The Los Angeles Chargers vs Los Angeles Rams matchup brings the two SoFi Stadium tenants together for the final game of the 2026 NFL preseason.
Although the Rams game is officially a preseason contest, there is plenty at stake for players trying to secure a place on the final 53-man roster. The Chargers are also using the game to settle important depth-chart questions, particularly at backup quarterback.
The game is being played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Thursday, August 27, 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. PT.
For the LA Rams, the objective is to finish an unbeaten preseason. For the LA Chargers, the focus is on evaluating players before final roster decisions.
Chargers vs Rams Game Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Los Angeles Chargers vs Los Angeles Rams |
| Competition | NFL preseason |
| Date | Thursday, August 27, 2026 |
| Venue | SoFi Stadium |
| Location | Inglewood, California |
| Kickoff | 7:00 p.m. PT |
| Broadcast | NFL Network |
| Rams preseason record | 2-0 |
| Chargers preseason record | 1-1 |
The Rams are designated as the home team for the matchup.
Why Chargers vs Rams Matters
Preseason games do not count toward the regular-season standings, but this particular Rams vs Chargers meeting carries significance because it is the final opportunity for players on the roster bubble to make an impression.
NFL teams must soon reduce their rosters to 53 players.
That makes the final preseason game particularly important for fringe players who are competing for:
- A roster spot
- A backup role
- A special-teams position
- A practice-squad place
- A larger role during the regular season
For the Rams, several battles remain unresolved.
For the Chargers, the biggest question is their backup quarterback competition.
LA Rams Enter the Game 2-0
The Los Angeles Rams have enjoyed an excellent preseason.
They opened with a 20-12 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs before destroying the New Orleans Saints 34-0 in Week 2.
That gives Sean McVay’s team a 2-0 record heading into the Chargers game.
The Rams have also looked strong on both sides of the ball.
Through their first two preseason games, they were averaging 27 points per game while allowing only six points per game, according to FOX Sports.
The final game is therefore an opportunity to complete a perfect preseason.
Los Angeles Chargers Looking to Bounce Back
The Los Angeles Chargers enter the game at 1-1.
They opened preseason with a convincing 27-7 win over the Houston Texans, but their second game ended in a heavy 41-17 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers.
The Chargers will therefore want a much stronger performance against their Los Angeles rivals.
However, the result itself may not be the most important thing.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh has several roster decisions to make, and the Rams game provides one final audition.
Justin Herbert Expected to Start
One of the biggest storylines is Justin Herbert.
The Chargers are expected to start their franchise quarterback, although his playing time should be limited.
Herbert played only one series in the previous preseason game against San Francisco, completing three passes before giving way to the backups.
His appearance against the Rams should therefore be viewed more as a tune-up than a full game.
The bigger battle comes behind him.
Trey Lance vs D.J. Uiagalelei
The Chargers’ backup quarterback competition is one of the most intriguing storylines entering the game.
Trey Lance and D.J. Uiagalelei are competing for the No. 2 role behind Herbert.
Lance has completed 22 of 36 passes for 223 yards with one interception during the preseason while also rushing for 69 yards.
Uiagalelei has completed 13 of 24 passes for 200 yards, adding two touchdown passes.
Neither player has completely separated himself.
That makes the Chargers-Rams game potentially decisive.
Dean Connors Has a Chance to Impress
One of the Rams players worth watching closely is Dean Connors.
The running back is involved in a crowded competition for a roster spot.
Connors has been competing with other running backs, including Jarquez Hunter, as the Rams determine how much depth they want behind their established players.
Connors has already shown enough during preseason to remain part of the conversation.
His challenge now is turning those performances into a convincing argument for a place on the final roster.
Dean Connors and the Rams Running Back Battle
The Rams have one of the more crowded running back rooms.
Kyren Williams remains an established part of the team’s plans, while other players are competing for the remaining opportunities.
Jarquez Hunter has strengthened his case with a strong performance against New Orleans, rushing for 68 yards at 5.7 yards per carry.
That makes the battle involving Connors particularly interesting.
The final preseason game could determine whether the Rams keep another running back on the active roster or look to use the practice squad for additional depth.
Brennan Presley Is Another Rams Player to Watch
Brennan Presley is another name attracting attention ahead of the Rams game.
The wide receiver was photographed arriving at SoFi Stadium before the preseason matchup with the Chargers.
Presley is competing in a crowded receiver group.
The Rams have several players battling for the final wide receiver positions, with Presley competing alongside names such as Xavier Smith, C.J. Daniels and Tyler Scott.
That makes every route, catch and special-teams contribution important.
Why Brennan Presley Matters
Presley isn’t simply competing against other receivers for targets.
Special teams can play a major role in determining which fringe players survive roster cuts.
For a player fighting for the final roster spots, the ability to contribute as a receiver and on special teams can make the difference.
Presley’s performance against the Chargers could therefore have consequences beyond his receiving statistics.
Matthew Stafford and the Rams Starters
The Rams are approaching the preseason differently from the Chargers.
Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, Davante Adams and several other prominent Rams players were among those pictured at SoFi Stadium before the game. (Los Angeles Rams)
However, the Rams are expected to prioritize roster evaluation rather than exposing their established starters to unnecessary preseason risk.
The final preseason game is ultimately about determining who will fill out the roster around the established core.
Key Rams Players to Watch
Dean Connors
The running back is fighting for a roster spot in an increasingly crowded position group.
Brennan Presley
The wide receiver needs another strong showing to strengthen his case for the final roster.
Ty Simpson
The rookie quarterback has been involved in the Rams’ backup quarterback competition alongside Stetson Bennett.
Stetson Bennett
Bennett has impressed during preseason and remains in contention for the backup quarterback role.
Jarquez Hunter
Hunter’s strong performance against the Saints has increased the pressure on the other running backs competing for roster places.
Key Chargers Players to Watch
Justin Herbert
Herbert is expected to receive limited action as he prepares for the regular season.
Trey Lance
The former No. 3 overall pick is fighting for the backup quarterback job.
D.J. Uiagalelei
Uiagalelei has also put together a strong statistical preseason and could use the Rams game to make his final argument.
Emany Johnson
The Chargers linebacker has been among the team’s defensive leaders during preseason.
Rams vs Chargers Recent History
The two Los Angeles teams have developed a unique local rivalry since both began playing their home games at SoFi Stadium.
They also regularly meet during the preseason.
The Rams had won three of the previous five preseason meetings between the teams entering this year’s contest.
Their most recent regular-season meeting ended with the Rams beating the Chargers 35-23 on September 23, 2018, while the Chargers won the January 1, 2023 meeting 31-10.
Rams vs Chargers Prediction
This is a difficult game to predict because preseason football is less about the final score and more about roster evaluation.
The Rams have been the more impressive team so far, winning their first two games by a combined 54-12.
They also have momentum.
However, the Chargers are expected to give more opportunities to players fighting for roster positions, particularly in the quarterback room.
Prediction: Rams 24-20 Chargers
The Rams’ depth and preseason form give them a slight advantage.
But the most interesting outcome may not be who wins.
It could be which players play themselves onto the final 53-man roster.
How to Watch Chargers vs Rams
The Rams-Chargers preseason finale is being broadcast nationally on NFL Network.
Local viewers can also have access through CBS affiliates, while streaming availability includes NFL+ for eligible subscribers.
The game is scheduled for:
7:00 p.m. PT on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
Rams vs Chargers: Key Questions
When is the Rams vs Chargers game?
The game is scheduled for Thursday, August 27, 2026.
What time is Chargers vs Rams?
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PT at SoFi Stadium.
Where is the Rams vs Chargers game being played?
The matchup is being played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
What is the Rams preseason record?
The Rams entered the game 2-0 after victories over Kansas City and New Orleans.
What is the Chargers preseason record?
The Chargers entered at 1-1, having beaten Houston before losing to San Francisco.
Is Justin Herbert playing?
Herbert is expected to start, although his playing time is expected to be limited.
Who is competing for the Chargers backup quarterback job?
Trey Lance and D.J. Uiagalelei are competing for the No. 2 quarterback role.
Why is Dean Connors important?
Connors is part of a crowded Rams running back competition and is trying to earn a spot on the final 53-man roster.
Why is Brennan Presley important?
Presley is competing for a place in the Rams’ crowded wide receiver group and needs to make a strong final impression before roster cuts.
Final Thoughts
The Chargers vs Rams preseason finale may not count toward the regular-season standings, but it could be extremely important for players fighting for their NFL futures.
For the Los Angeles Rams, the goal is to finish a perfect preseason while making final decisions on players such as Dean Connors and Brennan Presley.
For the Los Angeles Chargers, the spotlight is particularly bright on the quarterback competition between Trey Lance and D.J. Uiagalelei, with Justin Herbert expected to see limited action. (Bolts From The Blue)
The Rams have looked excellent during the preseason, while the Chargers are coming off a heavy defeat to San Francisco.
But with roster cuts approaching, the real winners of this Rams-Chargers game could be the players who turn one final opportunity into a place on an NFL roster.
