Houston Texans vs. Los Angeles Rams Picks and Prediction, Sunday, September 7, 2025
On Sunday, the Houston Texans will play the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, and we have you ready to go with our Texans vs. Rams prediction. Kickoff from LA is at 4:25 p.m. ET.
The Rams are three-point spread favorites, and the game total is 43 points scored.
Houston and LA last met in the 2021 season. The Rams are 3-1 straight-up and 4-0 against the spread in the four previous meetings between these NFL teams. The over/under was split 2-2 in those games. If you want the Texans vs. Rams prediction, read on and check out our NFL Picks to beat the sportsbooks!
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Can Houston keep Stroud upright this season?
Despite a 5-1 start, Houston went 10-7 last season. It was their second consecutive season with a 10-7 record and, despite their inconsistent regular-season play, the Texans upset the Los Angeles Chargers 32-12 in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. While they lost 23-14 to eventual AFC champion Kansas City, last season was a significant building block for the team's future.
Texans QB C.J. Stroud has proven he's among the top signal-callers in the league when healthy, but he was banged up too often last season. The Houston offensive line was partially at fault for that, as the unit did a poor job blocking for him (fourth-most sacks allowed). Unfortunately for Stroud, it doesn't look like the team's front line will be an improved unit, especially after trading tackle Laremy Tunsil. Houston's receiving corps is also a questionable unit, as Stefon Diggs is gone and Tank Dell, Christian Kirk, and Braxton Berrios are injured. Star RB Joe Mixon is also sidelined, but former Cleveland RB Nick Chubb can hopefully fill the void.
Houston's defense carried the load last season, ranking sixth in yards allowed. The Texans' pass rush was menacing, with Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter leading the charge (23 of the team's 49 sacks). As expected, the pressure they created helped the secondary thrive, especially Derek Stingley, Kamari Lassiter, and Jalen Pitre. With the offseason signing of safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Houston's secondary could be even better this season. One position that looks weak, however, is defensive tackle, as Foley Fatukasi and Tim Settle aren't impactful players, and offseason addition Sheldon Rankins is an oft-injured veteran.
Houston Texans Football Injury Report: Stay up to date before kickoff with the Texans' injury report.
Rams rolling the dice on Stafford's health
Los Angeles matched its 10-7 record from 2023 last season, advancing to the NFL playoffs by winning the NFC West. The Rams won their Wild Card postseason clash with Minnesota, holding the Vikes to just nine points. However, they fell short 28-22 the following week to eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia. While there was rampant speculation that the franchise would trade QB Matthew Stafford this offseason, the 37-year-old remains the starter in LA.
A move off Stafford would have signaled a rebuild, but management instead opted to retain its core group for another go. The Rams' passing game will be tough to defend, as Puka Nacua has emerged as one of the league's best receivers, and Davante Adams was brought in to complement him. TE Tyler Higbee is another reliable pass-catcher, giving Stafford plenty of options, even if Cooper Kupp continues to show signs of decline. The offensive line retained left tackle Alaric Jackson in free agency to protect QB1's blind side, and the front should be a better blocking unit, which should help RB Kyren Williams find more openings this season.
Los Angeles had an average pass rush during the regular season, but they terrorized Vikings QB Sam Darnold (NFL playoff record-tying nine sacks) and Eagles QB Jalen Hurts (seven sacks) during the playoffs. DE Jared Verse looks to build off an impressive rookie campaign alongside Byron Young, who had 7.5 sacks in 2024-25. Braden Fiske (8.5 sacks) and Kobie Turner (8 sacks) also bring the heat. While LA looks stout up front, its pass defense is a question mark. The Rams' linebackers struggled in coverage last season, and their cornerbacks are underwhelming talents.
Los Angeles Rams Football Injury Report: Stay up to date before kickoff with the Rams' injury report.
Texans vs. Rams Pick
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Rob Vinciletti | +1,570.00 |
| 2 |  Dan Kaiser | +1,223.00 |
| 3 |  Ross Benjamin | +1,000.00 |
| 4 |  Earle Sports Bets | +916.00 |
| 5 |  David Hess | +706.00 |
Spread Pick for Texans vs. Rams
- Rams -3 (4 Units)
There are questions surrounding both teams, but I lean towards Los Angeles' side in Sunday's season opener. Houston's offensive line will struggle to contain LA's pass rush, and Stroud's lack of reliable receiving threats won't help him get the ball out quickly enough. The addition of nose tackle Poona Ford should also strengthen the Rams' run defense. I'm not sold that Chubb will be able to replicate what Mixon brought to the Houston backfield, either.
Stafford was one of the most talked-about players this offseason, but despite concerns about his back, I trust he'll be effective enough on Sunday. Unlike Houston, he has a wealth of receivers to throw to, a solid offensive line, and a reliable running game. The Texans are a solid defensive team, but their offense will hold them back too much to keep the score close.
Over/Under Pick for Texans vs. Rams
- Under 43 (4 Units)
Will either side move the football consistently in this game? I'm not certain they will. LA has plenty of skill players and a reliable o-line, but how effective will Stafford be after missing a lot of training camp? Houston has a great QB, but he'll take the field behind a poor blocking line without three of his top receivers. The Texans are also playing their first game under new offensive coordinator Nick Caley. Both teams have intimidating pass rushes that will create havoc, as well.
With that said, I recommend a wager on the total to be under 43 points.
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