start, but fought back to get the game within a touchdown before succumbing. Mariota was 16 for 27, accruing 156 yards and passing for 2 TDs and 1 pick. Deebo Samuel caught 6 balls for 72 yards and a TD.

The Commanders could not contain Falcons’ QB Michael Penix, who was 20 for 26 and 313 yards with 2 TDs and a pick.

Washington’s defense has been terrible against the pass, ranked 27th in the NFL. They’re in the middle of the pack against the run. They have run the ball well, ranked 2nd in the league. With Daniels back, their passing game will undoubtedly improve.

Injuries Are Starting to Hit the Chargers

After losing Khalil Mack early in the season, the Chargers’ injury fortunes have gotten progressively more difficult. Running back Najee Harris was lost for the season to a torn Achilles. Left tackle Joe Alt is expected to miss the Washington game with an ankle injury.

Regardless of injuries, the Chargers have no excuse for having lost to the woeful Giants in Week 4. The game ended 21-18, but it wasn’t that close. An Omarion Hampton 54-yard TD run with 1:27 remaining made it closer than it should have been.

The Chargers have opened up their passing offense this season. Justin Herbert has a 92.2 passer rating with 7 TDs and 3 picks. Keenan Allen has had a renaissance since returning to the Chargers with 22 catches and 4 TDs. Ladd McConkey, last season’s go-to receiver, has 16 catches.

Losing Harris hurts them, but Hampton has increasingly taken over as the primary back with 270 yards, averaging 5 yards per carry.

The Giants largely smothered Herbert, holding him to 203 yards on a 23 for 41 effort. He was intercepted twice. On defense, the Chargers were unable to rattle rookie Jaxson Dart in his first start at QB, though they knocked him around, sacking him 5 times. If Daniels is healthy, they will be chasing him all over the field and he’s not such an easy target.

Commanders vs Chargers Pick

In Week 5 Commanders-Chargers, Daniels’ health is the key. If he’s close to 100 percent, then the Commanders’ offense is far more effective with the threat of the deep ball and an elusive QB. If he’s compromised, then the Chargers’ can be more aggressive.

Washington is vulnerable to the pass, ranked 27th in defensive passing yards per game. Offensively, they’re 25th in passing yards per game. That should improve with Daniels back under center. The Chargers are excellent against the pass, ranked 5th in the league.

The Commanders will be rejuvenated Daniels’ return. The Chargers are missing key players and have struggled of late. Washington is a 3-point underdog and should keep the game within 3 points if not win it outright.