Los Angeles Rams vs Los Angeles Chargers Picks and Prediction for Thursday August 27, 2026

The Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers meet at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Thursday, August 27, 2026, for the preseason finale. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. PT/10:00 p.m. ET, with NFL Network and CBS Los Angeles among the television options. The Rams enter the matchup 2-0, while the Chargers are 1-1. Current betting markets have moved toward the Chargers, with Los Angeles laying approximately 3.5 to 4.5 points and the total sitting around 38.5 to 39.5. The NFL season is coming get in on the action before it starts with our free NFL picks.

This is an interesting preseason handicap because the two teams are approaching Thursday from very different directions. The Rams have won both of their exhibition games and just demolished New Orleans 34-0. The Chargers, meanwhile, are trying to recover from a 41-17 loss to San Francisco, and head coach Jim Harbaugh has confirmed that Justin Herbert will start and receive a small amount of work in the finale.

Rams Have Been Impressive Through Two Games

Los Angeles opened its preseason with a 20-12 victory over Kansas City before producing an even more impressive performance against New Orleans. The Rams shut out the Saints 34-0, improving to 2-0 while continuing to get productive performances from the players competing for spots behind the established starters.

The backup-quarterback competition has been one of the most important stories of the Rams' preseason. Rookie Ty Simpson impressed in the opener against Kansas City, throwing two touchdown passes and posting a 125.0 passer rating. Stetson Bennett then received extended work against New Orleans and helped the Rams dominate, including scoring two rushing touchdowns. Simpson and Bennett combined for 254 passing yards in the shutout.

That competition remains relevant Thursday. Sean McVay has not yet publicly settled on Matthew Stafford's backup, and Simpson is expected to play against the Chargers. Bennett's role is less certain, but the Rams have a legitimate evaluation to make at quarterback rather than simply trying to get through the final exhibition without injuries. That's a significant factor when handicapping a preseason game.

Chargers Looking to Respond After Blowout Loss

The Chargers began their preseason with an impressive 27-7 victory over Houston, but things went in the opposite direction against San Francisco. The 49ers rolled to a 41-17 victory, leaving the Chargers at 1-1 and giving Harbaugh plenty to address before the regular season begins.

San Francisco's reserves were able to create explosive plays throughout that game, and the Chargers struggled to establish control once the starters left. Trey Lance finished with 73 passing yards and added 42 yards on the ground, while the overall defensive performance was concerning enough that Harbaugh publicly stressed the need for improvement afterward.

There is one significant difference this week: Justin Herbert will start. Harbaugh has indicated that Herbert should receive roughly six to nine plays as the Chargers try to sharpen their offensive execution before Week 1. Herbert played only one series against San Francisco and completed one of two passes for nine yards. That gives the Chargers a potential early advantage, although Herbert's extremely limited workload means the majority of Thursday's game will still be determined by the reserve units.

The Chargers also have some offensive-line concerns entering the finale. Center Tyler Biadasz was placed on season-ending injured reserve after suffering a significant knee injury during a joint practice with San Francisco. Rookie Jake Slaughter stepped into the starting lineup afterward, adding another important evaluation point for Los Angeles heading toward the regular season.

Los Angeles Rams vs Los Angeles Chargers Picks and Prediction

Pick: Los Angeles Rams +4.5

The Rams +4.5 are my side pick. Herbert's expected appearance explains some of the market's support for the Chargers, but six to nine plays shouldn't outweigh what we've seen from these teams' depth through two full preseason games. The Rams are 2-0, have outscored their opponents 54-12, and are coming off a 34-point shutout. Their quarterback competition also gives Simpson and potentially Bennett something meaningful to play for. The Chargers have home-field designation at a shared stadium, but after surrendering 41 points to San Francisco, laying more than a field goal against a Rams team whose reserves have consistently performed is too expensive. Take the Rams +4.5.

Pick: Under 38.5

Under 38.5 is my total pick. The Rams have allowed only 12 points through two preseason games, including zero against New Orleans, and McVay has historically used these games primarily to evaluate the bottom of the roster rather than unveil meaningful regular-season offense. Herbert could help the Chargers score early, but his limited playing time reduces the impact he should have on the full-game total. With the Rams showing defensive depth and both teams likely moving progressively deeper into their rosters, something around 20-16 or 21-16 looks reasonable. Take Under 38.5.

Final Picks: Los Angeles Rams +4.5 and Under 38.5.