Chargers vs. Texans Prediction, Odds, Spread, Trends for NFL Preseason Week 1

The Los Angeles Chargers and Houston Texans are two playoff teams from a year ago that are looking to take the next step in their progression by becomming legitimate contenders in the AFC.

Their 2026 campaign will begin with a preseason showdown against each other. Unfortunately, the vast majority of starters will remain sidelined for this exhibition matchup, but there are plenty of fascinating young players for us to watch.

Let's dive into the odds and my best bet for this AFC preseason matchup.

Chargers vs. Texans Odds, Spread, and Total for Preseason Week 1

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook

Spread

Chargers +1.5 (-118)
Texans -1.5 (-102)

Moneyline

Chargers +110
Texans -130

Total

OVER 36.5 (-120)
UNDER 36.5 (+100)

Chargers vs. Texans How to Watch Preseason Week 1

Date: Thursday, August 13
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Venue: NRG Stadium
How to Watch (TV): NFL Network
Chargers record: 0-0
Texans record: 0-0

Chargers vs. Texans Preseason Betting Trends

Jim Harbaugh is 13-10 straight up and 13-10 against the spread as a head coach in the preseason
DeMeco Ryans is 7-3 straight up and 6-4 against the spread as a head coach in the preseason

Chargers vs. Texans Key Player to Watch

DJ Uiagalelei, QB - Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers have a battle ongoing for the backup quarterback spot behind Justin Herbert. Trey Lance and DJ Uiagalelei will play the majority of preseason snaps at the position as Harbaugh evaluates them for who will get the No. 2 spot. If you watch college football at all, you're very familiar with DJ Uiagalelei, who started for a handful of teams across a number of seasons. He went undrafted in 2025, but was the Chargers' practice squad quarterback last year. He's look to crack the 52-man roster this time around.

Chargers vs. Texans Prediction and Best Bet

Instead of betting on a side in this game, I'm going to look to the total and bet the UNDER. Both of these teams are expected to have two of the best defenses in the NFL this season, and while a majority of starters won't step on the field on Thursday, the young players and backups who will be playing are also extremely capable.

I expect a strong defensive performance from both teams, who will get to face backup quarterbacks throughout the game. Let's bet on this game being a low-scoring affair.

Pick: UNDER 36.5 (+100) via DraftKings

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