The Washington Commanders (2-2) head back on the road in Week 5 to face the Los Angeles Chargers (3-1) at SoFi Stadium. Both teams are coming off disappointing losses, as the Chargers lost their first game of the season to the previously winless New York Giants. Meanwhile, the Commanders‘ defense was embarrassed in a 34-27 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

So, what gives in Week 5? Los Angeles and Washington are both dealing with injury issues. The Chargers are without left tackle Joe Alt, who suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 4. Alt moved over from right tackle to replace Pro Bowl left tackle Rashawn Slater, who is out for the season. Edge Khalil Mack and running back Najee Harris are also out for L.A.

The Commanders have their own injury problems. In some good news, quarterback Jayden Daniels is cleared and said he will play on Sunday in his return to California. It sounds like Washington will be without wide receiver Terry McLaurin again.

Matchups often determine the outcomes of games. So, which matchups are the most important in Sunday’s tilt between the Commanders and Chargers? We look at five key matchups for Week 5.

Commanders LB Bobby Wagner vs. Chargers QB Justin Herbert

Bobby Wagner is 35 and a future Hall of Famer. He’s still playing at a high level. However, there are concerns about Wagner’s coverage ability at this stage of his career. The Commanders need Wagner on the field, and must find a way to ensure he’s not matched up with players like Bijan Robinson in the open field. You can bet the Chargers have watched the film of Washington’s losses to the Packers and Falcons. Quarterback Justin Herbert will look to exploit Wagner in coverage, using wide receivers Ladd McConkey, Keenan Allen, or tight end Will Dissly. This matchup could go a long way in determining Washington’s ability to limit big plays.

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels vs. Chargers S Derwin James

Daniels is expected to play Sunday, but could be slowed somewhat by a knee brace. While Daniels would prefer to play without it, he said it’s up to Washington’s medical staff. A somewhat limited Daniels is still better than most, but he’ll be facing a defense led by one of the NFL’s top defensive weapons. Derwin James can spy Daniels as well as anyone in the NFL. James remains one of the NFL’s top safeties because he can play in coverage, defend the run, or blitz. You can bet Daniels will find James before every snap on Sunday. Washington better have a plan for James. It’s worth noting that James was on the Chargers’ injury report on Wednesday. A glute injury had limited James.

Commanders defensive line vs. Chargers’ offensive line

The game could be won or lost from Washington’s perspective with this matchup. It sounds like Austin Deculus will start at left tackle. Trey Pipkins is the right tackle. No quarterback has been pressured more over the last two weeks than Herbert. While the Commanders don’t have the same level of pass rushers as the Giants do, there’s no excuse for them not to give Herbert a tough time. Washington has played good run defense, so you should expect Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh to continue airing it out with Herbert, despite the injuries. Harbaugh saw all of those open receivers last week and undoubtedly believes the Chargers could have a big day. This is a critical matchup for both sides.

Commanders CB Mike Sainristil vs. Chargers WR Ladd McConkey

Had we looked at this matchup this offseason, it would’ve looked like a premier battle between a pair of second-year stars. However, Sainristil has gotten off to a slow start with his move back inside. McConkey has 16 receptions, but is averaging under 10 yards per reception. Sainristil popped up on Washington’s injury report on Wednesday, so that’s something to monitor. Look for the Chargers to find ways to get McConkey isolated against a safety or linebacker, too. Washington has been the “get-right” defense for two teams. It can’t afford to allow McConkey to have his best game on Sunday. If Sainristil plays on Sunday, this will be a fun matchup to monitor.

Commanders WRs vs. Chargers secondary

It sounds like Washington will be without McLaurin. It’s even more concerning that Deebo Samuel missed Wednesday’s practice with a heel injury. You can be sure that Samuel plays on Sunday. Will he be 100% is the question. The Chargers have a solid secondary and rank No. 5 in the NFL in pass defense. Can the Commanders consistently separate against a good Los Angeles defense? This is another big test for two young Washington wideouts: Jaylin Lane and Luke McCaffrey. McCaffrey is coming on, and Lane continues to earn more offensive snaps. You can bet Washington fans hope to see one of the young Commanders’ wideouts get matched up with Benjamin St-Juste. There’s also concern about Jayden Daniels and the timing with his young receivers after missing two weeks.