The Washington Football Team kicks off the 2021 NFL season on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers at FedEx Field.
It’s the third time in the history of this series that these two teams will meet in Week 1. The last time occurred in 2001 when a rookie running back named LaDainian Tomlinson ran for over 100 yards and two touchdowns in his NFL debut en route to a 30-3 Chargers’ victory.
Now, here are seven things you need to know ahead of Sunday’s Week 1 showdown between the Chargers and the Washington Football Team.
Game information
Row of empty seats in the upper bowl of Fedex Field before the start of an NFL football game between the Washington Football Team and Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
When: Sunday, Sept. 12
Time: 1 p.m. EDT
Where: FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland
TV: CBS
Weather: 82 degrees, clear, per NFLweather.com
Odds
Washington Football Team defensive end Chase Young (99) on the sideline during the first half of a preseason NFL football game, Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
The line has steadily moved in Washington’s favor all week, according to Tipico Sportsbook.
On Saturday, Washington was moved to a 2.5-point favorite. It will be interesting to see if the line moves at anytime before Sunday’s kickoff.
Last time these teams met
Dec 10, 2017; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Travis Benjamin (12) returns a punt past Washington Redskins punter Tress Way (5) in the second half of a NFL football game at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
A lot has changed since these two teams met on Dec. 10, 2017, in Los Angeles. Washington has a new nickname. Well, actually, Washington doesn’t have its old nickname.
Kirk Cousins was in his final month as Washington’s quarterback after a record three-year run under center in that last meeting.
The Chargers won that battle with ease by a score of 30-13. Philip Rivers passed for over 300 yards and two touchdowns on that day, while the Chargers rushed for 174 yards as a team.
Overall, Washington leads the all-time series, 7-4.
Injuries
Dec 27, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) runs the ball after a catch during the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Both teams enter Sunday’s game in good shape. The biggest concern for the Chargers was running back Austin Ekeler, who was battling a hamstring injury. He did not participate on Wednesday or Thursday and was limited on Friday. Head coach Brandon Staley said he expects Ekeler to play on Sunday.
Chargers coach Brandon Staley told local media on Friday that he expected RB Austin Ekeler (hamstring) to play Sunday against the WFT.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) September 12, 2021
Washington will be without starting wide receiver Curtis Samuel. He was placed on short-term IR on Friday with a groin injury. Samuel’s status for Week 1 was in doubt for a while. This means rookie Dyami Brown should see plenty of snaps in his NFL debut.
Los Angeles QB Justin Herbert
Jan 3, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Justin Herbert burst onto the scene in Week 2 last season when he made his first NFL start. He passed for over 300 yards and took the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs into overtime before losing by a field goal.
Herbert is a big, strong-armed passer who will hang tough in the pocket. However, he can also move. Herbert scored five rushing touchdowns as a rookie.
Washington QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
Aug 28, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) on the field before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan Fitzpatrick is making his Washington debut at home on Sunday against the Chargers. Washington is Fitzpatrick’s ninth NFL team, so nerves shouldn’t be an issue for Fitzpatrick.
Which Fitzpatrick will Washington fans see? The “Fitzmagic” version of Fitzpatrick could make the Football Team a hard one to beat. The “Fitztragic” version could be good for the Chargers.
Fitzpatrick’s debut for the WFT is certainly much anticipated.
Top storyline: Which rookie of the year comes out on top?
FOXBOROUGH, MA – AUGUST 12: Cam Newton #1 of the New England Patriots gets sacked by Chase Young #99 of the Washington Football Team in the first half at Gillette Stadium on August 12, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
Herbert was the NFL offensive rookie of the year in 2020. Washington defensive end Chase Young was the NFL defensive rookie of the year in 2020.
It’s an exciting storyline in a game that features multiple talented players on both teams.
Another storyline for Young is his matchup against rookie left tackle Rashawn Slater. The two battled in college with many saying Slater got the best of Young.
There is certainly no lack of motivation for Young heading into Sunday’s game.
