Los Angeles Chargers vs Houston Texans Picks and Prediction for Thursday August 13 2026
The Los Angeles Chargers visit the Houston Texans for an NFL preseason matchup at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Thursday, August 13, 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET, with NFL Network providing national coverage. KTRK/ABC 13 will carry the game in Houston, while CBS Los Angeles will provide regional coverage in the Chargers’ market. Houston is a one-point favorite, Los Angeles is available at +1, and the total is set at 38.5. The Texans are approximately -116 on the moneyline, while the Chargers are priced around -102. Football bettors can find additional analysis throughout the season by visiting our free NFL picks.
The starting quarterbacks are unlikely to determine this result unless Justin Herbert or C.J. Stroud receives more playing time than expected. The more significant matchup involves Los Angeles backups Trey Lance and DJ Uiagalelei against Houston reserves Davis Mills and Graham Mertz. Both teams possess experienced second-string quarterbacks, creating one of Thursday’s more balanced preseason matchups.
Los Angeles Evaluates Its New-Look Offense
The Chargers enter their third season under head coach Jim Harbaugh but are beginning their first year with Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator. Los Angeles has spent training camp installing McDaniel’s motion-heavy passing concepts while attempting to retain the physical running identity Harbaugh established during his first two seasons.
Herbert’s participation had not been confirmed when this preview was written. Los Angeles may want to give its starting quarterback a few live repetitions in the new offense, but protecting him remains the greater priority. If Herbert plays, his appearance will likely be brief before Lance assumes control of the offense.
Lance is positioned as the primary backup after returning to Los Angeles for a second season. His experience in the system and ability to contribute as a runner make him particularly useful in preseason football. Broken protection does not automatically end a possession when Lance is playing, and his mobility can create scoring opportunities against Houston’s reserve defenders.
Uiagalelei is the developmental option behind Herbert and Lance. He spent his rookie year learning within the organization and now has an opportunity to demonstrate improved accuracy and command. The Chargers appear likely to carry only two quarterbacks on the regular-season roster, making every possession important for Uiagalelei as he attempts to earn continued developmental consideration.
Los Angeles should also use the game to examine its offensive-line depth and the running backs behind Omarion Hampton. McDaniel’s system can create favorable spacing, but execution could remain inconsistent while reserve players learn its timing and motion responsibilities.
Houston Possesses Reliable Quarterback Depth
The Texans begin their fourth season under head coach DeMeco Ryans after recording 12 regular-season victories in 2025. Houston has an established core on both sides of the football, leaving Thursday’s game primarily focused on depth and the competition for the final roster positions.
Stroud may receive a short appearance, but Houston has little need to expose its franchise quarterback to unnecessary preseason contact. The Texans can comfortably turn the offense over to Mills, who has accumulated extensive starting experience since entering the NFL in 2021.
Mills is one of the strongest backup-quarterback options available during the opening week of the preseason. He has thrown more than 1,100 regular-season passes and understands Houston’s personnel and offensive terminology. That experience should allow the Texans to operate efficiently after the starters leave, even with several reserve receivers and offensive linemen surrounding him.
Mertz provides Houston with another quarterback who has already spent a season in the organization. The former Wisconsin and Florida starter was selected in the sixth round of the 2025 draft and has now had a full year to adjust to professional football. His development is important because Houston must determine whether he can become a dependable long-term backup behind Stroud.
The Texans should also emphasize their ground game while assessing a backfield that added David Montgomery during the offseason. Montgomery is unlikely to need extensive preseason work, creating opportunities for the reserves competing behind him. A conservative rushing approach would allow Ryans to evaluate the offensive line without placing either backup quarterback in unnecessarily difficult situations.
Los Angeles Chargers vs Houston Texans Picks and Prediction
- Pick: Los Angeles Chargers +1
Los Angeles is the preferred side in what amounts to a near pick’em. Lance provides the Chargers with a quarterback who possesses NFL starting experience and a strong incentive to secure the primary backup role. His mobility should be especially valuable once both teams begin using reserve offensive linemen.
Houston counters with Mills, who may be the most dependable quarterback in the matchup after Herbert and Stroud leave. However, the advantage becomes less clear during the second half. Uiagalelei has already spent a year developing under Harbaugh, while Mertz remains relatively inexperienced at the NFL level.
McDaniel’s offense also gives Los Angeles an element of unpredictability. The Chargers will not reveal their complete regular-season system, but motion, quick throws, and play-action concepts can make life easier for reserve quarterbacks. With almost nothing separating these teams in the market, taking the available point with Los Angeles offers slightly better value.
- Pick: Under 38.5
The under is the preferred total. Herbert and Stroud are unlikely to play long enough to create sustained first-team scoring, while both coaching staffs should prioritize the running game once the established starters leave.
Lance and Mills are capable of directing productive possessions, but neither team needs to operate an aggressive game plan. Los Angeles is still installing a new offense, and mistakes involving motion, timing, and protection could lead to penalties or stalled drives. Houston should similarly use a controlled approach built around evaluating its offensive-line and backfield depth.
Both defenses also have considerable talent competing for limited roster positions. The Texans’ defensive identity under Ryans should carry into the reserve units, while Harbaugh traditionally values physical football and ball control. A close contest reaching the high teens would remain beneath the available total.
Final Score Prediction: Los Angeles Chargers 19, Houston Texans 17