The Houston Texans are back in action for the start of the second preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Of course, it's the preseason and anything can happen.
Teams will often go 3-0, feel as if they've turned the corner, and then finish with a losing record. The same goes for teams that drop the first two matchups against playoff contenders but then make a run toward the Super Bowl.
For Houston, everything is about looking better than last week's results this Thursday evening in the final preseason game at Reliant Stadium.
Houston won't be at full strength. Initially, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans announced that starters who were healthy would play, but after Tuesday's joint practice in front of fans, plus the season-ending loss of second-year
wideout Jayden Higgins to a torn ACL, that plan has changed.
Several players, including quarterback C.J. Stroud, running back Woody Marks and offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge, will see action for at least several series. Defensively, a majority of starters will rest.
Follow along with Texans Wire live from Reliant Stadium as the Texans look to go 1-1 before leaving for an East Coast trip to take on the Carolina Panthers.
Texans have player switch
According to KRPC 2 Sports' Aaron Wilson, Keylan Rutledge will start at left guard in place of Wyatt Teller. Veteran center Evan Brown will start in the middle. This isn't a plan for the long-term as now, but Rutledge did play guard when he was in college at Georgia Tech, earning All-American honors.
Twenty to 25 snaps for #Texans QB1 C.J. Stroud, Woody Marks, first-team offensive line. Different look for line tonight; Keylan Rutledge guard, Evan Brown center @KPRC2 https://t.co/ACPXIlYGuT
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 20, 2026
Texans players arrive for the game
Here's a look at the Texans as they prepare for their second preseason game at home.
The man has arrived. pic.twitter.com/095qLQJPKm
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) August 20, 2026
Back at the crib. pic.twitter.com/y4CRlB6mPS
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) August 20, 2026
Forever family 🤞 pic.twitter.com/QysEW1BG7K
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) August 20, 2026
Get ready… here we come. pic.twitter.com/n16mVakI4D
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) August 20, 2026
What TV channel is Texans vs. Raiders on today?
- TV: ABC (locally)
- Streaming: FuboTV (stream here)
- How to watch online: FuboTV (stream here)
The Texans and Raiders play Thursday evening locally in Houston on ABC in the second preseason game. There will be a replay of the game later this week on NFL Network.
Streaming options for the game include FuboTV
Texans vs. Raiders start time
- Date: Thursday, Sept. 20
- Time: 7 p.m. CT
Texans-Raiders odds
According to BetMGM, the Texans open as a 1.5-point favorite at home over Las Vegas, with the over/under set at 37.5.
Texans tickets
Looking to buy Texans tickets for Thursday or the season opener against the Buffalo Bills? We've got you covered.
Click the link here to find the best seats in the house at the last moment.
Texans preseason schedule
- Week 1: Chargers vs. Texans (Aug. 13, 7 p.m. CT on ABC) - L 27-7
- Week 2: Raiders vs. Texans (Aug. 20, 7 p.m. CT on ABC)
- Week 3: Texans at Panthers (Aug. 28, 6 p.m. CT on ABC)
Texans' regular-season schedule 2025
Below is Houston's regular-season schedule.
Week 1: Sunday, September 13, Noon CT: vs. Buffalo Bills
Week 2: Sunday, September 20, Noon CT: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Week 3: Sunday, September 27, Noon CT: at Indianapolis Colts
Week 4: Sunday, October 4, Noon CT: vs. Dallas Cowboys
Week 5: Sunday, October 11, Noon CT: at Tennessee Titans
Week 6: Sunday, October 19, 8:30 a.m.: at Jacksonville Jaguars (London)
Week 7: Sunday, October 25, 9 p.m. CT: vs. New York Giants
Week 8: Sunday, Nov. 1: Bye Week
Week 9: Sunday, November 8, 3:00 p.m. CT: at Los Angeles Chargers
Week 10: Sunday, November 15, Noon CT: at Cleveland Browns
Week 11: Thursday, November 19, 7:20 p.m. CT: vs. Indianapolis Colts
Week 12: Thursday, November 29, Noon: vs. Baltimore Ravens
Week 13: Sunday, December 6, 7:20 p.m. CT: at Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 14: Sunday, December 13, Noon CT: at Washington Commanders
Week 15: Sunday, December 20, Noon CT: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 16: Thursday, December 24, 7:15 p.m. CT: at Philadelphia Eagles (Amazon Prime)
Week 17: Monday, January 4, 7:20 p.m. CT: at Green Bay Packers
Week 18: TBD: vs. Tennessee Titans
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans vs. Raiders Preseason Game 2: Live updates, highlights, key plays
