Charger Report

Chargers vs. Commanders predictions: Who experts are picking to win Week 5 game

A look at who experts are predicting will win the Week 5 game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Washington Commanders.
Los Angeles Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh.
Los Angeles Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh. | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Following their first loss of the 2025 season in Week 4, the Los Angeles Chargers will look to bounce back in a Week 5 matchup against the Washington Commanders at SoFi Stadium on Sunday.

The Chargers were considered heavy favorites going into their game against the New York Giants last week, but rookie signal-caller Jaxson Dart managed to pull off the shocking upset.

Meanwhile, the Commanders dropped to 2-2 on the season with a loss against the Atlanta Falcons, which was also the second game Washington didn't have quarterback Jayden Daniels.

That's going to change this week, as Daniels has been medically cleared to play. He won't have his No. 1 target, though, as wide receiver Terry McLaurin has been ruled out.

This is just the 13th meeting between these two franchises all time. The Commanders hold the advantage with a 7-5 record over the Chargers, but Los Angeles has won five of the last six.

This should be one of the most competitive games of the entire Week 5 slate. Let's see who experts are predicting to win the contest.

Chargers vs. Commanders predictions

MMQB

  • Albert Breer: Commanders
  • Clare Brennan: Chargers
  • Mitch Goldich: Chargers
  • Gilberto Manzano: Chargers
  • Conor Orr: Chargers
  • John Pluym: Chargers
  • Matt Verderame: Commanders

ESPN

  • Stephania Bell: Chargers
  • Matt Bowen: Chargers
  • Mike Clay: Chargers
  • Jeremy Fowler: Commanders
  • Dan Graziano: Chargers
  • Kalyn Kahler: Chargers
  • Pamela Maldonado: Chargers
  • Eric Moody: Chargers
  • Jason Reid: Chargers
  • Lindsey Thiry: Chargers
  • Seth Wickersham: Chargers

CBS Sports

  • Pete Prisco: Chargers
  • Cody Benjamin: Commanders
  • Jared Dubin: Chargers
  • Ryan Wilson: Chargers
  • John Breech: Chargers
  • Tyler Sullivan: Chargers
  • Dave Richard: Commanders
  • Jamey Eisenberg: Chargers

Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: Chargers 24, Commanders 20

Iyer: "The Commanders are hoping Jayden Daniels can return for Marcus Mariota at QB but the offense is faring OK with Kliff Kingsbury's system well in place, spreading the ball around. The defense is becoming a bigger issue, giving up chunks vs. the run and other big plays. That won't change vs. Justin Herbert and Omarion Hampton on the road."

Number of experts picking Chargers: 22

Number of experts picking Commanders: 5

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Mike Moraitis
MIKE MORAITIS

Mike Moraitis is a freelance writer who has covered the NFL for major outlets such as Sports Illustrated and The Sporting News. He has previously written for USA TODAY Sports Media Group and FanSided, and got his start in sports media at Bleacher Report.