Los Angeles Chargers vs. Houston Texans Picks and Prediction for Thursday, August 13, 2026
The Los Angeles Chargers visit the Houston Texans on Thursday at 8:00 p.m. ET at NRG Stadium for their first preseason game. Los Angeles enters its third season under Jim Harbaugh with Mike McDaniel taking over the offense, while Houston begins Year 4 under DeMeco Ryans after reaching the divisional round last season. With established starters such as Justin Herbert and C.J. Stroud unlikely to carry major workloads, this matchup should provide a better look at younger players and roster competitions. Be a big winner with our free NFL picks.
Los Angeles Chargers Preview
Los Angeles will use the preseason to begin installing McDaniel's offense while evaluating the depth behind Herbert. Trey Lance is the only other quarterback included in the projected 53-man roster, making his preseason opportunities particularly important. The Chargers also have several young skill players to evaluate, including second-year receiver Tre' Harris, who had a limited offensive role as a rookie. Keaton Mitchell and Kimani Vidal are competing behind Omarion Hampton at running back, while Brenen Thompson and KeAndre Lambert-Smith are among the receivers trying to secure roster positions.
The defense also has several meaningful competitions. First-round edge rusher Akheem Mesidor is expected to help replace Odafe Oweh, while Junior Colson is attempting to challenge Denzel Perryman for a starting linebacker job after missing last season with a shoulder injury. Safety is another position to watch, with RJ Mickens and rookie Genesis Smith competing for playing time. Those battles should keep Los Angeles' reserves active after the regular starters leave.
Injuries: Isaiah World (NFI-A, knee). Eric Rogers, Nikko Reed and Junior Colson are questionable.
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Houston Texans Preview
Houston has fewer questions about its established defense, which ranked second in the NFL by allowing 17.2 points per game last season and surrendered a league-low 277.2 yards per game. The preseason should instead provide opportunities for younger defenders and reserves behind stars such as Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter and Derek Stingley Jr. Houston has depth competitions at linebacker and in the secondary, with rookies and younger players looking to earn positions on a defense that returns its major pieces.
Offensively, the Texans will be evaluating the players around Stroud as much as the quarterback position itself. Davis Mills is the projected backup and should receive valuable preseason work. Second-year receiver Jayden Higgins is expected to take a larger role after recording 525 receiving yards as a rookie, while Xavier Hutchinson and Lewis Bond are competing for opportunities further down the depth chart. First-round offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge is also being evaluated at center and left guard as Houston determines its best combination up front.
Injuries: Jaylin Noel (NFI-A, finger), M.J. Stewart (PUP-P, quadriceps), E.J. Speed (PUP-P, quadriceps). Tank Dell and Jake Hansen are questionable.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Houston Texans Prediction
With neither team having preseason game action yet, quarterback depth and second-half execution become important factors. Lance should receive an extended opportunity for Los Angeles, while Mills gives Houston an experienced backup behind Stroud. The Texans also have considerable defensive depth and several young offensive players competing for larger roles. Houston's ability to keep quality defenders on the field as the game progresses provides a slight advantage at home, particularly against a Chargers offense learning a new system. Final Score Prediction: Houston Texans win and cover ATS 20-14.
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