The Las Vegas Raiders head to Houston for their second NFL odds preseason matchup of 2026 against the Texans on Thursday night at Reliant Stadium. The game carries extra weight as both clubs sit at 0-1. Following opening losses and the need to ramp up evaluations after a joint practice scheduled for Tuesday.
The Raiders fell 14-27 at home to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1. The result offered early looks at new head coach Klint Kubiak’s system. In addition, No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza is at quarterback. Mendoza saw meaningful snaps and showed flashes. The staff is expected to give him and other young pieces additional opportunities this week. While continuing to sort through depth at several positions.
Recent roster moves include the signing of veteran wide receiver Noah Brown and defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi. While a handful of players remain on injured reserve. Including linebacker Brennan Jackson and guard Justin Pickett. Kubiak has emphasized steady progress and the value of facing fresh competition. Which the joint session in Houston should provide that before the game itself.
Also, Houston opened with a 7-27 home defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers and largely sat its starters that night. Coach DeMeco Ryans has indicated a different approach this week. Healthy starters are expected to see the field against the Raiders. Thus, giving C.J. Stroud and the first-team units valuable work against another scheme.
The Texans’ defense remains an online betting strength, with most of its key pieces returning. Meanwhile, the offense will look to tighten execution after a quiet start. The two teams last met in the regular season in December 2025. Houston edged Las Vegas 23-21 at this same venue.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Houston Texans NFL Preseason Betting
| Date and Time: | Thursday, August 20, 2026, 8 PM ET. |
|---|---|
| Location: | Reliant Stadium in Houston, TX. |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raiders | -1½ ( -111 ) | 40½ ( -110 ) | -134 |  |
| Texans | +1½ ( -110 ) | 40½ ( -111 ) | +113 | |
| ||||
The Las Vegas Raiders visit the Houston Texans in a preseason matchup on Thursday, August 20, 2026. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET at Reliant Stadium in Houston. The game airs nationally on ESPN.
Las Vegas Raiders at Houston Texans Analysis
Beyond the final score, Thursday’s nationally televised game on ESPN will serve primarily as a proving ground. Depth players are fighting for roster spots and rookies are seeking consistent roles. Additionally, the Raiders are still installing Kubiak’s offense. And then Nick Caley’s scheme for the Texans will all be under the microscope.
The joint practice two days earlier adds another NFL Betting layer of live competition. In turn, coaches on both sides have highlighted it as more valuable than pure exhibition play. With two more weeks of preseason remaining after this one, both organizations will treat the night as another data point. Correlate for a longer evaluation process rather than a must-win.
As mentioned earlier, Fernando Mendoza’s first extended look in a Raiders uniform came Thursday night against the Arizona Cardinals. The No. 1 overall pick delivered a performance that mixed clear promise with the expected rookie edges. He entered after Kirk Cousins directed an efficient opening touchdown drive.
In sum, Mendoza finished 10 of 16 for 97 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions across four series. Additionally, he added a pair of carries for six yards while absorbing one sack.
SBG Free Picks
To conclude, the slight edge is with Houston at home. The Texans should control the line of scrimmage longer with their starters. Also, they should limit big plays from a Raiders offense that is still finding its rhythm. Finally, for the total, the under makes the stronger case. Accordingly, even with more starter involvement, both teams have shown a willingness to play conservatively in these exhibitions.
SBG Best Bet: Houston Texans and Under the Total.