The NFL teams based in Los Angeles are not having a great first half of the 2026 NFL season. Both the Chargers and Rams combined have three wins on the season headed into Week 8. The Rams are doing all of the heavy lifting here, but even they are having a disappointing season compared to their offseason expectations. It seems a Rams vs. Chargers Super Bowl is not in the cards this season.
While both teams have been frustrating, they are in completely different situations ahead of Week 8. The Rams are very much alive in the NFC playoff race, but they need to continue stacking wins to remain competitive. Meanwhile, the Chargers are 0-6 and somehow still think they'll compete by the end of the season.
This game means a lot for both teams, but the Rams arguably have much more to lose.
So which team will come out on top in this one?
Here are three bold predictions ahead of this Battle for Los Angeles in Week 8 between the Chargers and Rams.
Rams, Chargers combine for more rushing yards than passing yards
Both LA teams built their teams to have a strong running game.
Jim Harbaugh is known for his love of pounding the rock. The Chargers drafted Omarion Hampton and built a massive offensive line for that very reason. As for the Rams, Sean McVay has always leaned heavily on the running game dating back to the Todd Gurley years. That has continued into 2026, as the Rams popularized 13 personnel usage and have taken to a new level this season.
But just how committed are they to running the ball?
When both teams combine their final stats, this game will feature more rushing yards than passing yards.
That sounds like a crazy prediction on the surface. So exactly how bold is this prediction?
The Rams average roughly 70 more passing yards than rushing yards per game this season, compared to an 82-yard gap for the Chargers. So it would be quite shocking if both teams overcame this 152-yard difference.
If this happens, it may require both defenses to ball out against the pass and allow a handful of explosive runs. This is definitely bold, but crazier things have happened.
The Chargers dominate the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball
If the Chargers are going to have a chance to win this game, they'll have to do so in the trenches. The injury situation for both teams makes this look like a strong possibility.
Joe Alt is expected to return from injury for this game. One offensive lineman won't magically turn LA's o-line into an elite unit. However, it could do wonders as he still projects as an elite talent at the position. If the Chargers can count on one side of the line protected, they can always pull out some tricks to protect the other side.
It is also important to note that the Rams have only managed 10 sacks in seven games played this season. That puts them at 27th in the NFL and only ahead of pitiful defensive teams like the Dolphins, Eagles, and Cowboys. It really shows that Myles Garrett, Kobie Turner, and Poona Ford are injured.
Flipping to the other side, the Chargers and Rams look pretty evenly matched in the trenches. The Rams may hold a slight lead, but nothing too crazy.
Ultimately, the Chargers' formula for winning this game is predicated on winning the trenches. This is certainly an area where they could gain an advantage.
The Chargers will keep Justin Herbert completely clean, not allowing a single sack. Meanwhile, they will sack Matthew Stafford at least twice.
Article Continues BelowThat may not be a huge advantage, but it gives the Chargers a fighting chance.
Chargers take Rams to overtime, but lose by a field goal
It is really tempting to predict that the Chargers will get their first win of the season in this spot. But it just seems too far-fetched.
Realistically, the Rams and Chargers are in two completely different worlds on offense. The Rams average more total yards per game than any other team, while the Chargers are statistically a bottom five offense. There's no reason to suggest that will change in Week 8.
Furthermore, the Rams absolutely must win this game to stay alive in the NFC playoff race. McVay may be willing to pull out all the stops if this game becomes close, and the Chargers would need to be lucky to survive in that situation.
But playing for pride is important too, so the Chargers won't go down without a fight. They just don't have the horses to get the job done.
Brandon McManus kicks a game-winning field goal in overtime, cementing himself as the Rams' kicker for the rest of the season.