Los Angeles Chargers vs Houston Texans Final Score, Highlights August 13, 2026

The Los Angeles Chargers vs Houston Texans preseason matchup produced a convincing victory for Los Angeles, as the Chargers defeated the Texans 27–7 in Houston. The game was officially played on Thursday, August 13, 2026, while August 14 coverage included detailed postgame analysis and player takeaways.

For the Chargers, the result provided an encouraging start to their 2026 preseason. Los Angeles controlled the second half, finished with a 20-point victory and received strong contributions from several young players. Houston, meanwhile, managed only one touchdown and struggled to sustain offensive momentum after the opening period.

Match Overview

The Chargers entered the game on the road at Houston's home venue, with both teams using the preseason opener to evaluate players and establish competition throughout their rosters.

Los Angeles eventually pulled away after a relatively competitive opening half. The Chargers' offense became more productive as the game progressed, while the defense repeatedly stopped Houston in important situations.

The final score was:

Los Angeles Chargers 27, Houston Texans 7

The Chargers' official recap described the victory as a strong opening performance, while the team's postgame analysis highlighted the defense's ability to limit Houston and an offense that finished with a substantial yardage advantage.

Match Details

Los Angeles Chargers vs Houston Texans Score

The Chargers scored in every quarter except none? Actually, Los Angeles scored in all four quarters, while Houston's only points came during the first quarter.

Chargers Start With Cameron Dicker Field Goal

Los Angeles opened the scoring with a field goal from Cameron Dicker.

Dicker converted a 34-yard attempt with 9:37 remaining in the first quarter, giving the Chargers an early 3–0 advantage.

The opening drive gave Los Angeles an opportunity to test its offense in a live-game environment. The Chargers moved into field-goal range before Dicker finished the possession with three points.

Dicker's reliability continued to be an important part of the Chargers' scoring attack throughout the game.

Houston Answers With a Touchdown

The Texans responded later in the first quarter.

Quarterback Davis Mills connected with Jared Wayne on a five-yard touchdown pass with 3:51 remaining in the opening period. The score put Houston ahead 7–3.

For a short period, the Texans appeared to have the momentum, particularly after answering Los Angeles' opening field goal with a touchdown. However, Houston's offense was unable to maintain that production during the remaining three quarters.

The touchdown ultimately became Houston's only score of the game.

Trey Lance Gets the Start

Trey Lance started at quarterback for Los Angeles and played an important role during the opening portion of the game.

Lance helped move the Chargers into scoring territory on their opening possession before Dicker's field goal. He also contributed as a runner during one of Los Angeles' extended rushing sequences.

The Chargers' offensive approach placed a strong emphasis on the ground game, with several drives relying on repeated rushing attempts. That strategy became particularly effective as Los Angeles wore down Houston's defense. For Lance, the preseason represents an important opportunity to demonstrate consistency and command of the offense. Read more Indianapolis Colts vs New England Patriots

Amar Johnson Becomes a Major Offensive Storyline

One of the biggest individual highlights belonged to Amar Johnson.

The Chargers running back scored two touchdowns and produced 85 yards from scrimmage, including 68 receiving yards and 17 rushing yards. His performance was one of the most encouraging developments of the night for Los Angeles.

Johnson's first touchdown came on a seven-yard rushing play in the second quarter, putting the Chargers back in front at 10–7.

He later scored again in the fourth quarter, giving Los Angeles a significant advantage and helping turn the game into a comfortable victory.

Chargers Retake the Lead in the Second Quarter

Los Angeles regained control in the second quarter.

With 10:32 remaining in the period, Amar Johnson rushed seven yards for a touchdown, giving the Chargers a 10–7 lead.

The score marked the beginning of a long stretch in which Houston could not find another offensive answer. Los Angeles entered halftime with the lead and continued to build on it after the break.

Chargers Defense Shows Its Strength

The Chargers' defense was arguably the biggest reason for the final 27–7 margin.

Los Angeles allowed Houston to score only seven points and repeatedly stopped the Texans when they needed to convert short-yardage situations.

One notable sequence involved defensive lineman TeRah Edwards, who made consecutive important stops on fourth down. Edwards first stopped a Houston rushing attempt on second-and-2 and later helped stop a quarterback sneak on fourth-and-1.

The performance was particularly encouraging because the Chargers were evaluating multiple defensive players during the preseason opener.

TeRah Edwards Makes an Impression

Edwards was among the defensive players who stood out for Los Angeles.

His ability to create stops near the line of scrimmage helped prevent Houston from sustaining drives. The Chargers' official recap specifically highlighted his fourth-down work during a key Houston red-zone sequence.

For a player competing for an important role, making impact plays in short-yardage situations can be especially valuable.

KeAndre Lambert-Smith Impresses

Wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith also delivered an encouraging performance.

The second-year receiver caught four passes for 58 yards in the first half alone, making him one of Trey Lance's preferred targets. He also contributed a 28-yard kickoff return to begin the game.

The Chargers' postgame coverage noted that Lambert-Smith's four catches in this game matched his entire preseason reception total from 2024, making his strong showing particularly noteworthy.

His performance could become an important part of the team's evaluation of the receiver group.

Cameron Dicker Adds Another Field Goal

The Chargers extended their advantage in the third quarter when Cameron Dicker connected on a 48-yard field goal.

The kick came with 5:21 remaining in the third period and moved the score to 13–7.

Houston's offense remained scoreless after its first-quarter touchdown, while Los Angeles continued to add points. Dicker's second field goal helped ensure the Chargers maintained control heading into the fourth quarter.

Fourth Quarter Decides the Game

The biggest difference between the two teams came during the fourth quarter.

Los Angeles scored 14 points in the final period while Houston failed to score.

The Chargers first extended their lead when Amar Johnson rushed for a one-yard touchdown with 13:43 remaining. Los Angeles then successfully converted the two-point attempt, moving ahead 21–7.

The Chargers were not finished.

With 10:08 remaining, quarterback DJ Uiagalelei connected with Devonte Ross on a three-yard touchdown pass. The extra point was unsuccessful, leaving Los Angeles ahead 27–7.

Those two fourth-quarter touchdowns transformed a six-point game into a 20-point Chargers victory.

DJ Uiagalelei Adds a Late Touchdown

DJ Uiagalelei took over quarterback duties later in the game and delivered one of the Chargers' final scoring plays.

Uiagalelei connected with Devonte Ross for a three-yard touchdown, giving the Chargers their fourth touchdown of the night.

The score was particularly useful for Los Angeles because it demonstrated that the offense could continue producing after the initial quarterback rotation changed.

Houston's Offense Loses Momentum

The Texans' biggest problem was their inability to maintain the offensive momentum they showed during the first quarter.

Davis Mills' touchdown pass to Jared Wayne gave Houston a 7–3 lead, but the Texans did not score again.

Los Angeles' defense consistently forced Houston into difficult situations and prevented the Texans from turning possessions into points.

By the second half, the Chargers had established enough control to play from ahead while continuing to evaluate their younger players.

Chargers Dominate the Fourth Quarter

The fourth-quarter performance was particularly impressive from Los Angeles.

The Chargers scored two touchdowns and converted a two-point attempt during the period. Houston, meanwhile, could not generate a scoring drive.

According to the Chargers' postgame analysis, Los Angeles outgained Houston by 170 yards and allowed only one touchdown.

That combination of offensive production and defensive consistency explains why a close contest became a 20-point victory.

Key Offensive Performers

Several Chargers players stood out during the preseason opener.

Amar Johnson

Johnson finished with 85 yards from scrimmage and scored two touchdowns. His 68 receiving yards and 17 rushing yards showed that he could contribute in multiple ways.

KeAndre Lambert-Smith

Lambert-Smith caught four passes for 58 yards in the first half and also provided a 28-yard kickoff return.

Trey Lance

Lance started at quarterback and helped Los Angeles establish its offensive rhythm early in the game. His mobility also contributed to the Chargers' rushing approach.

Cameron Dicker

Dicker made field goals from 34 and 48 yards, giving Los Angeles six points before the Chargers' offense produced its four touchdowns.

Chargers Emphasize the Running Game

The Chargers' offensive approach reflected their desire to establish the ground game.

During one second-quarter series, Los Angeles finished its third offensive possession with six consecutive rushing plays, including a scramble by Lance.

The approach helped the Chargers control the line of scrimmage and keep the offense moving without relying entirely on the passing game.

The result was an offense capable of producing consistently despite the preseason substitutions.

Houston's Defensive Challenge

For Houston, the game presented several defensive challenges.

The Texans struggled to stop Los Angeles' rushing attack, particularly during the second half. The Chargers also found success through short and intermediate passes, allowing them to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities.

Once Los Angeles moved ahead 13–7, Houston needed a response but could not generate one.

That opened the door for the Chargers to dominate the fourth quarter.

What the Result Means for Los Angeles

The 27–7 victory gives the Chargers an encouraging beginning to their preseason.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh praised the team's attention to detail after the game, while the Chargers' official postgame analysis emphasized that the roster as a whole performed well.

The result was also valuable because several young players made significant contributions.

Johnson's two-touchdown performance, Lambert-Smith's receiving production and Edwards' defensive stops all gave the coaching staff additional information for upcoming roster decisions.

What the Result Means for Houston

The Texans will have more to evaluate after a difficult opening game.

The offense showed promise early through Mills' touchdown pass to Wayne, but the inability to score after the first quarter was a major issue.

Houston's defense also had difficulty preventing the Chargers from producing explosive plays during the second half.

Still, preseason games are primarily evaluation opportunities, and the Texans can use the next contests to test different personnel combinations and identify areas that need improvement.

Key Turning Points

Dicker's Opening Field Goal

The 34-yard field goal gave Los Angeles its first points and established early momentum.

Johnson's Second-Quarter Touchdown

Johnson's seven-yard touchdown put the Chargers ahead 10–7 after Houston had briefly taken the lead.

Fourth-Down Stops

TeRah Edwards and other Chargers defenders made important short-yardage stops, preventing Houston from extending drives.

Johnson's Second Touchdown

Johnson's one-yard fourth-quarter touchdown pushed Los Angeles' advantage to 21–7 after the successful two-point conversion.

Ross' Late Touchdown

Devonte Ross' touchdown catch from Uiagalelei completed the Chargers' 27-point performance.

The Bigger Preseason Picture

The Los Angeles Chargers vs Houston Texans game was not simply about the final score. Both teams used the matchup to assess players who could influence their 2026 rosters.

For Los Angeles, the game provided positive evidence that its depth could execute the coaching staff's offensive and defensive plans. The Chargers' ability to outgain Houston substantially and limit the Texans to one touchdown made the opening performance especially encouraging.

For Houston, the game exposed issues that can be addressed during the remainder of preseason. The team still has opportunities to evaluate its quarterbacks, receivers, offensive line and defensive personnel before the regular season begins.

Final Analysis

The Los Angeles Chargers vs Houston Texans matchup provided an impressive start to the Chargers' 2026 preseason campaign.

Houston opened the game with a touchdown and briefly looked capable of controlling the contest, but Los Angeles gradually took over. Cameron Dicker's kicking, Amar Johnson's two-touchdown performance and strong defensive work helped the Chargers build momentum.

Johnson was arguably the biggest individual standout. His 85 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns demonstrated his ability to contribute both as a runner and receiver.

Lambert-Smith also gave the Chargers a reason for optimism after producing four receptions for 58 yards in the first half, while Edwards provided important defensive stops.

The fourth quarter ultimately told the story. Los Angeles scored twice, converted a two-point attempt and turned a six-point advantage into a 27–7 victory.

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