The Los Angeles Chargers (0-0) open the 2026 preseason on the road against the Houston Texans (0-0) Thursday at Reliant Stadium in Houston, with kickoff set for 5:00 p.m. PT. Kalshi has Los Angeles as a 52% favorite to beat Houston, as of this writing, in just the second preseason meeting between the two franchises since 2003.
Both teams are 0-0 to open the preseason, but each reached the playoffs last season. Los Angeles finished 11-6 and lost in the Wild Card round to the New England Patriots, while Houston went 12-5, beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card round, and lost to the Patriots in the Divisional round. The teams last met Dec. 27, when Houston's 20-16 win at SoFi Stadium clinched the Texans' playoff spot and ended Los Angeles' hopes of catching Denver in the AFC West. The Chargers are working in a new scheme this camp under first-year offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, while Houston enters year four under head coach DeMeco Ryans looking to build on consecutive playoff trips.
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SNAPSHOT
Matchup: Los Angeles Chargers vs. Houston Texans
Kickoff: Thursday, August 13, 2026, 5:00 p.m. PT / 7:00 p.m. CT
Venue: Reliant Stadium, Houston, TX
Watch: Regional - CBS (Los Angeles market), KTRK/ABC13 (Houston market)
Kalshi's current number: 52% Los Angeles Chargers / 49% Houston Texans (as of this writing)
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Houston Texans, Thursday, August 13, 2026
Kalshi's price has ticked toward Los Angeles this week, with the Chargers now at 52% and Houston down to 49% on $105,725 in volume, as of this writing. With both coaching staffs signaling limited roles for their top units, the number reflects two rosters built mostly around backups and roster hopefuls rather than either team's full-strength depth chart.
Margin of Victory
Kalshi gives Los Angeles a 47% probability of winning by more than 1.5 points, as of this writing.
Point Total
Kalshi has a 51% probability the two teams combine for more than 36.5 points, as of this writing.
On the injury front, Chargers left tackle Rashawn Slater has missed back-to-back practices this week with a leg issue, and cornerback Tarheeb Still has also sat out. Running back Najee Harris remains on the team's camp injury tracker with an Achilles issue. Houston placed linebacker Sione Takitaki on injured reserve this week.
The clearest angle heading into kickoff is who won't be playing much. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said this week the team will hold out a "select group" of players rather than risk them in a game with no standings weight. Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh has said Los Angeles' starters will warm up but not play in the opener, and it remains unclear whether quarterback Justin Herbert will see the field at all.
Beyond the top of each depth chart, this game doubles as an evaluation window for players fighting for roster spots. Houston is expected to lean on rookie center Keylan Rutledge, second-round defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, and second-year players like receiver Jayden Higgins and tackle Aireontae Ersery. Los Angeles enters camp still sorting its left guard rotation between Branson Taylor, Kayode Awosika and Jake Slaughter, and edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu returned to full practice this week after a contract-related hold-in.
Chargers' AFC West Odds
Kalshi has the Chargers at 32% to win the AFC West Division, as of this writing.
Both Teams' AFC Championship Odds
Team | Implied probability |
|---|---|
Houston Texans | 11% |
Los Angeles Chargers | 11% |
Kalshi has both teams even at 11% apiece to win the AFC Championship, as of this writing.
Kalshi markets now predict:
When is Chargers vs. Texans? Thursday, August 13, 2026, with kickoff at 5:00 p.m. PT (7:00 p.m. CT).
Where is the game? Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas.
How can I watch? Regionally on CBS in the Los Angeles market and KTRK/ABC13 in the Houston market.
What is Kalshi's current number? Los Angeles is a 52% favorite over Houston, as of this writing.
Los Angeles enters as a slight favorite in a preseason opener where both teams' primary starters are expected to see limited or no action.
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