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Las Vegas (0-1-0) at Houston (0-1-0)
- When: Aug 20 2026, 8:00 PM
- Where: Reliant Stadium, Houston, TX
- Where to watch: ESPN
- Last Meeting: HOU 23-21, December 21st, 2025
Las Vegas vs Houston Preview & Prediction
Spread: Houston -1.0
Moneyline: Houston (-110)
Total: 37.0
Raiders: Let the Rookie Cook
Las Vegas heads to Houston with rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza getting another extended audition. The No. 1 overall pick looked comfortable in his preseason debut, completing 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and one touchdown.
Apparently, nobody told Mendoza preseason football is traditionally reserved for punts, penalties and quarterbacks you’ve never heard of.
The Raiders also have something brewing with rookie Mike Washington Jr., who ripped off 63 yards on six carries, averaging 10.5 yards per attempt. With Tyler Linderbaum and rookie Trey Zuhn III helping reshape the offensive line, Las Vegas has enough young talent to keep this interesting.
Texans: Everybody Gets a Tryout
Houston is favored by 1.0, but DeMeco Ryans plans to rest many primary starters following Jayden Higgins’ torn ACL.
That turns this game into one giant job interview.
With Tank Dell still working toward full strength, Xavier Hutchinson, Justin Watson, Jared Wayne and rookie Lewis Bond should receive plenty of opportunities.
Houston’s defense remains the more intriguing unit. If Will Anderson Jr. or Danielle Hunter see meaningful snaps, Mendoza’s peaceful little preseason vacation could become considerably less peaceful.
LVSB Game Prediction
Preseason betting isn’t about which roster looks prettier on Madden. It’s about who actually plays.
Houston laying a point becomes less attractive with many starters expected to sit. Las Vegas should give Mendoza substantial work, and Washington has already shown legitimate explosiveness.
With the total at 37.0, we’re expecting the usual preseason combination of backup quarterbacks, conservative play-calling and field goals celebrated like touchdowns.
We’ll take Las Vegas to spoil Houston’s home preseason party.
Pick: Las Vegas Raiders +1.0
Upset Pick: Raiders Moneyline
Lean: Under 37.0
Score Prediction
Las Vegas Raiders 20, Houston Texans 16
Nothing says August football quite like betting on guys fighting for roster spots while the starters enjoy premium sideline seating.
- NFL Football Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
