Rams 2026 Preseason Schedule: Dates, Times and Opponents Unveiled

Before the Los Angeles Rams begin their march back to the playoffs, they will play three preseason games in August. Along with the regular-season schedule unveiling, the Rams also revealed their three opponents, and the dates and times of each preseason game. For a franchise that finished the 2025 campaign with a flurry of momentum, these exhibition contests are more than just warm-ups—they are critical evaluations for roster spots, scheme adjustments, and injury prevention. The Rams will be on the road for two of the games, though one will be at SoFi Stadium as the “away” team against the Los Angeles Chargers. They will also face the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead and the New Orleans Saints at SoFi. Interestingly, the Rams will face both the Chiefs and Chargers in the regular season, though it’s hard to imagine either team playing their starters very much in those games, if at all.

Here is the full breakdown of the Los Angeles Rams 2026 preseason schedule, including expert analysis, key storylines, and predictions for what these games mean for Sean McVay’s squad.

Preseason Week 1: Saturday, Aug. 15, at Kansas City Chiefs, 4 p.m. ET

The Rams open their preseason slate on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. This is a marquee matchup on paper, but in reality, it will be a battle of backups and roster hopefuls. The Chiefs, fresh off another deep playoff run, will likely rest Patrick Mahomes and most of their offensive starters. For the Rams, this game is about establishing rhythm for the second-team offense and testing the depth of a defensive line that lost some key rotational pieces in free agency.

Expert analysis: This is the perfect opportunity for Stetson Bennett or whichever quarterback emerges as the backup to Matthew Stafford to get meaningful reps against a defense that, even without its stars, runs a complex scheme under Steve Spagnuolo. The Rams’ offensive line depth will also be under a microscope. With a new left guard competition brewing, every snap in Kansas City matters. Expect the Rams to lean heavily on the running game early, using Kyren Williams and Blake Corum in short bursts before giving way to the third-stringers.

Prediction: The Rams lose a low-scoring affair, 17-13, as the Chiefs’ special teams unit creates a turnover that leads to the winning score. The key takeaway will be the health of the roster, not the final score.

Preseason Week 2: TBD at SoFi Stadium (vs. Los Angeles Chargers, as the “Away” Team)

Perhaps the most unique aspect of the Rams’ 2026 preseason schedule is the cross-town showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers—but with a twist. The game will be played at SoFi Stadium, yet the Rams will be designated as the “away” team. This is a logistical quirk that happens when two teams share a home stadium. For fans, it means the same familiar turf and stands, but with the Chargers technically wearing their home uniforms and handling sideline operations.

Expert analysis: This game will carry more intensity than a typical preseason contest because of the local rivalry. While neither team will expose their star quarterbacks—Matthew Stafford and Justin Herbert—for extended drives, the second and third units will be fighting for roster spots in front of a split crowd. The Rams’ secondary, which is undergoing a youth movement after trading away Jalen Ramsey’s salary cap hit, will be tested by the Chargers’ deep receiving corps. Keep an eye on rookie cornerbacks and undrafted free agents trying to earn a spot on the 53-man roster.

This is also the game where the Rams typically give their starters their longest preseason action—usually about one quarter. McVay has historically been cautious, but with a new offensive coordinator (if any changes occur) or a tweaked system, he may want to see the first-team offense execute a few scripted drives. The battle for the No. 3 wide receiver role will be especially fierce, with young pass-catchers like Jordan Whittington and Tyler Johnson vying for targets.

Prediction: The Rams win 24-20 in a game that features a late fourth-quarter comeback by the third-string quarterback. The highlight will be a 70-yard touchdown pass from a fringe roster player, sparking debates among fans about who should be the emergency QB.

Preseason Week 3: TBD at SoFi Stadium (vs. New Orleans Saints)

The Rams close out the preseason with a home game against the New Orleans Saints. This is a traditional “dress rehearsal” week, where starters typically play into the second quarter before giving way to the reserves. For the Rams, this game is critical for finalizing the 53-man roster and setting the tone for the regular season.

Expert analysis: The Saints are in a transitional phase under head coach Kellen Moore, and their offense will feature a new-look passing attack. This matchup gives the Rams’ defense a chance to practice against a scheme that blends modern spread concepts with traditional West Coast principles. The Rams’ pass rush, led by Byron Young and Jared Verse, will be unleashed for a few series to build confidence. On offense, expect Stafford to play about 10-15 snaps, targeting Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua to knock off the rust.

This is also the game where roster bubble players make their final impression. Special teams contributors, such as the kick and punt returners, will be under heavy scrutiny. The Rams’ kicking game, whether it’s Joshua Karty or a new challenger, will be tested with game-pressure field goals. McVay has emphasized improving the special teams unit after a few costly errors in the 2025 season.

Prediction: The Rams cruise to a 30-10 victory, with the first-team offense scoring on both of its drives. The defense forces two turnovers, and the backup running back—likely a UDFA—runs for over 100 yards, securing a spot on the practice squad at minimum.

Key Storylines to Watch Across All Three Games

While the scores of preseason games are quickly forgotten, the underlying narratives can shape a team’s season. Here are the top storylines for the Rams’ 2026 preseason:

• Quarterback competition: Who will be the backup to Matthew Stafford? Stetson Bennett needs to show decisiveness and accuracy after a rocky start to his NFL career. A dark-horse candidate from the undrafted ranks could emerge.
• Offensive line depth: The Rams invested heavily in the trenches. Watch for how the second-team unit holds up against the Chiefs and Chargers’ defensive lines. A weak link here could force McVay to make a trade.
• Youth movement on defense: With veterans like Aaron Donald retired, the Rams are leaning on young players like Kobie Turner and Byron Young to lead. Preseason reps are vital for their development.
• Injury management: The Rams cannot afford key injuries in meaningless games. Expect McVay to be ultra-conservative with players like Cooper Kupp and Matthew Stafford, limiting their snaps to the bare minimum.

Expert Predictions for the Rams’ Preseason Outcome

Based on the schedule and roster composition, here is how the Rams’ preseason will likely play out:

• Record: 2-1 (wins over Chargers and Saints, loss to Chiefs).
• Most impressive player: A rookie edge rusher who records three sacks across the three games, forcing his way into the defensive rotation.
• Biggest concern: The backup offensive line struggles with communication, leading to multiple false starts and a sack allowed in critical third-down situations.
• Hidden gem: An undrafted wide receiver from a small school who leads the team in receiving yards and earns a spot on the practice squad.

Conclusion: What the Preseason Means for the Rams’ Playoff Hopes

The Los Angeles Rams 2026 preseason schedule offers a perfect blend of intriguing matchups and roster evaluation opportunities. While the games against the Chiefs and Chargers will generate headlines because of their regular-season implications, the true value lies in the development of depth players. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, the preseason is a necessary evil—a chance to build chemistry, test new schemes, and avoid the injury bug.

Sean McVay has always treated preseason games with a mix of caution and creativity, and 2026 will be no different. The Rams will enter the regular season battle-tested, especially if young players seize their opportunities in August. Fans should circle the Preseason Week 1 game at Arrowhead for the excitement of a historic venue, but the Week 3 contest against the Saints will be the most telling indicator of the team’s readiness. If the Rams emerge from the preseason healthy and with a clear depth chart, their march back to the playoffs will be off to a strong start.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.