When the 🏈 Texans at Rams square off on Sunday, September 7, 2025, during NFL Preseason Week 1, casual fans might see a warm-up. But for sharp bettors and fantasy football scouts, this game offers a wealth of insight and betting value. The 1:25 PM ET kickoff from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, features two teams loaded with young talent, developing rosters, and intriguing narratives that make this one of the most bettable preseason matchups.
From analyzing point spreads to identifying the smartest over/under bets and player prop opportunities, we’re diving into a complete breakdown of the 🏈 Texans at Rams showdown.
📅 Game Overview
- Matchup: 🏈 Texans at Rams
- Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025
- Time: 1:25 PM ET
- Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
- TV: NFL Network (national), FOX (local)
- Streaming: NFL+, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, fuboTV
- Radio: SportsTalk 790 AM (Houston), ESPN LA 710 AM (Los Angeles)
- Tickets: as low as $60
- Line: LAR -3
- O/U: 45.5
🏟️ Team Profiles and 2025 Outlook
🛡️ Houston Texans
Key Texans Themes:
- C.J. Stroud unlikely to play, with backup QBs Davis Mills and Spencer Rattler expected to split reps.
- Will Anderson Jr. and the defense continue to build an identity under HC DeMeco Ryans.
- Rookie WR Jordan Addison aims to impress after a solid training camp.
- Rookie RB Jamar Benson looking to break into the rotation.
🐏 Los Angeles Rams
Key Rams Themes:
- Stafford is likely to sit, opening the door for Stetson Bennett and rookie QB Cameron Ward to battle for backup reps.
- Puka Nacua looks to build on a standout rookie season.
- RB Kyren Williams won’t play, leaving snaps for rookies and practice squad hopefuls.
- The Rams’ defense is testing depth behind Aaron Donald’s retirement.
⚖️ Betting Lines – 🏈 Texans at Rams
As of Wednesday leading into the game, sportsbooks have released the following odds:
- Point Spread: Texans -2.5
- Moneyline: Texans -130 | Rams +115
- Over/Under: 36.5 points
- First-Half Spread: Texans -1.0
- First-Half Total: 18.5 points
Betting Movement
Initial lines opened with the Rams as slight 1-point favorites, but heavy early action on Houston (due to depth and coaching stability) flipped the spread in their favor.
📈 Spread Analysis
Texans -2.5
- Houston enters with one of the NFL’s best backup quarterback situations, plus a competitive roster filled with ascending talent.
- DeMeco Ryans treats preseason with intensity, and his squad tends to play physical defense—even in early August.
- Expect Davis Mills and Spencer Rattler to extend drives and put points on the board.
Rams +2.5
- The Rams are thin at several key positions, especially along the offensive line and linebacker corps.
- However, Stetson Bennett is experienced and confident under pressure, and Cameron Ward brings dynamic upside.
- Betting L.A. as a home underdog carries risk but offers preseason value if you believe in Sean McVay’s offensive system.
Verdict: Texans -2.5 is the sharper play based on roster depth, motivation, and coaching style.
🔢 Over/Under Breakdown – 36.5 Points
Preseason totals are often tricky, as teams pull starters quickly and play more conservatively. However, this game could buck the trend due to:
- Houston’s up-tempo second-string offense.
- Rams’ offensive experiment with dual-threat QB Cameron Ward.
- A focus on evaluating WRs and RBs through game reps.
The Texans averaged 25.6 points in the 2024 preseason, while the Rams allowed an average of 24.3 points.
Prediction: Expect a final score around 24-20.
Pick: Over 36.5
💰 Best Prop Bets – 🏈 Texans at Rams
✅ 1. First Team to Score – Texans (-120)
- With Davis Mills likely starting and aggressive offensive pacing, Houston may score early.
✅ 2. Total Field Goals – Over 3.5 (+105)
- Preseason games often stall in the red zone, resulting in multiple FG attempts.
- Kicking competitions will give both teams reason to try field goals.
✅ 3. Cameron Ward (Rams QB) – Over 23.5 Rushing Yards
- Ward’s dual-threat ability is on full display in camp. Against Houston’s backups, he could scramble often.
✅ 4. Spencer Rattler (Texans QB) – Anytime TD (Pass or Rush) (+190)
- Rattler has impressed in camp and could lead a scoring drive in the second half.
✅ 5. Jalen McMillan (WR, Rams) – Over 2.5 Receptions
- Rookie target-hog in camp and will likely play deep into the second half.
📊 Depth Chart Highlights
Houston Texans Key Depth Chart
Offense:
QB: C.J. Stroud → Davis Mills → Spencer Rattler
RB: Dameon Pierce, Jamar Benson, Mike Boone
WR: Nico Collins, Tank Dell, John Metchie III, Jordan Addison
TE: Dalton Schultz, Brevin Jordan
Defense:
DL: Anderson Jr., Rankins, Ridgeway
LB: Christian Harris, Denzel Perryman
CB: Derek Stingley Jr., Desmond King
S: Jalen Pitre, Jimmie Ward
Los Angeles Rams Key Depth Chart
Offense:
QB: Stafford → Bennett → Ward
RB: Ronnie Rivers, Zach Evans
WR: Puka Nacua, Ben Skowronek, Jalen McMillan
TE: Tyler Higbee, Davis Allen
Defense:
DL: Kobie Turner, Bobby Brown III
LB: Ernest Jones, Michael Hoecht
CB: Cobie Durant, Derion Kendrick
S: Russ Yeast, Kamren Curl
🔍 Matchups to Watch
1. Texans DL vs Rams OL
Houston’s defensive line is quick and aggressive. The Rams’ offensive line has struggled with depth and could be overwhelmed, especially with backup QBs in.
2. Spencer Rattler vs Rams Secondary
A mobile quarterback with a big arm, Rattler may feast on softer coverage if he gets time. He’ll test young DBs like Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick.
3. Puka Nacua vs Texans Slot CBs
Nacua’s route running has improved, and he could exploit gaps in Houston’s second-string defense.
🧠 Coaching Styles and Preseason History
DeMeco Ryans (Texans)
- Former linebacker who emphasizes physical play, even in the preseason.
- Treats second and third units with the same discipline and intensity.
Sean McVay (Rams)
- Usually vanilla in preseason but uses the time to test gadget plays and build WR timing.
- Often rests starters and focuses on individual evaluation.
🧪 What to Expect on Game Day
- Pace: Expect a faster first half with the Texans.
- Tempo Shift: Rams will likely slow it down in the second half with Ward running RPOs.
- Turnovers: Preseason games often produce 2+ turnovers—this game likely features at least one INT per side.
🎯 Final Score Prediction – 🏈 Texans at Rams
Final Score: Texans 24, Rams 20
Total: 44 (Over hits)
Texans Cover: -2.5
- Game MVP: Spencer Rattler – 10/14, 132 yds, 1 TD
- X-Factor: Cameron Ward – 68 passing yds, 35 rushing yds, 1 TD
- Defensive Standout: Will Anderson Jr. – 1 sack, 2 TFLs in limited action
📺 How to Watch Live
- TV: FOX (Local), NFL Network (National)
- Streaming: NFL+, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, fuboTV
- Mobile: NFL app
- Radio: SportsTalk 790 AM (HOU), ESPN LA 710 AM (LA)
🏈 Texans at Rams – Why It Matters
While it’s “just preseason,” the 🏈 Texans at Rams matchup showcases future talent, schemes, and coaching philosophies that will shape the 2025 regular season. From betting value to fantasy football previews and pure NFL drama, this game delivers.
Stay tuned, bet smart, and enjoy the grind.