News Summary
The Los Angeles Chargers are set to host the Washington Commanders in a crucial NFL game at SoFi Stadium. Both teams aim to better their standings with the Chargers favored by 2.5 points. Analysts believe the game will be competitive, with offensive struggles on both sides potentially impacting the outcome. Justin Herbert’s performance will be critical for the Chargers, while the Commanders look for offensive support as they navigate through player injuries. Fans can expect an interesting matchup on Sunday as both teams vie for a playoff position.
Los Angeles – The Los Angeles Chargers will host the Washington Commanders on Sunday, October 5, at SoFi Stadium, in a closely contested matchup as both teams aim to improve their standings in the NFL. The game is set to kick off at 1:25 p.m. MST and will be broadcasted on FOX, with streaming available on FUBO.
According to the NFL Week 5 odds from BetMGM Sportsbook, the Chargers are favored by 2.5 points over the Commanders. The moneyline odds reflect this sentiment, as they stand at -150 for the Chargers and +125 for the Commanders. The over/under point total for the game is established at 47.5 points, indicating expectations for a moderately high-scoring affair.
The matchup is poised to be competitive, with many analysts suggesting that it could swing in either direction. Insights favor the Chargers, who are expected to deliver a strong performance at home, particularly aided by their star quarterback, Justin Herbert. However, the Commanders’ performance could benefit from the potential return of Jayden Daniels from injury, giving them an offensive boost.
Both teams come into the game with different challenges. The Chargers will look to bounce back after a disappointing loss to the New York Giants in Week 4, attributed largely to “jet lag” from travel. On the other hand, the Commanders face additional hurdles as they are fielding the oldest roster in the league, which may impact their competitiveness.
Advanced simulations predict a 55% win probability for the Chargers compared to a 45% chance for the Commanders. However, it is noted that the Chargers struggle with their offensive line, having pressured Justin Herbert on over 50% of his dropbacks this season. In contrast, the Commanders have excelled defensively, showcasing a strong rush defense that allows only 3.6 yards per carry and effectively generating pressure without relying heavily on blitzing.
While the Chargers might lean towards a more conservative game plan featuring increased running plays and quick throws—partially due to injuries along the offensive front—there is still a question of whether they can maintain offensive momentum despite Herbert’s challenges. Meanwhile, Omarion Hampton has gained attention for his breakout performance last week, where he accumulated 128 rushing yards and 37 receiving yards.
Betting analysts recommend anticipating a potentially low-scoring game, reflecting the current player conditions and strategic inclinations of both teams. As the game marks the Commanders’ second consecutive road game and their third in four weeks, fatigue may also factor into their performance.
In addition to the physical factors, the absence of key players for the Commanders, including Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown, could significantly hinder their offensive strategies against the Chargers’ defense. Historical statistics reveal that Justin Herbert holds an 11-25 ATS record when his defense concedes 24 or more points, adding an additional layer of complexity to the Chargers’ chances of covering the spread.
As the teams prepare for Week 5, betting odds and predictions remain susceptible to change based on ongoing assessments of player injuries and team performance in the lead-up to the game. Fans can expect an intriguing battle as both teams strive for victory and a chance to enhance their playoff positions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
NFL Preseason Kicks Off with 16 Games This Weekend
NFL Expands International Games to Seven Countries
Additional Resources
- AZ Central
- Covers
- Bolts From The Blue
- CBS Sports
- BetMGM Blog
- Wikipedia: National Football League
- Google Search: Los Angeles Chargers
- Google Scholar: Los Angeles Chargers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Football League
- Google News: Los Angeles Chargers

Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana