NFL Preseason Predictions, Picks Today: Fernando Mendoza, De’Zhaun Stribling

Thursday, August 20 starts the second of the NFL’s three-week preseason slate of games, with two matchups tonight ahead of three on Friday. The Week 2 preseason race begins with the Raiders down in Houston to face the Texans, followed by the 49ers and Chargers finishing the night up in Los Angeles.

The two outings tonight are an extension of the joint practices these squads had during the week. While each coach has a different philosophy when it comes to playing time in the preseason, there is plenty of action to be had. 

Let’s dive into today's NFL preseason schedule, focusing on two NFL preseason game predictions and picks. First, we’ll break down the Raiders vs. Texans with an 8 p.m. ET kick-off on ESPN, followed by PrizePicks projections for the nightcap between the 49ers and the Chargers at 10 p.m. on NFL Network.

Make your NFL preseason predictions and picks on PrizePicks!

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Raiders vs. Texans Prediction on Winner for NFL Preseason – Thursday, August 20

The Raiders and Texans spent all week going against each other in joint practices, with the results causing a change of strategy for Houston. 

Entering the week, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans told the media that all healthy players would be active. However, according to The Houston Chronicle, after a week of joint practices in which he liked what he saw out of the first teams, Ryans has switched mindsets and plans to sit a good chunk of starters.

Another factor in the Texans’ decision could be the season-ending practice injury to WR Jayden Higgins, who suffered a torn ACL on Tuesday. 

On the Raiders side, head coach Klint Kubiak hasn't fully clarified how much first-string QB Kirk Cousins will play, but rookie Fernando Mendoza is expected to see extended reps once again.

While we may not see many starters on either team play, Mendoza and other young Raiders still aim to clear up a sloppy opener in which they committed 8 penalties and allowed the Cardinals to put up 27 points. 

PrizePicks Team Picks has the Raiders as a slight favorite, with the over/under for the clash set at 37.5. Here’s a full look at the payouts for tonight’s game. 

Payouts show potential returns on correct Team Picks predictions. A 2x payout returns $200 on a $100 entry. Lower multipliers reflect outcomes users are picking as more likely. Payouts are live as of writing and subject to change.

Lock in your Raiders vs. Texans prediction on PrizePicks now.

Raiders vs. Texans Picks, Player Stats for NFL Preseason on PrizePicks: 8/20/26

Here is a top Raiders vs. Texans player to target on Thursday, August 20, including Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza on PrizePicks.

Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza vs. Texans: 114.5 Pass Yards

• While Cousins has not been ruled out, Mendoza is expected to get significant playing time as the key backup either way.
• The No. 1 overall pick played four full series last week, completing 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and his first career NFL TD pass. 
• The Raiders announced last month that the plan is for Cousins to start the season as the man behind center. However, Mendoza is currently the second favorite at PrizePicks Team Picks to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, returning a 5.55x payout if he wins.  
• In the loss last week to the Chargers, the Texans' defense allowed Trey Lance and DJ Uiagalelei to both pass for 120+ yards. 

Add Fernando Mendoza to your PrizePicks lineup now.

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49ers vs. Chargers Prediction on Winner for NFL Preseason – Thursday, August 20

Unlike the team’s preseason opener against the Titans last week, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan says he anticipates his starters playing tonight. As per the pattern over the last couple of years for the second game, QB Brock Purdy is expected to get a couple of series before giving the ball over to Mac Jones. 

Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh is also expected to play his starters for at least the first series, as he told reporters earlier this week. RB Omarion Hampton will get an extended look in new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s offense, looking to expand his role after gaining 545 rushing yards in his rookie season. 

While QB Justin Herbert will start, he may only play a series before giving way to the backup battle between Lance and Uiagalelei.

PrizePicks Team Picks has the 49ers as a slight favorite with a 38.5 combined over/under for the outing. Here’s a full look at the payouts for tonight’s game. 

The Niners, as the slight favorite, return a 1.81x payout with a win. The teams have played each other in joint practices all week, but still expect to showcase starters during the first half, which could lead to some points. Last week, the Chargers tallied 27 points against the Texans, while San Francisco scored 13 in a loss to the Titans.   

Lock in your 49ers vs. Chargers prediction on PrizePicks before tonight’s NFL preseason game.

49ers vs. Chargers Picks, Player Stats for NFL Preseason on PrizePicks: 8/20/26

Here is a top 49ers vs. Chargers player to target on Thursday, August 20, including 49ers WR De’Zhaun Stribling on PrizePicks.

49ers WR De’Zhaun Stribling vs. Chargers: 19.5 Rec Yards

• Stribling had 7 catches for 63 yards in the team’s preseason opener.
• All of the 33rd overall pick’s catches came in the first half, mostly against the Titans' first-team defense. 
• Per NFL analyst Ryan Paganetti, Stribling became the second receiver in the last decade to grab 7 balls in the first 20 minutes of a preseason game, matching Isaiah McKenzie, who did it for the Bills in 2021. 
• The 6’2’’, 205-pound WR ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash, eighth fastest among WRs at the NFL Combine. He caught 216 passes for nearly 3,000 yards in a five-year career at Washington State, Oklahoma State, and Ole Miss. 

Add De’Zhaun Stribling to your PrizePicks lineup now.

Make NFL Preseason Picks on PrizePicks

One of tonight’s preseason games will mainly feature backups, while the nightcap in Los Angeles will give us a look at some starters such as Justin Herbert and Brock Purdy.

Don’t wait until lock — make your NFL Preseason picks on PrizePicks now and earn real money if you’re right.

Week 1 of the NFL regular season begins on September 9, and the NFL board is already open on PrizePicks Team Picks. That includes NFL predictions for the Super Bowl winner, divisional winners, win totals, and more on PrizePicks Team Picks, available in 36 states!

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