Washington slugged past Los Angeles 27-10 in Week 5 behind Jayden Daniels’ efficient two-way play and a breakout by rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who ripped off 111 rushing yards and multiple scores.

Deebo Samuel stepped in for McLaurin with 8 catches and a score, while Dorance Armstrong harassed Herbert with two sacks. Mike Sainristil added a pick and nine tackles as the defense kept the Chargers under wraps. Chris Moore and Zach Ertz offered little, highlighting the odd fizz in the passing game, but Washington sealed a comfortable win.

Washington rescued Javon Kinlaw with a three-year, $45 million pact after Joe Whitt Jr. publicly admitted he wanted the defensive tackle in 2024. Kinlaw’s presence is already shaping how teams block the Commanders, freeing teammates like Dorance Armstrong and easing the load on Daron Payne. Despite modest early stats, Whitt insists Kinlaw’s impact is felt in the mismatches he creates up front and the space it opens for others. The defense has moved forward this season, despite Deitrich Wise’s season-ending injury.

Kinlaw’s addition shifts the interior pressure away from Payne, who has 12 tackles through three games, while Kinlaw has five but is drawing double teams and command attention that unlocks other rushers. The trio of Armstrong and others is seeing more chances, and the unit as a whole sits ahead of last year’s start. The Jets stint and Kinlaw’s 49ers past frame a career arc that now points to a stable Commanders front with fantasy upside beyond Kinlaw alone.