Raiders vs. Texans Prediction, Betting Pick, Latest NFL Preseason Odds for Thursday, August 20th
The Las Vegas Raiders will visit the Houston Texans at 8 PM ET on Thursday, August 20, at Reliant Stadium in their second preseason game. Can Las Vegas get a longer look at No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza and turn improved quarterback depth into its first preseason victory? Check out this Las Vegas Raiders vs. Houston Texans prediction and best bet for August 20.
Peter Alexis - August 20, 2026, 6:15 PM EDT
4 Minute ReadRaiders vs. Texans Prediction: How Will Fernando Mendoza Perform on Thursday Night in Second Preseason Game?
Las Vegas enters as a 1.5-point road favorite at -110, with Houston +1.5 at the same price. The Raiders are -135 on the moneyline, the Texans are +114, and the total sits at 39.5. ESPN will carry the matchup nationally, with preseason playing-time plans once again more important than the regular-season talent gap.
The Raiders are rebuilding after going 3-14 and finishing last in the AFC West in 2025, while Houston went 12-5, beat Pittsburgh 30-6 in the Wild Card round and then lost 28-16 at New England in the AFC Divisional Round. On paper, Houston is comfortably the stronger regular-season team, but preseason betting depends much more heavily on which portions of those rosters actually play.
Raiders vs. Texans Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: Thursday, August 20th, 2026
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- How to Watch: ESPN
Raiders vs. Texans Odds
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Raiders vs. Texans Prediction
Las Vegas lost its preseason opener 27-14 to Arizona, but the quarterback results were encouraging. Kirk Cousins started and completed 5 of 6 passes for 50 yards and a touchdown during his only series, while Mendoza followed by going 10 of 16 for 97 yards and a touchdown across four drives. The rookie looked composed enough that Klint Kubiak has continued increasing his workload after entering camp behind Cousins.
Cousins remains the Raiders' QB1, but Mendoza is the most important player to watch Thursday. He is expected to receive extended work after getting first-team opportunities during the joint practice with Houston, while Aidan O'Connell remains another option for the later portions of the game. O'Connell struggled in the opener, increasing the incentive for Las Vegas to give Mendoza substantial time while evaluating whether the rookie is already ready to become the clear No. 2.
Houston was beaten 27-7 by the Chargers last week after resting nearly all of its established starters. Davis Mills led the only touchdown drive, while Graham Mertz suffered a season-ending ACL injury, leaving Brett Rypien as the third quarterback behind C.J. Stroud and Mills. The Texans produced very little offense after their opening possession and crossed midfield only twice more.
The Texans have changed course slightly for Thursday. Stroud is expected to play roughly 20 to 25 snaps with Houston's first-team offensive line and running back Woody Marks, giving the home side a stronger early-game setup than it had against Los Angeles. Most of the defensive starters are still expected to sit, however, while veterans including Nico Collins, David Montgomery and Dalton Schultz are not expected to receive the same workload.
That defensive decision matters for Mendoza and the Raiders' depth offense. Las Vegas moved the ball reasonably well against Arizona before its defense allowed 27 points, and Mendoza should now get another extended opportunity against a Houston unit that will quickly turn toward reserves. Mike Washington Jr. rushed for 63 yards in the opener, while rookie receiver Jack Bech caught Mendoza's touchdown and continues to push for a significant role.
Raiders vs. Texans Pick
- Pick: Raiders -1.5 (-110) Check out these best odds at DraftKings Sportsbook
Houston should have the early advantage while Stroud and the first-team offensive line are on the field, but that represents only a small percentage of the night. Once the established starters leave, Las Vegas has more incentive to keep evaluating Mendoza and several young offensive players for meaningful snaps. With the spread requiring only a two-point victory, the Raiders' quarterback rotation provides enough of an edge to lay the short number.
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