In this way, Sean McVay managed to put together one of the strongest defenses in the league, if not the strongest. Donald joins names such as Myles Garrett, Omar Speights, and Byron Young, without overlooking the secondary, which features Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson.

No. 99 joins forces with Garrett, with the two being among the best players in NFL history at their position. Can they win another Super Bowl ring for the franchise this season?

Donald’s last official game

The legendary career of this player reached a pause some time ago. Aaron Donald’s final professional game came on January 14, 2024, in a tense 24–23 NFC Wild Card loss against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. The future Hall of Famer played all 51 defensive snaps and recorded three total tackles, constantly drawing double teams as Detroit’s offensive line prioritized containing him.

Rams put together a fearsome defense

It is often said in this sport that defense wins championships. That is why the Rams did not hesitate to spend big and have managed to put together one of the defenses that none of the other 31 teams will want to face:

• DE Myles Garrett
• DT Aaron Donald
• DT Kobie Turner
• DT Braden Fiske
• DT Poona Ford
• DE Byron Young

• LB Nate Landman
• LB Omar Speights

• CB Trent McDuffie
• CB Jaylen Watson
• S Quentin Lake
• S Kam Curl

The Rams’ debut in the 2026 NFL season

The beginning of a new dream for this franchise will take place far from home, as they will make their debut in none other than Melbourne, Australia. From there, the Rams will face a series of tough matchups as they look to start the season on the right foot.

• vs San Francisco 49ers, September 10 (Week 1)
• vs New York Giants, September 21 (Week 2)
• at Denver Broncos, September 27 (Week 3)
• at Philadelphia Eagles, October 4 (Week 4)
• vs Buffalo Bills, October 12 (Week 5)

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.

Sean McVay plans to protect veteran starters and key players from injury, and that’s why Stafford is not playing vs. Saints. Hence, it will be different signal-callers during the preseason game.

Stetson Bennett and Ty Simpson will take the field vs. Saints as the Rams‘ quarterbacks. They are in a big-time QB2 battle as well so both players are fully motivated to give their all on the gridiron.

Stetson Bennett vs Ty Simpson

Bennett held the early edge in second-team reps but Simpson’s stellar preseason debut against the Kansas City Chiefs made the QB2 an open job with both fighting to be Stafford’s backup.

Bennett relies on deep familiarity with Sean McVay’s offense and veteran competitive grit, whereas Simpson offers high-end physical traits, fast processing, and prototypical first-round upside.

Is Tyler Shough playing vs Rams?

Head coach Kellen Moore plans to rest Tyler Shough and other first-team players vs Rams, having already evaluated Shough during their joint practice sessions earlier in the week.

Hence, Spencer Rattler is the one that will get plenty of snaps in this game. Zach Wilson is also one that could see plenty of action, alongside Hunter Dekkers too. The Saints could also have a QB2 battle as Wilson and Rattler fight for their spot on the roster.

How to watch Rams vs Saints in the USA

The Los Angeles Rams vs. New Orleans Saints preseason game will be available in the U.S. through Fubo and NFL+. These are the only ways to watch the NFL game.

Can I watch Rams vs Saints for free?

Eligible new Fubo subscribers can watch Rams vs. Saints through the 5-day free trial. The platform currently advertises a five-day free trial for eligible new customers, although availability and the channels included can vary by location.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints meet in Week 2 of the 2026 NFL preseason, so the result will not count toward the regular-season standings. Instead, the matchup is an important evaluation opportunity with both teams using the preseason to assess depth, young players and unresolved roster battles before the final 53-man roster deadline.

The Rams enter the game after a 20-12 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, while the Saints are looking to respond after a 24-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in their preseason opener.

The Saints have their own quarterback question behind starter Tyler Shough. Shough is expected to sit again, meaning Spencer Rattler could receive another opportunity after a difficult outing against Jacksonville. Rattler is competing with Zach Wilson for the backup role, while New Orleans also wants to evaluate a rookie class that has generated optimism during training camp.

What time is the Rams vs Saints match?

The Rams vs Saints match kicks off on Saturday, August 22, at 4:00 PM ET. For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

• Eastern Time: 4:00 PM ET
• Central Time: 3:00 PM CT
• Mountain Time: 2:00 PM MT
• Pacific Time: 1:00 PM PT

McVay spoke to Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times on Donald’s future. “I would love to be able to have all this stuff figured out but… I know he’s feeling good, and I think he will continue to work out, and I’m hopeful that we’ll have some answers on that sooner than later,” McVay said.

Hence, more workouts are yet to come, but it all trends in a positive direction as Donald is feeling good. If Donald is back with the team, the Rams might actually have the most stacked team in recent NFL memory.

The Rams defense would arguably be NFL’s best with Donald

While the Rams have a great defense, rarely is it put on the list of the best in the NFL. The Houston Texans and the Seattle Seahawks are the main ones. However, the Rams might not even need Donald to look both of those units in the eye. And, if Donald returns, it might be the definitive factor for the Rams defense to be the best in the league.

A potential lineup with Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett would absolutely compete with Houston’s defensive line. Meanwhile, the duo of Jaylen Watson and Trent McDuffie could easily be a top CB duo that competes with Seattle’s secondary. The Rams might be on the verge of historic levels of talent.

Donald could be lured by a lowkey factor

While they were both in the organization together, Aaron Donald has never played with Chris Shula as a defensive coordinator. Shula was upgraded to the DC role in 2024, just when Donald retired.

However, in 2022 and 2023, Shula served as the pass rush coordinator/ linebackers coach, directly working with Donald up-front during Donald’s final NFL season. Now that he has a whole defensive scheme, Donald could be tempted to see how far Shula has come.

Andy Reid called Emmett Johnson “one of the positives coming out of” the Chiefs’ game vs. Rams. Johnson was not expected to be a key part of the Chiefs roster, but a strong preseason could be just what he needs to get more snaps.

Johnson had 12 carries for 59 yards and three receptions for an additional 10 yards. Per Jesse Newell of The Athletic, Johnson “has been running with the fourth-string offense most of training camp.” This will surely help his stock within the Chiefs‘ building.

Johnson still has ways to go on Chiefs RB depth chart

Given that he’s been playing with fourth-string players, that would indicate Emmett Johnson is behind Kenneth Walker III, Emari Demercado, and Brashard Smith. Now, he might have leapfrogged Smith.

However, Walker III is firmly established as RB1 as he is coming off a Super Bowl MVP performance. Demercado is a more experienced back, but Johnson has more upside. Hence, he could keep climbing into an RB2 slot.

The Chiefs owe Mahomes a good running back

The best numbers a running back has had during Mahomes era was in 2023 when Isiah Pacheco had 935 rushing yards. Kareem Hunt, in 2018, had 1202 scrimmage yards. However, it’s still incredible to see the Chiefs haven’t provided Mahomes with a top-tier back.

“He’s put himself in a position to be able to say yes or no,” the Rams head coach told the Times. “I think he’s earned that right to have clarity on that. We’re not at that point quite yet.”

McVay also added that he doesn’t want to “put some sort of invisible deadline on something that doesn’t exist in my mind,” while emphasizing that he feels very good about his current roster. “I feel great about our football team as it currently stands, and I know he’ll add value if he decides to come.“

Donald, a Rams legend

Widely regarded as one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history, Aaron Donald built a legendary 10-year career spent entirely with the Rams franchise. A three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (tied for the most in league history alongside Lawrence Taylor and J.J. Watt), Donald earned 10 Pro Bowl selections and eight First-Team All-Pro honors while commanding double teams every single week.

Beyond his career total of 111 sacks, he set the single-season record for sacks by an interior defensive lineman with 20.5 in 2018. He capped off his iconic legacy as a Super Bowl LVI champion, delivering the game-clinching pressure against the Cincinnati Bengals to cement his status as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Garrett is the new leader of the defense

Following Donald’s retirement, the arrival of two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett marked a seismic addition to Sean McVay’s team. As one of the most dominant pass rushers in football—coming off a record-setting 23-sack season—Garrett brings elite edge pressure and disruptive presence that instantly alters how opposing offenses scheme against L.A.

Working alongside defensive coordinator Chris Shula, McVay gains a game-changing anchor who demands double teams on nearly every snap, reshaping the math on the field and establishing a terrifying new standard for the Rams‘ defensive unit.

Reid addressed the media after the game, calling out the main issue that must be addressed. “Penalties,” Reid told reporters. “That would be the No. 1 thing to be cleaned up.”

Reid acknowledged there were good things from the loss, including watching the young guys perform for the first time. However, one of the biggest mistakes for Kansas City was discipline, as Chiefs committed 12 total penalties that stalled drives or kept possessions alive for Rams. Chiefs also racked up 101 penalty yards.

Injury update provided by Reid

Frustrating as even exhibition losses can be, most NFL fans know that player health can be the most important indicator of a successful preseason contest. With one exception, Chiefs seemed to come out of Saturday’s game healthy.

In the fourth quarter, international tackle Chu Godrick was announced as questionable to return due to an ankle injury. After the loss, Godrick was the only injured player head coach Andy Reid highlighted.

“As far as injuries go,” the coach began, “really, it was just Chu Godrick had an ankle sprain. Other than that, there were no other injuries.” Encouragingly, Reid did not mention rookie Jadon Canady. Canady briefly entered the medical tent in the fourth quarter before returning to the game.

Players who saw limited action

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce, wide receivers Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy, cornerback Mansoor Delane, pass rusher Ashton Gillotte, and newly signed defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah were dressed on the sideline but did not enter the game for the Chiefs.

Several other players had short workloads. Running back Kenneth Walker exited the game after the first offensive snap. The starting offensive line-tackles Josh Simmons and Jaylon Moore, guards Kingsley Suamataia and Kahlil Benson, and center Creed Humphrey were replaced after the first offensive possession.

Since Sean McVay was appointed as the Rams head coach, the Rams have not played their starters during preseason games. That won’t be changing in 2026, as McVay always prefers caution as opposed to rhythm. Given that Matthew Stafford is not precisely young, it seems like a good decision.

Per Sports Illustrated, no starter should see snaps, but also key rotational pieces will sit out. In fact, two running backs, four tight ends, and three wideouts won’t play a part vs. the Chiefs. For that matter, Patrick Mahomes won’t play vs Rams either.

Myles Garrett won’t play either

If offensive starters won’t suit up, then defensive stars won’t do it either. Hence, Myles Garrett’s Rams debut will have to wait. Alongside Garrett, newly-acquired cornerbacks like Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson are also not debuting yet.

Given that the Rams are a Super Bowl contender and a definite ‘boom-or-bust‘ team, what they don’t need is unnecessary injuries hampering the team. McVay knows that, hence the incredible precaution for these preseason games.

Aaron Donald’s decision is still in the air

The Rams are also awaiting on legend Aaron Donald’s decision. If Donald comes back, the Rams would arguably have the most stacked team in the NFL by a mile. Hence, making the Super Bowl not only a real possibility, but also a must-win trophy. Anything less would be a failure.

The last time Donald was on the gridiron, he racked up eight sacks, 53 combined tackles, 23 QB hits, and an first-team All-Pro selection. He was such a dominant force in the interior of the trenches, that he wrecked gameplans.

How to watch Chiefs vs Rams in the USA

The Los Angeles Rams vs. Kansas City Chiefs NFL preseason Week 1 game will be broadcast nationally on NFL Network. For streaming, the game can be watched through NFL+ and ESPN Unlimited.

Can I watch Chiefs vs Rams for free?

There is currently no free legal way to watch Chiefs vs. Rams in the United States. NFL+ and ESPN Unlimited require a paid subscription, while NFL Network is part of participating TV and live-TV streaming packages.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Chiefs vs. Rams opens the 2026 NFL preseason for both teams, making the matchup less about the final score and more about evaluating players competing for roster spots and roles.

Kansas City enters the game after a disappointing 6-11 season in 2025 that ended the Chiefs’ run of nine consecutive playoff appearances, so Andy Reid‘s team has plenty to evaluate as it prepares for a bounce-back campaign.

One of the biggest storylines will be at quarterback. Patrick Mahomes is not expected to play as he continues his recovery from ACL and LCL surgery on his left knee. Reid has indicated that Mahomes could sit out the entire preseason, giving Justin Fields, rookie Garrett Nussmeier and Chris Oladokun valuable opportunities to take snaps.

The Rams are in a similar situation at quarterback. Matthew Stafford is expected to sit, leaving Stetson Bennett as the projected starter and first-round rookie Ty Simpson in line for meaningful playing time.

Stafford is coming off an MVP season in which he threw for 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns, so the preseason priority is protecting the veteran while developing the depth behind him.

Los Angeles also enters the new season with legitimate Super Bowl expectations after reaching the NFC Championship Game last season. The Rams added veteran star Myles Garrett to an already talented defense, while their offense continues to feature Stafford, Puka Nacua, Davante Adams and Kyren Williams. The preseason opener therefore offers younger players and backups an important chance to make their case around an established core.

What time is the Chiefs vs Rams match?

The Chiefs vs. Rams game kicks off on Saturday, August 15, at 4:00 PM ET. The game starts at 3:00 PM CT in Kansas City, with the matchup taking place at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

• Eastern Time: 4:00 PM
• Central Time: 3:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 2:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 1:00 PM