Where to Watch, Stream Texans' First Preseason Game vs. Chargers

The Houston Texans' preseason is about to be off and rolling, and here's how you can watch it.

Dec 27, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) stands in the pocket as Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) applies the pressure during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Houston Texans are taking on their first of three preseason games on Thursday night, facing off against the Los Angeles Chargers in Reliant Stadium, also for the first game in their newly re-named stadium, formerly known as NRG Stadium dating back to 2014.

It marks the long-awaited return of the Texans back on an NFL field, which has been over seven months since we've last seen Houston competing in a live game. Now, the team is back, has a fresh season to take on, and will be trying to reach even higher than the heights they went to last year.

Here's a look at where and when you can watch the Texans' action against the Chargers on Thursday night:

How to Watch Texans' Preseason Game vs. Chargers

Date: Aug. 13

Time: 7 p.m. CT

Location: Reliant Stadium | Houston, TX

TV Information

TV channel (national): N/A

TV channel (local): ABC 13 (Houston), CBS LA (Los Angeles)

Streaming: NFL+ | Fubo | ESPN+ Unlimited

It's two of three Texans games that are taking place on a Thursday, which includes next week's matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders on August 20th.

Their third and final preseason game, against the Carolina Panthers on the road, will be on a Friday, August 28th. Both of Houston's next preseason games will also have a joint practice against that team during the days before; a little different than the preparation against Los Angeles this week.

Jun 9, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans arrives for the team’s minicamp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

But of course, this being the first preseason game of the year, the first NFL football game on-screen in several months, and the implications these snaps have on the turnout of each team's 90-man roster, this matchup will have some more eyes on it than you might think. For the Texans, it could be the start of a potentially historic 25th-anniversary season.

Let's sort through what will be worth keeping a watch on for the Texans as their preseason officially gets underway.

Storylines Worth Keeping an Eye On

- Who plays and who doesn't: DeMeco Ryans made it clear earlier in the week that a select few players would not play in Thursday's game. Who's going to be sidelined, and who's going to get a taste of the action?

- What the offensive line looks like: How the Texans' offensive line performs is going to be a considerable talking point surrounding this team until the playoffs. Preseason will be no different. However, rather than just discussing how the line is holding up, who's getting the most reps there will also be worth jotting down.

- The rookies' first preseason game: What often goes overlooked in any first preseason game is it's impact on rookies. This is their first experience in an NFL game, albeit an exhibition, and for a few, could be the start of a long, successful career. For Houston, how guys like Keylan Rutledge, Marlin Klein, and even guys like Lewis Bond and UDFA Collin Wright perform will be interesting.

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