Rams vs Chargers Game Analysis and Preview
The Rams and Chargers meet this coming Thursday, August 27, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, with us at PayPerHead.
Both teams will continue to rest most of their starters and evaluate the reserves.
This is their final preseason game and their last chance to finalize their roster. The Rams are looking well-balanced, but the Chargers still have work to do.
Los Angeles Rams Recent Updates: Beat by Champions
The Rams improved on their 2024 season (won the NFC West with a 10-7 record) by finishing 12-5 in 2025, but were bumped to second in the division below the Seahawks.
In the playoffs, they defeated the Carolina Panthers (NFC South champions) 34-31 in the Wild Card round. In the divisional round, they defeated the Chicago Bears (NFC North champions) 20-17 in overtime. They appeared in their third NFC Championship Game in eight seasons, facing their rivals, the NFC West champions, Seattle Seahawks. The Rams were defeated by the eventual Super Bowl LX champions, 31-27.
In the preseason, they are 2-0, having played well against the Kansas City Chiefs and then a 34-0 shutout against the New Orleans Saints. Their defense has not allowed a touchdown through two games.
Los Angeles Chargers Recent Updates: Can’t Pass Wild Card
The Chargers ended the 2025 season with an 11-6 record, matching their 2024 mark. Both years, they finished second in the AFC West and advanced to the playoffs as a wild card. In 2024, the Chiefs won the division; in 2025, the Broncos did.
They faced the New England Patriots in the Wild Card round and lost 16-3. That’s the second consecutive loss in the wild-card round.
Preseason saw the Chargers win 27-7 at Houston, then lose 41-17 to San Francisco.
Rams vs Chargers History and Last Results
Despite being so closely located to each other, these teams have only met once every four years in their last six meetings, with their last meeting on New Year’s Day, 2023. Meaning they’ve only played against each other twice since the Chargers moved from San Diego. They will meet this regular season again.
Both teams have had at least one joint practice this preseason, but not with each other. There are no plans for a joint practice prior to the preseason game.
Rams vs Chargers Prediction: Why are Chargers Favorites?
The Rams’ defense has played well so far in the first two games, while the Chargers are struggling with some depth issues. Center Tyler Biadasz has a season-ending knee/ACL injury, so rookie Jake Slaughter will step in for him.
Rams head coach Sean McVay will have first-round rookie quarterback Ty Simpson in the game to evaluate for the backup spot behind Matthew Stafford (reigning MVP), who hasn’t played yet. Stetson Bennett is the current backup unless Simpson can convince the coach otherwise.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh will continue to evaluate backups like Trey Lance and undrafted rookie DJ Uiagalelei to see who will sit behind starting QB Justine Herbert.
The Chargers are the favorites for this game, but our Rams vs Chargers prediction is a win for the Rams as their defense continues to frustrate their opponents. The Rams will win by a fairly good spread, 20-12. Remember that you can follow us on our social media accounts to stay tuned to this NFL season.
