The Chargers showed huge promise with Justin Herbert under center last season and Washington's defense terrorized teams last year. What will we get in Week 1?

Los Angeles Chargers vs Washington Football Team: Injury report and starting line up - September 12th | NFL Week 1

Modified Sep 11, 2021 12:28 GMT

Baltimore Ravens v Washington Football Team

Justin Herbert had a rather good rookie season in 2020, leading the Chargers to a 7-9 record in a tough division that had Patrick Mahomes and Derek Carr. Many expect Herbert to take another step forward in his development after his stellar rookie season.

For Washington, having veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick will certainly help the offense to an extent, however, defense is where Washington's true strength lies.

With Chase Young doing what he likes on the offensive line and Jonathan Allen helping, Washington is a scary proposition for opposing offenses.

Los Angeles Chargers at Washington Football Team injury report

LA Chargers

Brandon Staley has only one player on the injury report and that is defensive back Ryan Smith, who is not expected back until Week 4.

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So Herbert and the Chargers are in a great position to start their 2021 season with a bang.

Washington Football Team

Head coach Ron Rivera essentially has a full roster to choose from for Sunday's opener against the Chargers.

Only defensive back Darrick Forrest is out with a hamstring injury and is expected back in Week 4.

Los Angeles Chargers at Washington Football Team starting line up

LA Chargers

QB - Justin Herbert | RB - Justin Jackson, Joshua Kelley | WR - Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Josh Linsley | TE - Jared Cook | OL - Rashawn Slater, Matt Feiler, Corey Linsley, Oday Aboushi, Bryan Bulaga

Washington Football Team

QB - Ryan Fitzpatrick | RB - Antonio Gibson, J.D. McKissic | WR - Terry McLaurin, Adam Humphries, Dyami Brown| TE - Logan Thomas | OL - Charles Leno Jr., Ereck Flowers, Chase Roullier, Brandon Scherff, Samuel Cosmi

About the author

Adam Schultz is an NFL journalist at Sportskeeda with over 5 years of experience. He prides himself on the accurate reporting of facts by double-checking every piece of information in his articles, and knows what exactly to highlight in them owing to his in-depth knowledge of the teams he covers.

Adam is a supporter of the Dallas Cowboys, who were the first team he saw play. Dez Bryant is his all-time favorite player, mostly due to the wide receiver's athleticism and the unique lack of weaknesses in his game.

If Adam could go back in time and watch any game, he would want to witness the “Dez Caught It” playoff game from January 2015, where Bryant and the Cowboys lost 26-21 to the Green Bay Packers in highly controversial circumstances at Lambeau Field.

When he isn't writing about or watching football, Adam enjoys doing sports photography.

Know More

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Edited by Prem Deshpande