Commanders at Chargers - Week 5
- Date: Sunday, October 5
- Time: 4.25 p.m. ET
- Venue: SoFi Stadium
- Channel: FOX
This promises to be a stern test of the Washington Commanders' credentials. Dan Quinn's squad goes cross-country for a mouthwatering clash with the Los Angeles Chargers, who have been nothing short of relentless to start their second campaign under master motivator Jim Harbaugh.
The Chargers have won all three games this season. They had to dig deep to get one over on the Denver Broncos, but they once again showed tremendous resolve despite the loss of running back Najee Harris with a torn Achilles tendon.
Harbaugh's teams always seem to come through. They also look like a legitimate early Super Bowl challenger if the same trend continues.
With quarterback Justin Herbert and an improving defense, the Chargers will be competitive in every game. Omarion Hampton became more influential in Harris' absence versus the Broncos, so the Commanders need a plan to restrict the North Carolina product. But for all the talent at the skill positions on both teams, this game will be won or lost in the trenches.
- Prediction: Loss (3-2)
This is where Harbaugh prides himself. His teams are always tough, physical, and strong on both lines of scrimmage. Unless the Commanders meet fire with fire, it's not going to be a fruitful visit to the California sunshine at SoFi Stadium.
Commanders vs. Bears - Week 6
- Date: Monday, October 13
- Time: 8.15 p.m. ET
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
- Channel: ESPN
It's no surprise that the Washington Commanders' home game against the Chicago Bears got primetime billing this season. This is largely down to the thrilling Hail Mary moment in 2024 that propelled hype around superstar quarterback Jayden Daniels to a completely different stratosphere.
The Commanders took this momentum all the way to the NFC Championship game. Chicago went on a disastrous run that saw coaching changes and significant personnel investments at key positions this offseason. It remains a work in progress, but there were signs of life in Week 3.
Ben Johnson's squad looked much more effective versus the Dallas Cowboys. Washington's bitter NFC East rival has one of the league's worst defenses right now. The Commanders promise to be a sterner test, and the primetime lights always bring out something special in Daniels at Northwest Stadium.
Dan Quinn will be preaching the importance of staying committed and avoiding complacency. The Bears will have revenge on their mind, and quarterback Caleb Williams is starting to show growth under Johnson's guidance. At the same time, this defense is vulnerable, which is something Daniels and the Commanders can take advantage of.
- Prediction: Win (4-2)
It might be closer than people expect once again, but the Commanders have more than enough to get the job done.