The Washington Commanders head west to SoFi Stadium for a compelling Week 5 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers in what promises to be a fascinating clash of contrasting offensive identities. Through four weeks, the Commanders have unleashed a high-octane attack that's putting up 25.8 points per game, powered by ruthless efficiency in the red zone where they convert a staggering 77.8% of their trips into touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Jim Harbaugh's Chargers present an intriguing puzzle—they move the ball effectively with 356.2 yards per game and convert 43.4% of their third downs, but their red zone execution has been brutal, finding the end zone on just 36.4% of their attempts inside the 20.
Jayden Daniels will be back under center for Washington, while Justin Herbert looks to continue his MVP-caliber season for LA, as this game will likely hinge on which team can capitalize when it matters most.
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Commanders vs Chargers Betting Odds
Here's everything you need to know about this Week 5 showdown at SoFi Stadium:
- Date: Sunday, October 5, 2025
- Kickoff: 4:25 p.m. ET
- Venue: SoFi Stadium – Inglewood, CA
- Weather: Weather information is not available
Current NFL betting lines for the matchup:
- Moneyline: Los Angeles Chargers (-155) / Washington Commanders (+130)
- Spread: Los Angeles Chargers -1.5 (+100) / Washington Commanders +1.5 (-120)
- Total (Over/Under): 22.5 points (Over -115 / Under -105)
Betting odds courtesy of DraftKings.
The Chargers enter as narrow home favorites with (-155) moneyline odds and a razor-thin 1.5-point spread, suggesting oddsmakers expect this to be decided by a field goal or less. What's most striking is the historically low total of just 22.5 points—bookmakers are clearly anticipating a defensive slugfest where both offenses, particularly the Chargers with their red zone struggles, will have difficulty putting points on the board.
Statistical Breakdown: Contrasting Offensive Philosophies
This NFL matchup showcases two teams heading in opposite directions when it comes to offensive execution. The Chargers hold the edge in total yardage, averaging 356.2 yards per game compared to Washington's 339.0, and they're more effective on third downs at 43.4% versus the Commanders' conversion rate. However, the story completely flips when examining scoring efficiency.
Washington's offense has been absolutely clinical, averaging 25.8 points per game to Los Angeles' 21.5. The most glaring disparity lies in red zone execution—the Commanders convert an elite 77.8% of their red zone opportunities into touchdowns, while the Chargers manage just 36.4%. This stark contrast could be the determining factor in a low-scoring affair.
Defensively, the Chargers generate slightly more pressure with 13.0 sacks compared to Washington's 10.0, but both teams have been solid protecting the football. The Commanders hold a +1 turnover differential while the Chargers sit at +2. The key battle will be whether Washington can consistently reach the red zone against a Chargers defense that needs to either keep them out entirely or force field goals instead of touchdowns.
Commanders vs Chargers: Best Bets and Predictions
This game presents a classic matchup of conflicting strengths—the Chargers' ability to move the ball versus Washington's ruthless efficiency in converting opportunities into points. While Los Angeles enjoys home-field advantage, their red zone woes are too significant to overlook against a team as clinical as the Commanders in scoring situations.
The Chargers may control field position and sustain drives, but Washington's superior finishing ability should keep this game within reach throughout. Expect a tight contest where the Commanders' red zone prowess allows them to stay competitive or potentially steal a road victory.
Washington Commanders +1.5 (-120)
This pick centers entirely on the massive gap in red zone execution between these teams:
- Elite Red Zone Conversion: Washington's 77.8% touchdown rate inside the 20 is the most dominant statistical advantage in this matchup
- Chargers' Achilles Heel: Los Angeles converts just 36.4% of red zone trips into touchdowns, leaving crucial points on the field in what projects as a low-scoring game
Best Prop Bet: Justin Herbert Under 268.5 Passing Yards (-111)
Herbert has been terrific so far this season, but this prop line appears inflated based on current production and matchup dynamics:
- Statistical Reality: The Chargers are averaging 249.0 passing yards per game, nearly 20 yards below this prop total
- Pass Rush Pressure: Washington's 10.0 sacks demonstrate their ability to disrupt timing and limit explosive passing plays needed to exceed this number
Injury Report: Key Players' Status Could Shape Outcome
Both teams enter Week 5 with significant injury concerns, as 23 total players appear on the latest report. Several key starters' availability could dramatically impact this already tight matchup.
Washington Commanders Injury Concerns
The Commanders list 14 players with various ailments, including critical offensive weapons:
- WR Terry McLaurin (Quad): Did Not Participate In Practice
- WR Noah Brown (Groin): Did Not Participate In Practice
- CB Mike Sainristil (Knee): Did Not Participate In Practice
- DT Daron Payne (Knee): Limited Participation In Practice
- QB Jayden Daniels (Knee): Full Participation In Practice
McLaurin's absence is a tough blow to an offense that relies heavily on his playmaking ability. However, the return of Jayden Daniels under center is the biggest development on the Washington injury report. Defensively, missing starting cornerback Sainristil and having Payne limited could create vulnerabilities.
Los Angeles Chargers Injury Concerns
The Chargers are managing nine players on their injury report, with two unable to practice:
- T Joe Alt (Ankle): Did Not Participate In Practice
- TE Will Dissly (Knee): Limited Participation In Practice
- SAF Derwin James Jr. (Glute): Limited Participation In Practice
- WR Keenan Allen (NIR-Rest): Full Participation In Practice
Los Angeles faces potential offensive line issues with Joe Alt missing practice, while the limited status of tight end Dissly and defensive leader Derwin James requires monitoring.