The 2026-27 NFL regular season is almost here, but before that happens, preseason Week 3 comes first. Thursday offers a four-game preseason slate, with two teams that share the same stadium concluding the night in a battle of Los Angeles as the Rams (2-0) take on the “home team” Chargers (1-1) at SoFi Stadium.
The final week of the preseason means it’s the last chance for teams and coaches to tune up in live game action before the real thing begins. Different coaching staffs have different philosophies on how to handle the final week, with some wanting to get a few reps for their starters while others prefer to prioritize rest and health ahead of the upcoming season.
The Rams and Chargers have differing philosophies for tonight. Rams head coach Sean McVay isn’t planning to play his established starters, while Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh plans to give his starters some playing time to begin the game, including star quarterback Justin Herbert, to establish a rhythm and get a few meaningful reps following a 41-17 loss to San Francisco last week.
Tonight’s game also features interesting competitions on both teams’ quarterback depth charts. The Rams are planning to keep three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster to open the season, and while reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford is the obvious starter, the backup quarterback role can still be won by either 2023 fourth-round pick Stetson Bennett or 2026 13th overall pick Ty Simpson. The Chargers, meanwhile, have a backup quarterback battle of their own between former third overall pick Trey Lance and 2025 undrafted free agent DJ Uiagalelei.
Other storylines to follow include general roster battles, as tonight’s preseason game represents the final chance for players fighting for a roster spot to show what they’ve got and make their case for the team.
Rams vs. Chargers Odds Tonight
Remember, football betting markets are more limited during the preseason, but you can still wager on the games. Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook lists the Chargers as the favorites, with their starters expected to receive some playing time to open the game:
Rams vs. Chargers Betting Splits
Here’s how the action is trending at Hard Rock Bet for tonight’s preseason game at SoFi Stadium:
- The Rams are attracting more support on the moneyline with 54.9% of bets and 61.7% of the handle.
- The Rams are receiving the majority of the action on the spread with 83% of bets, but the money isn’t quite as lopsided, with the Rams accounting for 63.7% of the handle.
- The Over is generating more action on the total with 65.8% of bets and 70.5% of the handle.
Rams vs. Chargers Game Info
- š Where: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
- š Date: Thursday, Aug. 27
- ā° Kickoff: 10:00 PM ET
- šŗš» TV/Streaming: NFL Network
Referenced odds are subject to change.
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