How To Watch Commanders vs. Chargers | Game Preview (10-2-25)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
LOS ANGELES, CA— The Washington Commanders continue on the road and head west to take on the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on Sunday afternoon. For Washington (2-2), all signs point to star QB Jayden Daniels returning to the field for a clash against the Justin Herbert-led 3-1 Chargers team. The Commanders are coming off a tough loss to the Atlanta Falcons, where Michael Penix had a career performance, posting 313 passing yards, two scores, and a 126 passer rating. Los Angeles was shocked by the Giants in a 21-18 loss last Sunday, which saw Herbert pressured a whopping 21 times, sacked twice, and throw two interceptions.
Sunday’s game for both teams will be about turning the page and having a bounce-back complete game.
Betting Odds
Los Angeles enters the home affair as 2.5-point favorites against Washington. The total point spread is 47.5.
Injury Report
Los Angeles
● T Joe Alt: Ankle (Doubtful)
● S Derwin James: Hip (Questionable)
● CB Tarheeb Still: Ankle (Questionable)
● TE Will Dissly: Knee (Questionable)
● WR Derius Davis: Knee (Questionable)
● G Mekhi Becton: Concussion (Questionable)
Washington
● WR Deebo Samuel: Heel (Questionable)
● DE Dorrance Armstrong: Illness (Questionable)
● CB Mike Sainristil: Knee (Questionable)
● S Percy Butler: Hip (Questionable)
● LB Ale Kaho: Concussion (Questionable)
● Terry McLaurin (Quad) and Noah Brown (Groin) are again out.
How to watch the game?
Location: SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California
Start time: 4:25 p.m.
Where can I watch: Fox
The return of Jayden Daniels
He’s back, everyone. Daniels returns after a two-game absence due to a knee sprain he sustained against Green Bay in week two. Daniels will be a big boost to an offense that, funny enough, has not looked bad without him, despite the loss last week in Atlanta and the absence of Daniels and two starting wide receivers. Marcus Mariota was able to guide the offense to 27 points. When your backup quarterback can lead your offense to that many points, you usually think your team will win; however, due to the defensive struggles and mishaps that did not happen. Daniels will bring his mobility and explosiveness to the field, forcing the LA defense to second-guess and not overlook him. There’s a chance he could be a little rusty and not full-speed movement-wise, but having him back is an excellent part.
Can the defense bounce back with a strong performance?
Yes, I know that in four games, the defense has looked great in two and bad in the other two. There has been an inconsistency in play from all parts of the defense, and the media and fans have not been afraid to point it out. The Commanders’ defensive line must generate pressure against a banged-up offensive line to help out a secondary struggling in coverage and communication. The more Herbert can be sped up, the more likely the linebackers and secondary will come up with some big stops and turnovers. Another thing is that he will stay disciplined in the lanes and not let the rookie running back, Omarion Hampton, continue to build off his last outing of 128 rushing yards and one touchdown. Finally, COME UP WITH TACKLES.
Bill’s Big Game?
Jacory Croskey-Merritt has made the most of every carry he’s seen so far through four games. Last week, he had seven carries for 47 yards and an average of 6.7 yards per carry. In week three, he scored a touchdown, and in the opening game, he had a rush of 42 yards for a total of 82 yards. I feel it’s his time to have a real breakout game and take a majority of carries in the game against Los Angeles. We will see what offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury schemes against an average run defensive unit, especially with two of Washington’s top receivers out again.
Players to watch
● Los Angeles Tuli Tuipulotu: The young linebacker is a star in the making for Jim Harbaugh’s defense and is emerging as a potentially top young player in this league. Tuipulotu is coming off a four-sack and seven-pressure performance last week. He’s a dynamic player who can get after the quarterback using his speed and quickness to attack. While also defending the run to make open-field tackles and even dropping back in coverage.
● Washington Von Miller: Offensive line troubles for Los Angeles; what does that mean for a veteran defensive line in Washington? More opportunities to get after Herbert. Expect veteran Von Miller to have good looks at sacking the QB and generating pressure off the edge. He’ll be needed on third downs and coming off negative play situations, something Washington struggled mightily with last week.
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History vs. Los Angeles Chargers
I. The Commanders and Chargers have met 12 times, with Washington leading the head-to-head series 7-5.
II. Los Angeles has won the previous two meetings in 2017 and 2021, respectively.
III. Herbert and Daniels clash for the first time in the NFL, since Daniels and Arizona State upset No. 6 Oregon 31-28 in 2019.
Final Take
The Commanders need to take this victory on the road. Controlling the time of possession could help the defense not be relied on as much. Protecting Daniels and playing to his strengths will benefit the offensive flow. Defensively, it’s all about communication and understanding the assignments at hand. Joe Whitt needs to put his players in the best position to succeed, but the players also need to communicate and play their best football.
