Washington (2-2) at Los Angeles Chargers (3-1)

BetMGM NFL Odds: Chargers by 3

Against the spread: Commanders 2-2; Chargers 2-1-1

Series record: Commanders lead 7-5.

Last meeting: Chargers beat Commanders 20-16 in Landover, Maryland, on Sept. 12, 2021.

Last week: Commanders lost to Falcons 34-27; Chargers lost to Giants 21-18.

Commanders offense: overall (12), rush (2), pass (25), scoring (8).

Commanders defense: overall (24), rush (14), pass (27), scoring (24).

Chargers offense: overall (8), rush (21), pass (5), scoring (18).

Chargers defense: overall (3), rush (16), pass (5), scoring (4).

Turnover differential: Commanders minus-1; Chargers minus-2.

RB Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt. The rookie seventh-round draft pick is making the most of his limited opportunities, leading the Commanders with 172 yards on the ground on just 29 carries with two touchdowns. His average of 5.9 yards per carry is the most for any running back with more than 10 carries this season.

Rookie RB Omarion Hampton showed why Los Angeles used a first-round pick on him, rushing for 128 yards and a touchdown and adding 37 yards receiving in the loss to the Giants. He did it all, from big gains to tough short-yardage runs, and that well-rounded game should be heavily featured to take the pressure off a battered offensive line.

Turnover battle. Neither the Commanders nor the Chargers have been particularly effective in taking the ball away through the first month of the season. Washington got its first interception with CB Mike Sainristil’s pick of Atlanta QB Michael Penix Jr. in the third quarter on Sunday, but still hasn’t recovered a fumble. Los Angeles had three interceptions against the Raiders in Week 2, but has come up empty in its other three games. Whichever team can force a mistake that puts the ball on the ground could have a huge edge.

Commanders: The most important question for Washington involves whether its most important player will be back after missing two games with an injured left knee: QB Jayden Daniels. He was cleared to fully return to practice on Wednesday and said he plans to play Sunday. Still up in the air were the statuses of key players such as WR Terry McLaurin (quadriceps), WR Noah Brown (knee, groin) and TE John Bates (groin).

Chargers: LT Joe Alt (ankle) is doubtful to play after he was injured in the first half against New York. There could be some relief for Los Angeles’ beleaguered offensive line, as RG Mekhi Becton could be set to return after not playing against the Giants because of a concussion.

The Chargers have won the past two games against the Commanders and four of the past five in this infrequent matchup. … Washington lost its only previous road game in against the Chargers since they moved north from San Diego in 2017, falling 30-13 on Dec. 10, 2017 in Carson. … The Commanders dropped their first visit to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, 28-20 to the Rams on Dec. 17, 2023.

Quentin Johnston is finally playing like the potential No. 1 wide receiver the Chargers thought they were getting in a first-round draft pick in 2023. Johnston can be treated as a worthwhile third option in fantasy lineups, having topped 70 yards in every game this season with touchdowns in three of them.

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl