Week 5 showcased the Washington Commanders on the road, delivering a balanced 27-10 win over the Chargers. Jayden Daniels returned in style, and the offense racked up 389 yards with 163 on the ground, including Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s career day of 111 rushing yards and two TDs. Deebo Samuel added 96 receiving yards and a score, while Luke McCaffrey chipped in 50 yards. Washington’s defense harassed Herbert, recording five sacks, and special teams dictated field position with precision.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Washington’s seventh-round rookie, shredded the Chargers with 111 rushing yards on 14 carries and two rushing TDs, plus 39 receiving yards on two catches in a 27-10 win. An occasional second-half fumble was the only blemish on a day that featured several 10+ yard runs and a 7.9 YPC. Tom Brady highlighted him as LFG Player of the Game, boosting rookie hype. In five games, Croskey-Merritt has 283 rushing yards on 43 attempts (6.6 YPA), four rushing TDs, and 54 receiving yards on five receptions, plus a Week 1 Rookie of the Week nod. This breakout injects fresh optimism into Washington’s backfield and a clear upside for fantasy leagues.

Washington flipped the script in Los Angeles, beating the Chargers 27-10 after trailing 10-0. The Commanders closed the game with 27 unanswered points as Justin Herbert was sack-fragile, taking five sacks. Jacory Croskey-Merritt rushed for 111 yards on 14 carries; Debo Samuel had 8 receptions for 96 yards; Jayden Daniels threw for 231 yards and added 39 rushing. Washington improves to 3-2, with Daniels reaching a 4,000/1,000 yard pace across his first 20 games.

Chargers fall from a 10-0 cushion to a 27-10 defeat at home as self-inflicted wounds and penalties derail a potential bounce-back. Johnston fumbles after a 19-yard gain, Herbert’s struggles linger, and the defense concedes late. Keenan Allen hits a milestone, becoming the fastest to 1,000 receptions, while injuries and miscues compound the Chargers’ woes. The Commanders seize momentum, as rookie Croskey-Merritt shines late and the visitorns stay in the game.