The Houston Texans are set to kick off their 2025 NFL season with an away game against the Los Angeles Rams. Both teams will meet at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, with clear skies expected, thanks to the dome’s protection from wind. Fans can catch the game on CBS at 4:25 PM on Sunday, September 7, 2025.
Under the guidance of head coach DeMeco Ryans, the Texans head into the game after a mixed preseason, with notable victories over the Detroit Lions and Carolina Panthers. On the other side, the Rams, coached by Sean McVay, displayed competitive performances in their preseason, including a thrilling win against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Rams hold a slight edge in the odds, with a moneyline of -157 compared to the Texans’ +134.
This Week 1 matchup offers an intriguing look at both teams’ strategies, with the Rams’ offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur and Texans’ Nick Caley setting the stage for an offensive showdown. Defensively, Houston’s Matt Burke will test his strategies against Chris Shula’s Rams defense. Both teams are looking to start the season strong and set the tone for their respective divisions.
Rams vs Texans At a Glance
- Game Date and Time: Sunday, September 7, 2025 at 4:25 PM
- Location: SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA — Dome
- Weather: Clear sky and mild day; wind is not a factor due to the dome
- TV Broadcast: CBS
- Streaming: Available on CBS and associated streaming platforms
- Game Odds: Rams favored with a moneyline of -157 and a spread of -3.0
The Los Angeles Rams: A Preseason Analysis
Offensive Performance
The Los Angeles Rams showed a solid passing game in the 2024 season, ranking 10th in the league with 3,868 passing yards. This success is largely attributed to the performance of Matthew Stafford, who led the team with 3,762 passing yards, ranking 13th in the league. Despite the strong passing game, the Rams’ rushing attack was less effective, ranking 23rd with 1,765 rushing yards.
The Rams’ third-down efficiency was an area of concern, with a conversion rate of 36.8%, placing them 20th in the league. This indicates room for improvement in sustaining drives and capitalizing on scoring opportunities. The team’s average score of 367 ranked them 19th, highlighting the need for a more balanced and effective offensive strategy.
Defensive Insights
On the defensive side, the Rams were formidable in creating turnovers, ranking 7th with 13 interceptions and 8th with 7 fumbles recovered. Their pass rush was effective, ranking 11th with 38 sacks, which helped in pressuring opposing quarterbacks. However, the defense allowed a high number of yards, ranking 26th in opponent offensive yards with 5,998, indicating a need for tighter coverage and improved tackling.
In terms of points allowed, the Rams ranked 16th with 386 points, suggesting a mid-tier performance that could benefit from more consistency. The defense’s ability to generate turnovers and apply pressure will be crucial in the upcoming season to improve their overall performance and rankings.
Preseason Recap
During the 2025 preseason, the Rams had a mixed performance, securing a win against the Chargers with a score of 23-22. Stetson Bennett IV had a standout game with 324 passing yards and three touchdowns, showcasing potential depth at the quarterback position. The Rams also won against the Cowboys 31-21, further highlighting their offensive capabilities.
However, they faced a close defeat to the Browns, losing 19-17. Despite the loss, the Rams demonstrated resilience, with Dresser Winn passing for 190 yards and a touchdown. These preseason games provided valuable insights into the team’s strengths and areas for improvement as they head into the regular season.
Key Players to Watch
Kyren Williams stands out as a key player, leading the team with 1,299 rushing yards, ranking 7th in the league. His performance will be essential in bolstering the Rams’ rushing attack. Puka Nacua also emerged as a key receiver with 990 yards and three touchdowns, ranking 22nd in receptions in the league.
Defensively, Tony Fields II had an impressive preseason, with seven solo tackles and a sack against the Browns. The contributions of players like Fields will be critical in maintaining defensive pressure and improving overall team performance.
Betting Trends
- The Rams had a 1-2 record in the 2025 preseason.
- Their passing offense was a highlight, with notable performances by backup quarterbacks.
- Defensively, the Rams showed strength in generating turnovers, with a focus on interceptions and fumbles.
- Their upcoming schedule includes tough away games against the Titans and Eagles.
- The Rams face the Texans at home in Week 1 of the regular season.
Houston Texans Prepare for Upcoming Game Against the Los Angeles Rams
Offensive Performance
The Houston Texans’ offense scored 372 points last season, ranking 18th in the league. Their passing game accumulated 3,526 yards, placing them 21st, while their rushing attack managed 1,909 yards, ranking 15th overall. However, they struggled to convert third downs efficiently, ranking 17th with a conversion rate of 37.7%.
Top performers from the Texans’ offense last season included C.J. Stroud, who threw for 3,727 yards and 20 touchdowns. Nico Collins led the receiving corps with 1,006 yards and seven touchdowns. On the ground, Joe Mixon contributed significantly with 1,016 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns.
Defensive Strengths
Defensively, the Texans ranked 13th in points allowed, conceding 372 points last season. Their pass rush was formidable, recording 49 sacks, which was the 4th best in the league. Additionally, their secondary was effective, intercepting 19 passes, ranking 2nd in the league.
The Texans’ defense also excelled in recovering fumbles, with nine recoveries placing them 6th in the league. Their overall defensive yardage allowed was impressive, ranking 6th by conceding only 5,355 yards. Key contributors included standout performers like Arthur Maulet and Jalen Mills, who each made significant impacts in their respective roles.
Recent Preseason Form
In the 2025 preseason, the Texans showed mixed results. They secured a dominant victory over the Detroit Lions, winning 26-7, with Graham Mertz showcasing his potential as a quarterback. The Texans also defeated the Carolina Panthers 20-3, demonstrating a strong defensive performance by limiting the Panthers to just 86 passing yards.
However, they faced a setback against the Minnesota Vikings, losing 20-10. The Texans’ offense struggled, particularly in the passing game, where they threw three interceptions. Despite the loss, Braxton Berrios displayed his talent with a touchdown reception.
Key Injuries
The Texans are dealing with several key injuries heading into the regular season. Notable absences include Joe Mixon, who is out with a foot injury, and Tank Dell, who suffered a knee injury. Additionally, Irv Smith Jr. and Brevin Jordan are on the injured reserve list, affecting the tight end depth.
Their offensive line depth could also be tested, with Cam Robinson and Blake Fisher listed as questionable. Despite these challenges, the Texans will look to their depth chart for potential solutions and hope for timely recoveries.
Betting Trends
- The Texans have won their last two preseason games.
- They have limited opponents to under 10 points in two of their three preseason games.
- Injury concerns may impact their offensive performance early in the season.
- Their defense has shown consistency with multiple interceptions in recent games.
Rams vs Texans Prediction: Over 43.5
The Week 1 matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and Houston Texans brings intriguing dynamics, especially as both teams look to start the season on a strong note. Given the offensive capabilities of both squads, the game could see a good amount of scoring. The Rams, with a passing offense that ranked 10th last season, are expected to put up points against the Texans’ defense.
The Texans, under head coach DeMeco Ryans, have a balanced offensive attack, ranking 18th in scoring last season. With the Rams allowing a significant 5998 total yards last season, both teams could capitalize on defensive vulnerabilities. The conditions at SoFi Stadium will provide a controlled environment, potentially benefiting the offenses.
Looking at the recent head-to-head matchups, scoring has varied, but given the offensive potential and defensive weaknesses, the over seems favorable. The Rams’ defensive struggles, ranked 26th in opponent offensive yards, should present opportunities for the Texans to capitalize and score. Additionally, the Texans have shown offensive consistency and resilience in previous seasons.
Overall, considering both teams’ offensive rankings and the Rams’ defensive vulnerabilities, the likelihood of a higher-scoring game is strong. With the current total set at 43.5, an over seems a reasonable prediction, as both teams are likely to exceed this threshold. A projected score of Rams 28 – Texans 24 supports the over pick.
- Rams vs Texans Prediction: Over 43.5
- Rams vs Texans Score: Rams 28 – Texans 24
