Commanders vs Chargers: Week 5 Need to Know Quick Hits
The Washington Commanders return to action in Week 5 as they travel to Los Angeles to take on the Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Washington enters the game with a 2-2 record after falling 34-27 to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 4. The Chargers sit at 3-1 and present one of the toughest challenges of the season. This marks the first time these two teams have met since 2021 and the first time Washington has faced the Chargers on the road since 2017. With playoff implications already looming, this matchup promises to be intense and intriguing.
Head-to-Head History and Recent Trends
The Commanders hold a 7-5 overall record against the Chargers, but their struggles on the road stand out. Washington has gone 2-3 in its five previous road games against the franchise and has lost three straight contests away to Los Angeles. To make matters more challenging, the Commanders are also riding a two-game losing streak against the Chargers, dating back to 2017. Breaking those skids will require a sharp performance in all three phases of the game.
This matchup carries a unique wrinkle, as Washington has never faced the Chargers in Week 5. The unfamiliar timing, combined with the cross-country travel, adds to the difficulty of the task. However, Washington has proven resilient this season, particularly with its ability to generate explosive plays on offense. Fans can expect a motivated Commanders team looking to rebound after last week’s tough loss.
Statistical Matchups to Watch
The Commanders‘ offense enters Week 5 ranked eighth in points scored, averaging 26.75 per game. That production comes primarily from their ground game, which ranks second in the league with 154.75 rushing yards per contest. Running backs have taken advantage of strong blocking to average an impressive 5.90 yards per carry. The challenge will come against a Chargers defense ranked 16th against the run, allowing 111.25 yards per game. If Washington can control the line of scrimmage, it may find success in wearing down the Los Angeles front.
Passing has been more of a struggle for Washington, as the team sits 25th in the league with just 184.25 passing yards per outing. Quarterback play has been inconsistent, and the offensive line has given up pressure at key moments. Facing a Chargers defense ranked fifth against the pass, Washington must find balance early to avoid becoming predictable. The good news is that star signal caller Jayden Daniels should be back under center after missing the past two outings with a knee injury. Washington averages nearly 10 yards per pass attempt, which shows their potential for big plays down the field if timing improves.
On the defensive side, Washington has work to do. The Commanders rank 27th against the pass, giving up 248.5 yards per game, and must face a Chargers offense led by quarterback Justin Herbert that ranks fifth in passing yards with 249 per game. If the secondary cannot contain explosive plays, Washington risks falling behind quickly. However, the Commanders‘ defense has fared better against the run, holding opponents to just 107.5 yards per contest, which could help force Los Angeles into a one dimensional approach.
Turnovers could become a decisive factor. Washington ranks seventh in the league in limiting turnovers, averaging only 0.50 per game, while the Chargers‘ offense averages more giveaways. If Washington can win the turnover battle, it may tilt the momentum in their favor.
Keys for the Commanders on Sunday
For Washington to pull off the upset, several keys stand out. First, the running game must set the tone. By leaning on their top tier rushing attack, the Commanders can keep the ball away from the Chargers‘ offense and help control the clock. That would also ease the burden on their passing game and create play-action opportunities.
Second, the defense must find answers against the Chargers‘ passing attack. Limiting chunk plays and forcing Los Angeles into longer drives will give Washington a chance to dictate tempo. Generating sacks and turnovers will also be critical, as the Commanders have struggled in recent weeks to flip the field with defensive plays.
Finally, Washington needs to finish drives in the red zone. The Chargers‘ defense allows fewer than 18 points per game, and field goals will not be enough. Converting scoring opportunities into touchdowns could be the difference between victory and defeat.
The Commanders enter SoFi Stadium with a chance to rewrite their recent history against the Chargers. Breaking a three-game road losing streak in Los Angeles and ending a two-game skid against the franchise would mark a significant early-season statement. With their record sitting at 2-2, this matchup provides an opportunity to climb above .500 and reassert themselves in the NFC race.
Vikings Add Super Bowl Champion Playmaker Before Steelers Game
The Minnesota Vikings are still adjusting to the loss of Pro Bowler and starting running back Aaron Jones, who is on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. The Vikings will start Jordan Mason against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but they will also have Cam Akers on hand.
Akers is in his third stint with the Vikings.
This time, head coach Kevin O’Connell and Co. hope they only need him for a short period. But they are very familiar with what he can do.
Cam Akers Added to Game-Day Roster for Vikings-Steelers
GettyPJ Jules #37 of the Cincinnati Bengals tackles Cam Akers #31 of the Minnesota Vikings.
“The #Vikings have elevated RB Cam Akers to the active roster for tomorrow’s game,” the team announced with a post on X on September 27.
Akers entered the league as a second-round pick (No. 52 overall) of the Los Angeles Rams in the 2020 draft, and he won a Super Bowl with the organization in 2021. The Vikings acquired Akers in a trade with the Rams in 2023.
He signed with the Houston Texans in free agency in 2024.
The Vikings reacquired him in a trade before the deadline that season. Akers signed with the New Orleans Saints this offseason, but they cut him after the preseason.
He signed with the Vikings’ practice squad, with the team announcing the move in conjunction with Jones landing on IR. Jones joined former RB2 Ty Chandler on IR, leaving Akers, Mason, and 2020 undrafted free agent Zavier Scott as their only RBs on the 53-man roster.
Akers, 26, rushed for 19 yards on five carries in the Vikings’ 48-10 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3, his first week back with the team. He has a 507-2044-13 career line.
He could have an expanded role in Week 4.
Akers has one more elevation after this, so the Vikings must sign him to their 53-man roster if they want to make use of him in Week 5 when they travel to London to face the Cleveland Browns.
Vikings’ Offense Could Get Going vs. Steelers
GettyMinnesota Vikings head Coach Kevin O’Connell looks on before a game against the Tennessee Titans.
Akers and the Vikings enter their matchup against the Steelers as the road team. However, the game is in Dublin, a neutral site, and the Steelers do not boast the typically stout defense they are historically known for.
The Steelers rank 22nd in scoring defense, 26th against the run and the pass, and 28th overall.
Minnesota enters with the sixth-best scoring offense, 13th-ranked rushing attack, and 30th-ranked passing attack. They are 28th in total defense.
The Steelers could be a get-right opportunity for the Vikings, who are starting a backup in Carson Wentz at quarterback, in addition to reshuffling their backfield with Akers behind Mason for Week 4.
Injuries a Major Storyline for Vikings
GettyCarson Wentz #11 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up before facing the Cincinnati Bengals.
Akers is just another reminder of how banged up the Vikings are. Wentz is filling in for J.J. McCarthy and Mason for Jones. The Vikings will also be without rookie first-round pick and starting left guard Donovan Jackson against the Steelers in a highly anticipated game.
Fortunately for the Vikings, Blake Brandel started every game last season at LG and can step in until Jackson returns.
The injury/absence news is not all bad for the Vikings, either.
They will get center Ryan Kelly back after he missed Week 3 with a concussion. He was not listed on the team’s final injury report of the week. The Vikings will also get wide receiver Jordan Addison back from a three-game suspension.
