NFL preseason Week 2 opens Thursday with two compact betting markets: Las Vegas visits Houston, then San Francisco meets the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. The Texans are two-point favorites with a total of 38, and the Chargers lay 1.5 with a total of 39.
These games deserve a different handicap from regular-season football. Starter usage, quarterback depth, joint-practice workload and roster evaluation matter more than team ratings. Houston has already provided the biggest actionable update: DeMeco Ryans expects every healthy starter, including C.J. Stroud, to play against Las Vegas after most starters sat in the 27-7 preseason-opening loss to the Chargers.
For another look at this market style, our NFL preseason Week 1 picks focused on quarterback rotations rather than regular-season reputation.
Thursday NFL Preseason Week 2 Schedule
| Matchup | Time (ET) | Venue | Broadcast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raiders at Texans | 8:00 PM | Reliant Stadium | ESPN |
| 49ers at Chargers | 10:00 PM | SoFi Stadium | NFL Network / local TV |
The Texans-Raiders broadcast guide confirms an 8:00 PM ET kickoff in Houston. The Chargers-49ers broadcast guide lists a 10:00 PM ET start in Inglewood.
Thursday Preseason Odds
| Team | Spread | Total |
| Las Vegas Raiders | +2 (-105) | Over 38 (-115) |
| Houston Texans | -2 (-115) | Under 38 (-105) |
| San Francisco 49ers | +1.5 (-110) | Over 39 (-110) |
| Los Angeles Chargers | -1.5 (-110) | Under 39 (-110) |
Lines can move sharply once coaches confirm playing time, so Thursday injury and participation reports deserve attention before kickoff. That information edge matters more than team reputation in August, when quarterback rotations can swing a spread quickly.
To maximize your payout on fluid preseason spreads, check the latest odds across trusted offshore sportsbooks before placing your bet.
Raiders vs Texans Pick
Las Vegas lost 27-14 to Arizona in its opener, yet the quarterback tape was encouraging. Kirk Cousins completed 5 of 6 passes for 50 yards and a touchdown on his lone series. No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza followed with 10 completions on 16 attempts for 97 yards and a touchdown across four series, finishing with a 100.3 passer rating.
Houston’s first game produced a different picture. The Texans generated 209 total yards in the 27-7 loss to Los Angeles. Davis Mills completed 9 of 15 passes for 82 yards and Houston’s only touchdown. Most established starters rested.
That changes Thursday. Ryans said he anticipates all healthy starters playing, which should put Stroud, Houston’s first-unit skill players and its starting defense on the field for at least part of the game. The Texans are coming off a training-camp session described by the team as one of its strongest offensive practices, with Stroud finding rhythm throughout team periods.
Las Vegas remains dangerous through quarterback depth. Cousins looked comfortable immediately, and Mendoza earned praise after his debut. Houston still owns the cleaner early-game advantage once first units are included.
NFL Best Bet: Houston Texans -2 (-115)
A secondary lean goes to Over 38 (-115). Both teams have experienced quarterback options behind the starters, and Houston’s first-unit participation raises the scoring ceiling beyond what Week 1 showed.
49ers vs Chargers Pick
Los Angeles produced the strongest Week 1 performance among these four teams, beating Houston 27-7 and gaining 379 yards. Trey Lance completed 12 of 20 passes for 164 yards, and DJ Uiagalelei went 6 of 9 for 120 yards with a touchdown. The Chargers scored on half of the drives led by each quarterback.
San Francisco lost 19-13 to Tennessee but moved the ball better than the final score suggests. The 49ers recorded 322 yards, 22 first downs and converted 9 of 19 third downs. Kurtis Rourke completed 12 of 14 passes for 101 yards before leaving with a rib injury. Adrian Martinez finished 16 of 30 for 159 yards.
Rourke remained out of practice over the weekend, creating uncertainty around San Francisco’s quarterback rotation. The clubs will hold a joint practice Tuesday, another factor that can reduce the need for established starters to receive long Thursday workloads.
The Chargers have the stronger tested backup pairing. Lance can create with his legs, Uiagalelei showed efficiency in Houston, and Los Angeles already demonstrated that its reserve offense can finish drives.
NFL Best Bet: Los Angeles Chargers -1.5 (-110)
The total lean is Under 39 (-110). San Francisco sustained drives in Week 1 but scored only one touchdown, and Rourke’s rib issue could place more work on Martinez.
Best Thursday Betting Card
Houston -2 is the strongest play since the Texans plan to expose healthy starters to game action after resting most of them last week. Las Vegas has enough quarterback quality to score, making the over a reasonable companion angle.
Los Angeles -1.5 is the second preferred side. Its backup quarterbacks moved the offense consistently in Houston, and San Francisco enters with uncertainty behind Brock Purdy.
Official Picks: Texans -2 (-115) and Chargers -1.5 (-110)
Total Leans: Raiders-Texans Over 38 (-115); 49ers-Chargers Under 39 (-110)
