Week 5's Washington–Los Angeles showdown at SoFi tests depth and playmaking in fantasy terms, with both sides dealing with injuries and big-question matchups. Washington must navigate a banged-up offense and aging star Bobby Wagner while Jayden Daniels returns with a brace. Los Angeles counters with Derwin James’s versatility and a banged offensive line that Washington can target, while Ladd McConkey and Keenan Allen loom as top targets. Five marquee battles will largely shape the fantasy upside of this clash.

Expect a high-variance game where rescuers emerge from the depth charts. Washington’s receivers could be limited if Terry McLaurin sits, pushing Jaylin Lane and Luke McCaffrey into larger roles, while the Chargers lean on Herbert’s arm and McConkey’s reliability against a mid-tier Commanders secondary. The Week 5 outcomes hinge on how these five matchups resolve in real time.

Tuipulotu exploded for four sacks, nine tackles, five tackles for loss and five quarterback hits against the Giants, a breakout night with the Chargers missing a pair of premier pass rushers. The performance spotlighted a ceiling that could lift LA’s defense into elite territory if he sustains pressure and clean lanes. Derwin James' presence adds stability, but Tuipulotu’s surge is the headline worth chasing in IDP formats.

For fantasy managers, this isn't just a one-off show. If the burst continues, Tuipulotu becomes a legitimate weekly DL option in defensive scoring leagues, with upside in sacks and tackles for loss. Watch how teams adjust to him—if he remains the primary spark on the edge, the Chargers could push their entire defensive unit into a higher ceiling.

Harbaugh outlined a flexible Chargers secondary, with Derwin James sliding inside, Elijah Molden providing versatility, and Tony Jefferson anchored in the rotation. Jefferson’s value remains high and his presence is felt in the locker room and on the field, even if Molden returns healthy.

Alohi Gilman is in the mix as the unit swarms the Giants, while the coaching staff searches for the right balance of speed and coverage. The plan hinges on depth, rotation, and Harbaugh’s culture, highlighting how depth pieces could shape the defense in Week 4 and beyond.