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 expects a spark in Week 5 as Jayden Daniels returns to start vs. the Chargers after a knee injury, practicing fully all week. Deebo Samuel and Mike Sainristil are back, while Terry McLaurin, Noah Brown and Sam Cosmi are sidelined. Daron Payne will start despite a knee tweak. With Daniels healthy and a fuller WR corps on tap, Washington aims to push past a daunting LA defense.

Daniels’ return injects mobility and rhythm into the offense, elevating the passing game when matched with Samuel’s top-tier target share. The absence of McLaurin creates volatility for other receivers, but Payne’s presence anchors the defense and could keep the game closer, opening fantasy upside for Washington’s Week 5 contributors against the Chargers.

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.