The Washington Commanders look to rebound from last week’s disappointing loss on Sunday with a trip west to face the AFC West-leading Los Angeles Chargers.
There’s good news for Washington: quarterback Jayden Daniels is back. After missing two games with a knee injury, Daniels practiced fully all week. He will wear a brace on his injured left knee. Washington head coach Dan Quinn said Daniels will not be limited, and he would not be playing if he couldn’t do everything he usually does.
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The Chargers present a stiff test for Daniels and the Commanders. Los Angeles has the NFL’s No. 3 defense, allowing only 159 passing yards per game.
Washington needs a better showing from its defense this week. The key is to take advantage of the Chargers’ offensive line injuries to generate pressure on Justin Herbert.
So, who wins? It’s time for our Week 5 staff picks. Only two of us made selections this week.
Bryan Manning
Commanders 27, Chargers 24: This game will go down to the line, with Jayden Daniels needing to make a play late. That’s what he’ll do for the Commanders to secure a huge road win. Washington will lean on its running game this week, with Bill Croskey-Merrit and Chris Rodriguez Jr. each producing solid numbers. However, it will be Daniels who provides some big plays with his legs. The Chargers have proven susceptible to QB runs through four weeks. Also, the Commanders will apply enough pressure on Herbert to get some stops, particularly on third downs.
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Serena Burks
Commanders 24, Chargers 20: This is an interesting game when you think about it. The Commanders had no issue defeating the Giants in Week 1, and the Giants just handed the Chargers their first loss of the season. However, the Commanders are struggling defensively, and they have several key offensive players who are unavailable this weekend. They’re on the road, but Jayden Daniels is back. There is a lot of give and take between these teams, and it’s difficult to predict how all these factors impact the game. Still, I am a firm believer in Daniels, and we watched him will the Commanders’ so many wins last season. I have faith that Daniels will do the same this weekend and put the Commanders back over .500.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Picks, predictions for Week 5 vs. Chargers