When Washington Commanders edged out the Los Angeles Chargers 27‑10 at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, Oct 5, 2025, the victory felt like relief after a shaky start to the season. Both clubs entered the matchup 2‑2, but the Commanders’ late surge turned the game into a statement win.
Game overview and key moments
During NFL Week 5: Commanders vs ChargersInglewood, California, Washington jumped to an early 10‑0 lead before the Chargers answered with a field goal, leaving the score 10‑3 at the end of the first quarter. A crucial turnover on the Chargers’ second‑quarter drive gave the Commanders the ball deep in Los Angeles territory, and the offense struck twice in quick succession to build a 24‑10 advantage.
The Chargers tried to claw back, but 15 penalties for 107 yards crippled their rhythm. Their 21‑18 loss to the New York Giants a week earlier had already exposed discipline issues; the penalties in this game pushed them out of field‑goal range on three critical possessions.
Jayden Daniels' return and performance
Quarterback Jayden Daniels returned from a bruised left knee after missing the previous two games. He completed 15 of 26 passes for 231 yards and a late‑fourth‑quarter touchdown that sealed the win. Daniels, a San Bernardino native only about 75 miles from SoFi Stadium, seemed refreshed, delivering crisp throws and showing poise in the pocket despite the high‑stakes environment.
"Seeing Jayden back felt like getting the engine back on a car that had stalled," Commanders head coach Marty Hurney said in the post‑game locker room. "He kept us calm, made the right reads, and delivered when we needed it the most."
Turning points: Croskey‑Merritt and Lattimore
Running back Jacory Croskey‑Merritt scored two touchdowns, the first on a 12‑yard scramble that kicked off the second‑quarter surge, the second on a 34‑yard reception that put the Commanders up 27‑10. His dual‑threat ability forced the Chargers to stack the box, opening up passing lanes for Daniels.
Defensively, safety Marshon Lattimore recovered a fumble near the Chargers’ 20‑yard line in the third quarter. The turnover sparked a 27‑point streak that flipped the momentum dramatically. "When Marshon scooped that ball, you could feel the energy shift in the stadium," remarked former NFL analyst Mike Mayock. "It’s the kind of play that changes a game’s trajectory."
Penalties, coaching decisions, and season implications
The Chargers’ 15 penalties, most for holding and false starts, cost them roughly 107 yards—enough to nullify a potential go‑ahead drive late in the fourth quarter. Los Angeles head coach Brandon Staley lamented the lack of discipline: "We’ve got talent, but we can’t afford to give the opposition free yardage. That’s a lesson we’ll take to the next practice."
Both teams now stand at 3‑2. The Commanders’ first road victory of the year lifts them to a tie for second place in the NFC East, just one game behind the Philadelphia Eagles (4‑1). The Chargers, meanwhile, slip to a tie for third in the AFC West, trailing the Kansas City Chiefs (4‑1) by a single win.
Analysts say Washington’s balanced attack—an efficient passing game combined with a bruising ground effort—could make them a playoff dark horse if they keep the discipline they displayed on Sunday. For the Chargers, tightening up on special teams and reducing penalties will be essential to stay in contention.
Broadcast, streaming gaps, and what’s next
Despite the game’s high profile, streaming and broadcast details remain murky. Local listings indicated a regional feed on the NFL Network, but no national over‑the‑top (OTT) platform confirmed live rights. Post‑game highlights quickly appeared on YouTube and the NFL’s official website, yet fans who wanted to watch the live action reported mixed experiences, ranging from geographic blackouts to outright unavailability.
Looking ahead, the Commanders travel to Baltimore for a Thursday night showdown with the Ravens on Oct 10, while the Chargers face the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High a week later. Both franchises have hinted at working with their media partners to ensure clearer streaming options for their fan bases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were there no official streaming details for the game?
The NFL’s national broadcast agreement for 2025 still channels most Sunday games through cable partners. Because the Commanders‑Chargers matchup fell under a regional feed, many OTT services did not list it, leading to confusion among viewers outside the designated market.
Which platforms eventually posted game highlights?
Official highlights were uploaded to the NFL’s YouTube channel, the league’s mobile app, and the Commanders’ own social‑media pages within two hours of the final whistle. The full‑game replay is expected to be available on the NFL Game Pass subscription service next week.
How did Jayden Daniels’ injury affect his performance?
Medical reports confirmed a Grade 2 sprain of the left knee, which can limit lateral movement. Daniels compensated with quicker releases and a greater reliance on short, high‑percentage throws, evident in his 15‑of‑26 completion rate and the 231 passing yards he amassed.
What impact do the penalties have on the Chargers' season outlook?
Holding and false‑start penalties have cost the Chargers an estimated 70 yards per game over the first five weeks. If the trend continues, it could jeopardize their playoff chances, especially in a tightly contested AFC West where margin for error is slim.
When is the Commanders' next road game and who are they facing?
The Commanders head to Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium on Thursday, Oct 10, to take on the Ravens in a prime‑time slot. A win there would push them to the top of the NFC East and solidify their status as early‑season contenders.
