Chargers vs Rams Prediction & Betting Tips for NFL Preseason Week 3 on 8/27/2026

The Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers are set to meet for their preseason Week 3 game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. Scheduled for Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 10:00 PM, this game will be aired on NFLN. The weather forecast suggests light rain, but being a dome stadium, the weather should have minimal impact on the game.

Under the guidance of head coach Sean McVay, the Rams have started their preseason strong with a 2-0 record. Their recent commanding victory against the New Orleans Saints, 34-0, highlights their readiness for the season. Last regular season, they finished with a solid 12-5 record, demonstrating their strength in the NFC West.

On the other side, the Chargers, led by head coach Jim Harbaugh, have a preseason record of 1-1 so far. They had a tough loss against the San Francisco 49ers in their last game, with a score of 41-17. Last regular season, they held an 11-6 record, showing competitive play within the AFC West.

The Rams are the underdogs in the betting odds, with a moneyline of +156 compared to the Chargers' -188. The point spread favors the Chargers at -3.5, suggesting a close contest between these two teams. Fans can expect an exciting evening of football under the lights of SoFi Stadium.

Chargers vs Rams At a Glance (Preseason Week 3)

• The game is set for 2026 Preseason Week 3.
• Los Angeles Rams are away with a preseason record of 2-0-0.
• Los Angeles Chargers are home with a preseason record of 1-1-0.
• The game will be held at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA.
• The weather forecast includes light rain but won't affect play inside the dome.
• Chargers have moneyline odds of -188, while Rams are at +156.

Chargers Aim to Electrify in the Upcoming Game Against Rams

Offensive Outlook

The Los Angeles Chargers have shown promising offensive capabilities in the 2026 preseason. Ranking 6th in scoring with 44 points, they are averaging 22 points per game, placing them 5th in the league. Their passing game has been effective, with 436 passing yards ranking them 11th overall.

Despite a strong passing game, the Chargers' rushing attack has struggled. They rank 23rd with only 172 rushing yards this preseason. Improving their ground game could be key to balancing their offensive attack.

Defensive Challenges

Defensively, the Chargers have faced challenges, allowing 48 points and ranking 19th in opponent scoring. Their pass defense has been a bright spot, allowing just 273 yards, ranking 5th in the league. However, their rush defense needs improvement, having given up 257 rushing yards.

Generating turnovers has been a strength for the Chargers. They have recorded 2 interceptions and recovered 1 fumble, ranking them 3rd in both categories. Continuing to force turnovers could be crucial in their defensive strategy.

Key Players to Watch

Quarterbacks DJ Uiagalelei and Trey Lance have been instrumental in leading the offense. Uiagalelei has passed for 200 yards with 2 touchdowns, while Lance has contributed 237 passing yards. Both players are expected to play pivotal roles in the upcoming game.

On the ground, Amar Johnson has been a standout performer, scoring 2 rushing touchdowns. Despite limited rushing yards, his ability to find the end zone makes him a player to watch. Tight end Jerand Bradley has also made an impact, with a receiving touchdown in the preseason.

Injury Concerns

The Chargers are dealing with several injuries that could affect their performance. Center Tyler Biadasz is out for the season with a knee injury. Wide receiver Luke Grimm and offensive tackle Isaiah World are also sidelined, impacting their depth.

These injuries may force the Chargers to rely on their depth chart for replacements. Jake Slaughter and Josh Kaltenberger will need to step up in the absence of Biadasz. Maintaining offensive line integrity will be crucial against the Rams' defense.

Betting Trends

• The Chargers have covered the Over in their last four preseason games as favorites.
• After a win in the preseason, the Chargers have consistently hit the Over in their last four games.
• As underdogs in preseason games, the Chargers have won their last three matchups straight up.
• They have also covered the spread in those three preseason games as underdogs.
• Overall, the Chargers have a 6-1 record against the Over in their last seven preseason games.

Rams Gear Up for Battle: Los Angeles Rams Preview

Offensive Performance

The Los Angeles Rams showcased a strong offensive lineup during the 2025 regular season, scoring 518 points, which was the highest in the league. They averaged 30.5 points per game, also topping the league charts. Their offensive yards per game stood at 394.6, leading the NFL.

In the 2026 preseason, the Rams have continued to impress offensively, scoring an average of 27 points per game, ranking them second. With a passing game contributing significantly, they recorded 241 passing yards per game, placing them second in the league. Their rushing attack averaged 122 yards per game, ranking seventh.

Defensive Strategy

The Rams' defense in 2025 allowed 20.4 points per game, ranking 10th in the NFL. Despite conceding more passing yards than desired, their rushing defense was stronger, ranking 12th with 110.8 yards allowed per game.

So far in the 2026 preseason, the Rams have shown a robust defensive performance, allowing just 6 points per game. Their secondary allowed 188.5 passing yards per game, placing them in the 17th spot, but their ability to pressure the quarterback remains strong with 3 sacks so far.

Key Players to Watch

Stetson Bennett IV and Ty Simpson have been pivotal at quarterback this preseason. Bennett IV has thrown for 219 yards without any interceptions, while Simpson added 263 yards and 2 touchdowns to his name.

On the ground, Jarquez Hunter and Jordan Waters have been effective, with Hunter rushing for 103 yards and scoring a touchdown. In the receiving corps, CJ Daniels and Brennan Presley have been reliable targets, with Daniels amassing 86 yards over two games.

Injury Concerns

The Rams face some challenges with injuries to key defensive players. Zech McPhearson, Keir Thomas II, Eddie Walls III, and Daniel Rickert have all been placed on injured reserve for the season.

This affects their depth, particularly in the secondary and linebacker positions, which could impact their defensive schemes. Their ability to manage these absences will be critical in the upcoming games.

Upcoming Challenges

The Rams will face the Los Angeles Chargers in their next preseason game. This will be an away game, although still at SoFi Stadium, providing a unique dynamic as they prepare for the regular season.

Given their current form, the Rams will aim to continue their preseason success and address any defensive vulnerabilities before the regular season kicks off against the San Francisco 49ers.

Betting Trends

• The Rams are 5-0 against the spread in their last five preseason games.
• They have won 6 of their last 8 preseason games outright.
• The team is perfect against the spread as underdogs in their last five preseason games.
• They have gone over the total in each of their last five regular season games as favorites.

Chargers vs Rams Prediction: Over 38.5

The Los Angeles Rams and Chargers are set to meet in Week 3 of the 2026 preseason at SoFi Stadium. With the game taking place in a dome, weather conditions will not interfere with the game. The Rams have been strong offensively in the preseason, averaging 27 points per game.

Meanwhile, the Chargers have shown a tendency for high-scoring games, with a 22 points per game average in the preseason. Their recent games have frequently gone over, especially when they are the favorite, as seen in their 4-0 over/under record as favorites in the preseason. This trend suggests a potential for a high-scoring game.

The Rams' defensive stats show they have allowed an average of 6 points per game, but the Chargers' offensive capabilities should challenge this. The Chargers' defense, ranked 19th in points allowed per game in the preseason, may struggle against the Rams' strong offense. This sets the stage for a combined score exceeding 38.5 points.

Expect the Rams and Chargers to engage in an offensive showcase, pushing the total points over 38.5. My projected final score is Rams 24 - Chargers 21.

• Chargers vs Rams Prediction: Over 38.5
• Chargers vs Rams Score: Rams 24 - Chargers 21

Disclaimer: Knup Predictions are for entertainment and informational purposes only. Must be 21+ where applicable. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.