How to watch Chargers vs Rams in the USA

Chargers vs Rams will be available to watch on CBS Los Angeles and NFL Network in the United States. For streaming, Fubo and NFL+ are some option for eligible viewers, offering live out-of-market preseason games.

Can I watch Chargers vs Rams for free?

Eligible viewers can watch Chargers vs Rams for free with Fubo‘s 5-day free trial. The streaming platform currently advertises a free-trial option and carries NFL Network, which is broadcasting the preseason matchup nationally.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

This game is less about the scoreboard and more about who makes the final cut. The Chargers and Rams are closing their preseason at SoFi Stadium, with Los Angeles entering at 1-1 and the Rams at 2-0. But the real deadline is only a few days away: teams must finalize their 53-man rosters on August 30, making Thursday the last meaningful audition for players still fighting for a job.

For the Chargers, there is also a chance to give the first-team offense a brief tune-up. Justin Herbert is expected to start and play roughly six to nine snaps, according to reporting ahead of the finale, after seeing only two passes in the 41-17 loss to San Francisco.

The more intriguing evaluation, however, comes on the offensive line: Tyler Biadasz is out for the season with an ACL injury, leaving rookie second-round pick Jake Slaughter to take over at center.

The Rams have a different question to solve. Matthew Stafford‘s starting job is not in doubt, but his backup is. Rookie first-round pick Ty Simpson is guaranteed to play Thursday, while Sean McVay has yet to decide whether Stetson Bennett IV will also see the field.

That competition could have a direct impact on the final quarterback room, with McVay still weighing which player should sit behind Stafford when the regular season begins.

What time is the Chargers vs Rams match?

The Chargers vs Rams match kicks off on Thursday, August 27, at 10:00 PM ET. The game will be played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, with the Chargers listed as the home team.

• Eastern Time: 10:00 PM
• Central Time: 9:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 8:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 7:00 PM

For instance, Justin Herbert will play between six and nine plays vs Rams. After that, Jim Harbaugh will pull the plug on Herbert and all the starters. Trey Lance is likely to get some reps after that.

The Chargers have used their starters to some degree during preseason but clearly on limited snaps. For this game, though, veterans Khalil Mack and Derwin James won’t suit up at all.

Who will be the QB for the Rams vs Chargers?

The LA Rams take a whole different approach in preseason. Head coach Sean McVay evaluates his starters in joint practices, not in preseason. However, an interesting QB battle might ensue, but for the Matthew Stafford backups.

Stetson Bennett and Ty Simpson are battling it out for the QB2 role of the team and both have had strong showings during preseason. Hence, both Bennett and Simpson will play vs. Chargers to earn that backup role.

Both Chargers and Rams have high expectations

The Chargers are one of the best teams in the AFC. They have elite coaching staff, alongside elite talent and a top-tier signal-caller in Justin Herbert. Hence, the pressure is on them to finally deliver on expectations.

As for the Rams, they look destined to win it all. In fact, not winning the Super Bowl could be labeled as a tragedy for a team that is from top to bottom, the best roster in the NFL.

How to watch Chargers vs 49ers in the USA

The San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Chargers preseason game will be broadcast nationally on NFL Network. For viewers who prefer to stream the game, NFL+ and Fubo are available options.

Can I watch Chargers vs 49ers for free?

Eligible new Fubo subscribers can watch Chargers vs. 49ers through the 5-day free trial. The platform’s current U.S. plans show a five-day trial, although eligibility and plan availability can vary.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The Los Angeles Chargers and San Francisco 49ers meet in Week 2 of the 2026 NFL Preseason, but Thursday’s game carries more weight than a typical exhibition matchup. The teams held a joint practice on Tuesday, giving their projected starters an early test against each other’s schemes before facing off at SoFi Stadium. The Chargers will also face the 49ers during the regular season, adding another layer to the matchup.

For Los Angeles, Justin Herbert and the healthy starters are expected to see at least one series, according to head coach Jim Harbaugh. That makes the game an important opportunity to evaluate Herbert and the first-team offense after the Chargers opened the preseason without several key starters. Harbaugh said the starters will play one series before the backups take over, although the situation could change following Tuesday’s joint practice.

The biggest concern for the Chargers heading into Thursday is center Tyler Biadasz‘s left-leg injury. The veteran was carted off during the joint practice after a collision with 49ers defensive tackle Sebastian Valdez, and the severity of the injury was not immediately known. Biadasz signed a three-year, $30 million contract in March to become Los Angeles’ starting center, so his status could have a significant impact on the offensive line.

San Francisco also has plenty to evaluate. Brock Purdy and several other starters could see action, while Christian McCaffrey‘s availability remains a key storyline after the running back dealt with muscle tightness.

The 49ers are also monitoring Mike Evans, who left Tuesday’s practice early with what Kyle Shanahan described as tightness. Meanwhile, the competition at left guard remains unsettled, giving the preseason game another opportunity for players to make their case.

What time is the Chargers vs 49ers match?

The Chargers vs. 49ers game kicks off Thursday, August 20, at 10:00 PM ET. For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

• Eastern Time: 10:00 PM
• Central Time: 9:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 8:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 7:00 PM

Justin Herbert has already established himself as one of the NFL’s most talented quarterbacks, but the Chargers have struggled to turn his individual brilliance into sustained playoff success. Now, head coach Jim Harbaugh has made an aggressive effort to change that, bringing in Mike McDaniel as the team’s new offensive coordinator in an attempt to unlock another level from Herbert and that unit.

But injuries have repeatedly complicated Herbert’s path throughout his career, and the latest setback could be especially damaging. The Chargers have now lost another key piece of their offensive line, creating an immediate problem for Justin Herbert and McDaniel as they prepare for a season in which expectations are higher than ever.

What’s Tyler Biadasz injury update?

Chargers center Tyler Biadasz is expected to miss the season after suffering significant damage to his left knee during Tuesday’s joint practice against the San Francisco 49ers.

NFL insider Adam Schefter reported more details: “Chargers center Tyler Biadasz is out indefinitely after suffering damage to his ACL and additional injuries to his left knee during Tuesday’s joint practice against the 49ers, per Ian Rapoport and me. Biadasz will meet with more doctors to try to get more clarity.”

The injury is a devastating blow for Los Angeles because Biadasz was expected to be an important part of the offensive line protecting Herbert. Losing a starting center can have consequences that go beyond replacing one player, particularly when a new offensive system is being installed.

McDaniel’s arrival was supposed to bring a fresh identity to the Chargers’ offense. Now, the coaching staff must adjust its plans while trying to make sure Herbert has enough protection to operate that system effectively.

Why Tyler Biadasz injury is a major problem for Justin Herbert

The Chargers know all too well how damaging offensive-line injuries can be. Last season, Los Angeles lost star left tackle Rashawn Slater, and the absence of such an important blocker created problems throughout the 2025 campaign.

They were hoping to avoid another situation in which injuries to the offensive line could derail their aspirations. Instead, Biadasz is now facing a significant knee injury just as the Chargers prepare for another season with championship expectations.

For Herbert, the timing could not be worse. The quarterback has everything needed to lead a Super Bowl contender, but his ability to stay upright and operate consistently will depend heavily on the players in front of him. McDaniel now has to design an offense that maximizes Herbert’s strengths while accounting for another major change up front.

Can the Chargers overcome another major offensive-line injury?

The Chargers still have time to find a solution, and the full extent of Biadasz’s injury will become clearer after he receives additional medical evaluations. But the pressure is already increasing in Los Angeles.

Herbert is entering another season in which the expectation is to make a deep playoff run, while Harbaugh and McDaniel have made major changes specifically to help the team reach that level.

Losing Biadasz does not automatically end those hopes, but it removes an important piece from the equation. The Chargers have spent years searching for the formula that can finally turn Herbert’s talent into postseason success. Now, once again, injuries could become one of the biggest obstacles standing between Los Angeles and all Super Bowl ambitions.

Per the Chargers’ website, Justin Herbert will start vs 49ers, confirmed by head coach Jim Harbaugh. “Starters are going to play a series then they’re going to come out. The backups will play the rest of the game,” Harbaugh said on Tuesday morning.

This will be the second straight year that Herbert makes an appearance in the preseason for the Chargers. Herbert was a 2020 rookie, but there was no preseason that year due to COVID-19. Then, he sat from 2021 to 2023, and missed the 2024 preseason with a plantar fascia injury.

Will Brock Purdy play for 49ers vs Chargers?

After joint practice against the Chargers, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that a chunk of first stringers will play during their Week 2 preseason game. That includes quarterback Brock Purdy, who will get snaps vs. Chargers.

Per Savanah Tujague of Yahoo! Sports, Purdy should see “anywhere from one to two series to direct the huddle and test his timing in game conditions.” While players like Christian McCaffrey, Mike Evans, and Christian Kirk are still sidelined, it’s expected that Deebo Samuel and other starters join Purdy in the cameo.

Purdy and Herbert had very different joint practices

Purdy got picked and the offense was having lots of issues during the 49ers joint practice with the Chargers. From turnovers to miscommunications, it wasn’t great for the signal-caller.

Meanwhile, Justin Herbert torched the 49ers defense left, right, up, and down the field. It seems like the Chargers offense was firing at all cylinders, while the 49ers attacking force was to gears behind.

Per Yahoo! Sports, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans admitted starters won’t suit up, meaning CJ Stroud won’t play vs. Chargers in their preseason opener. On the opposing side, Justin Herbert’s status vs Texans has also been revealed.

Stroud is getting ready to play in the regular season, where he’ll have to earn a new contract. After his rookie year, CJ Stroud looked as the future of the NFL, but after that, he’s been declining heavily. This means the Texans haven’t offered a new contract right now.

CJ Stroud’s preseason stats

Stroud’s preseason numbers have been inconsistent throughout the years. However, he’s also been very limited, giving that he is the QB1 of the team. The Texans won’t risk having him there for an extended period of time and then get him injured.

The Texans have high hopes for the 2026 NFL season

Scoring on the Texans is an absolute nightmare. Houston had an elite, borderline historic defense last season. The unit remains pretty much the same for this year. Hence, they know they are capable of going far.

On offense, the Texans still have Nico Collins as the WR1 and Tank Dell is returning to join Jayden Higgins as well. Also, they added running back David Montgomery to the mix. If Stroud is able to pull back time and play like he did as a rookie, he could realistically guide the Texans all the way to a Lombardi.

How to watch Texans vs Chargers in the USA

Texans vs. Chargers will be available on NFL+ and Fubo in the United States. The preseason matchup is not being carried by a national TV channel.

Can I watch Texans vs Chargers for free?

Yes, eligible viewers may be able to watch Texans vs. Chargers for free through Fubo‘s 5-day free trial. It currently lists the matchup on NFL Network and offers a free-trial option for eligible new subscribers.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

For the Texans, the game is an opportunity to evaluate their depth and how the roster is coming together after the offseason. Houston has continued to emphasize its defense during training camp, with Will Anderson Jr., Jadeveon Clowney and Kayden McDonald among the players drawing attention during recent practices. The Texans have also monitored the progress of wide receiver Tank Dell, who recently returned to team drills.

The Chargers, meanwhile, enter the preseason with plenty of intrigue around their new-look offense under head coach Mike McDaniel. The team has highlighted the return of key offensive linemen Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, while the transition to McDaniel’s system will be one of the central storylines throughout training camp. The preseason opener provides an early opportunity to see how the new scheme translates to game action.

There is also a broader connection between the teams: Los Angeles will face Houston again during the 2026 regular season, making this preseason meeting an early preview of a matchup that will eventually carry AFC implications. For now, however, the priority is evaluation, health and determining which players can strengthen their case before the regular-season roster is finalized.

What time is the Texans vs Chargers match?

The game kicks off on Thursday, August 13, at 8:00 PM ET. Texans vs. Chargers will be played at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, with the local kickoff set for 7:00 PM CT.

• Eastern Time: 8:00 PM
• Central Time: 7:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 6:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 5:00 PM

Jim Harbaugh spoke to the press and announced that Justin Herbert will not play vs. Texans in the 2026 NFL Preseason opener. Trey Lance and DJ Uiagalelei will play approximately one half of football each. As for the Texans, there’s certainty on whether CJ Stroud will play vs. Chargers.

Herbert is undoubtedly the QB1 of the team, and Harbaugh is not one to risk him in meaningless preseason games. Hence, it’s time for the Chargers backups to shine against a Texans team that will likely also rest plenty of their starting defense.

Herbert’s preseason stats are very limited

Herbert has never played much in the NFL preseason. He logged the only preseason statistics of his career during 2025 against the Los Angeles Rams. He finished that single opening series going 2-of-5 for 46 yards and a sack, leading a 9-play, 51-yard field-goal drive.

Herbert did not play any preseason snaps in his first five NFL seasons. Hence, it seems like the pattern will remain, at least for now. Therefore, fans will have to wait to see how Mike McDonald, Jim Harbaugh, and Justin Herbert all work alongside each other.

Harbaugh tends to rest starters in preseason

Jim Harbaugh usually employs a very cautious, structured plan that rests key starters and top veterans for the majority of the preseason. Rather than playing first-team units heavily, he scales their game action up minimally over the course of the schedule.

The move reinforces just how valuable James remains to the franchise as the Chargers continue building a roster capable of competing for a Super Bowl in the coming seasons.

James has earned four All-Pro selections during his NFL career and has consistently established himself as one of the league’s most complete defensive players.

How much money will Derwin James earn per season?

With a three-year, $75.6 million extension, Derwin James will earn an average of $25.2 million per season, setting a new benchmark for NFL safeties. The contract reflects both his production and his importance inside one of the league’s most ambitious defensive projects heading into the 2026 season.

The Chargers understand that competing in the AFC West requires elite talent across the roster. The division remains one of the toughest in football, featuring powerhouse rivals like the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos.

The extension also highlights the confidence the Chargers have in their current direction under head coach Jim Harbaugh. After arriving with the mission of transforming the Chargers into true championship contenders, Harbaugh continues building around elite talent on both sides of the ball.

Keeping Derwin James long term became one of the franchise’s top priorities, especially with new defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary expected to maximize the star safety’s unique skill set.

During an appearance on the Up & Adams show, Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz revealed that the organization hasn’t shut the door on a reunion with Allen. Hortiz confirmed that the front office has remained in communication with the wide receiver’s representation to gauge the feasibility of bringing the franchise legend back to Southern California.

As things stand, Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Tre’ Harris project as the primary targets in the Chargers’ passing game. Should Allen return, the 34-year-old veteran would offer an incredibly dependable presence to the rotation, allowing the Chargers to be ‘destructive,’ as David Njoku says.

Keenan Allen delivered a productive 2025 campaign in Los Angeles

Of the 13 seasons Allen has spent in the NFL, 12 have been in a Chargers uniform. Aside from a brief one-year stint with the Chicago Bears in 2024, the veteran playmaker has been synonymous with the franchise, establishing himself as one of the most prolific pass-catchers in team history.

Allen reunited with Los Angeles late last summer and, while the offense features multiple ascending talents, he still put up very respectable numbers. The veteran hauled in 81 receptions for 777 yards and four touchdowns, demonstrating a level of consistency that has kept the front office highly interested in a 2026 encore.

While the Chargers are deeply committed to building a younger, more explosive roster under Mike McDaniel’s offensive direction, Allen’s value transcends his on-field production. His extensive experience makes him an ideal mentor for the team’s developing corps, all while remaining a trusted safety valve for Herbert in critical situations.

What could a potential new contract look like for Keenan Allen?

Last August, Allen signed a late one-year deal worth $3.02 million to return to the Chargers for the 2025 season. With the wideout hitting free agency once again this spring, his next contract structure could look slightly different as both sides weigh his role and market value.

Market projections suggest Allen could command a short-term deal worth around $6 million for the 2026 season. Ultimately, any potential deal hinges on mutual valuation, as the Chargers boast plenty of salary cap flexibility but may look to strike a team-friendly agreement that reflects his changing role in a revamped offense.

In recent years, the Chargers have made numerous changes to live up to the high expectations of their fans. Last season, during Jim Harbaugh’s debut as head coach, the club reached the playoffs as a Wild Card team, and things are poised to progress even further this year.

Mike McDaniel has taken over as the offensive coordinator. He is widely considered a premier offensive mind, and newly acquired tight end David Njoku, who visited the club earlier this month, believes the sky is the limit for this team.

“I feel like we can be destructive,” Njoku said, via the team’s website. “We got the tools, we got the keys, we got the players to do it all. It’s up to us to put it all together. I could’ve signed before the draft in other places, but I chose to come here because I thought it was the best fit for me.”

Justin Herbert needs to achieve success soon

For many fans, Justin Herbert is the franchise quarterback the Chargers need to reach the top. However, the pressure is mounting for the former first-round pick to prove his worth and deliver a deep postseason run for Los Angeles.

In 2023, Herbert signed a lucrative five-year, $262.5 million extension that runs through the 2029 season. Having recently turned 28 years old, the quarterback faces a ticking clock to achieve the championship success fans expected when the new deal was finalized.

Over his six-year career, Herbert has compiled a winning record of 52-43. While the quarterback looked much improved following Harbaugh’s arrival last season, an early exit in the Wild Card round fell short of what the fanbase expects from this roster.

The Chargers’ 2026 offense looks solid

Entering the 2026 season, the Chargers’ offense appears incredibly potent. Justin Herbert leads a unit loaded with high-end talent capable of helping the quarterback spearhead a deep playoff run this year.

Running back Omarion Hampton, wide receivers Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Tre’ Harris, along with tight ends Oronde Gadsden II and David Njoku, are just some of the explosive weapons the quarterback will have at his disposal in 2026.