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The NFL Preseason 2026 delivered two big quarterback stories on Thursday, as the Las Vegas Raiders overcame a 17-point halftime deficit to edge the Houston Texans 22-20, while the San Francisco 49ers cruised past the Los Angeles Chargers 41-17. Rookie No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza threw a pick-six for Las Vegas, but Aidan O’Connell led a stunning late comeback, while San Francisco dominated Los Angeles behind a strong rushing display and an 83-yard punt return touchdown.
Las Vegas Raiders 22-20 Houston Texans
The Raiders staged a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat the Texans 22-20 after trailing 20-3 at halftime.
Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, started for Las Vegas and played the entire first half. He completed 8 of 15 passes for 86 yards but threw an interception that Wade Woodaz returned 80 yards for a touchdown.
Houston took control early, with rookie running back Woody Marks scoring on a 20-yard touchdown run during the Texans’ opening drive. Starting quarterback C.J. Stroud also made his preseason debut, completing four of six passes for 27 yards.
Mendoza’s difficult first half was followed by a dramatic turnaround from the Raiders after the break. Aidan O’Connell completed 15 of 24 passes for 166 yards and engineered a 96-yard touchdown drive in the final two minutes.
O’Connell finished the comeback by running for a 1-yard touchdown with just 14 seconds remaining. The Raiders scored 19 unanswered points in the second half to improve to 1-1 in the preseason.
Las Vegas also dominated the overall yardage, outgaining Houston 400-219. Washington ran nine times for 56 yards to lead the Raiders’ rushing attack.
Presumptive Raiders starting quarterback Kirk Cousins did not play.
San Francisco 49ers 41-17 Los Angeles Chargers
The 49ers produced another convincing preseason performance, defeating the Chargers 41-17 in Inglewood.
San Francisco’s starters, including quarterback Brock Purdy, played only one series. Purdy completed four of six passes for 29 yards before leaving the game.
The 49ers then relied on their depth to pull away. Running back Sincere McCormick led the rushing attack with 53 yards on six carries and scored on a 7-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.
Jacob Cowing provided one of the biggest plays of the night, returning a punt 83 yards for a touchdown as San Francisco continued to build its advantage.
The 49ers finished with 146 rushing yards on 36 carries, controlling the game on the ground.
The Chargers also rotated their quarterbacks. Trey Lance completed 10 of 16 passes for 73 yards and was their leading rusher, picking up 42 yards on just two carries.
Los Angeles also scored on defence when Junior Colson returned an interception 16 yards for a touchdown.
Chargers starter Justin Herbert played just one series, completing one of two passes for nine yards, while San Francisco eventually pulled away to secure a comfortable 41-17 victory.