Chargers vs. Texans Prediction, Betting Pick, Latest NFL Preseason Odds for Thursday, August 13th
Los Angeles Chargers face the Houston Texans at 8 PM ET on Thursday, August 13, at Reliant Stadium in Houston. With both contenders expected to protect most of their established stars, which young offense can generate enough production in a game dominated by roster evaluation? Check out this Chargers vs. Texans prediction and best bet for August 13.
Peter Alexis - August 13, 2026, 6:45 PM EDT
4 Minute ReadChargers vs. Texans Prediction: Expect a Defensive Battle on Thursday Night in Houston's Preseason Game Loaded With Backups
Los Angeles is a slight road favorite at -1.5 (+100), Houston is +1.5 (-120) and the total is 37.5. The Chargers went 11-6 last season before losing 16-3 to New England in the Wild Card round, while the 12-5 Texans reached the Divisional Round before falling 28-16 to the Patriots.
This looks much different from a regular-season meeting between Justin Herbert and C.J. Stroud. Jim Harbaugh said roughly 15 veteran starters will warm up but not play for Los Angeles, with the first preseason game primarily being used to evaluate younger players and ongoing position battles.
Chargers vs. Texans Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: Thursday, August 13th, 2026
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- How to Watch: Fubo
Chargers vs. Texans Odds
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Chargers vs. Texans Prediction
Houston is taking an even more aggressive approach to resting stars. Stroud, Nico Collins, David Montgomery and Woody Marks are among the offensive players sitting, while Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter, Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter, Calen Bullock and several other defensive starters will also be held out.
Davis Mills is expected to start at quarterback for Houston, but Graham Mertz should play the majority of the game after Mills exits. Los Angeles will similarly lean heavily on its reserve offense, with the game providing extended evaluation opportunities rather than a normal implementation of the Herbert-led attack.
The defenses still offer reasons to expect a slow game even after the starters depart. Both organizations are coming off playoff seasons and have built substantial defensive depth, while preseason offensive lines will rotate repeatedly and inexperienced skill players will be asked to execute simplified game plans.
That is always the complication when handicapping a preseason total. Broken coverages and turnovers can create cheap points, but sustained touchdown drives become harder when starting quarterbacks and top playmakers are removed and offensive combinations change every few possessions.
Chargers vs. Texans Pick
- Pick: Under 37.5 Total Points (-110) Check out these best odds at DraftKings Sportsbook
At 37.5, the market already expects limited offense, but the personnel plans support an even lower-scoring game. With Herbert and Stroud effectively removed from the equation and Houston preparing to give Mertz most of its quarterback snaps, field goals, punts and stalled drives should outweigh explosive plays.
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