Rams vs. Chargers Prediction, Betting Pick, Latest NFL Preseason Odds for Thursday, August 27th
The Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers close Thursday's preseason slate with another Battle of Los Angeles at SoFi Stadium. The Chargers intend to give their starters some work, while Sean McVay will once again trust the young depth that has carried the Rams through an unbeaten preseason.
Peter Alexis - August 27, 2026, 7:30 PM EDT
4 Minute ReadRams vs. Chargers Prediction: Who's Backups Will Perform in Thursday's Preseason Finale?
The Rams and Chargers kick off at 10:00 PM ET, with the Chargers favored by 3 points and the total set at 38.5. The Rams are 2-0 and have outscored their opponents 54-12, while the Chargers are 1-1 after suffering a 41-17 blowout loss to San Francisco last Thursday.
Both Los Angeles teams reached the postseason last year. The Rams went 12-5 and advanced all the way to the NFC Championship Game before losing 31-27 to eventual champion Seattle. The Chargers finished 11-6 but were eliminated immediately in a 16-3 Wild Card loss at New England.
The playing-time plans initially favor the Chargers. Jim Harbaugh expects nearly all of his available starters to participate, with Justin Herbert likely getting a brief opening stint before Trey Lance and DJ Uiagalelei take over. Derwin James and Khalil Mack are among the notable veterans expected to sit.
Rams vs. Chargers Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: Thursday, August 27th, 2026
- Time: 10:00 PM ET
- How to Watch: NFL Network
Rams vs. Chargers Odds
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Rams vs. Chargers Prediction
The majority of the game will still be decided by the backups, and that is where the Rams become interesting. McVay has made a career out of protecting his established starters in August, yet his reserve groups continue to function at a high level. Los Angeles beat Kansas City 20-12 in the opener before completely shutting out New Orleans 34-0 last weekend.
The quarterback depth has been particularly encouraging. Rookie Ty Simpson went 21-for-25 for 190 yards and two touchdowns against Kansas City and is guaranteed to play Thursday. Stetson Bennett IV remains involved in the QB2 competition behind Matthew Stafford, giving the Rams two quarterbacks with legitimate stakes attached to the finale.
The defense has been even better. The Rams have allowed just 12 points through two preseason games and forced three turnovers against New Orleans, including a 100-yard interception return by Alex Cook. That type of reserve-unit execution is exactly what matters once the Chargers pull Herbert and their established starters.
Los Angeles does have a meaningful QB2 battle between Lance and Uiagalelei, which should keep the Chargers aggressive. Lance has 223 passing yards and 69 rushing yards this preseason, while Uiagalelei has 200 passing yards and two touchdowns. Still, the Chargers' depth was badly exposed after Herbert exited against San Francisco.
Rams vs. Chargers Pick
- Pick: Rams +3 (-110) Check out these best odds at DraftKings Sportsbook
The Rams may trail early if Herbert produces a touchdown drive, but four quarters matter for the spread. McVay's reserves have been sharper on both sides of the ball, Simpson has looked extremely comfortable and the Rams have yet to allow a preseason touchdown. Getting the full field goal creates enough cushion to back that depth over the Chargers' brief starter advantage.
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