Where to watch Raiders vs. Texans NFL preseason FREE STREAM today

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback and No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza makes his first NFL preseason start against the Houston Texans today. Find out how to watch for free. (AP Photo/David Becker)AP Photo/David BeckerIf you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.By Robert Fenbers, cleveland.comHOUSTON – After a stellar debut, No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza makes his first start as the Las Vegas Raiders visit the Houston Texans in Week 2 of the NFL preseason today – Thursday, Aug. 20 – at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. You can watch Mendoza battle the Texans on multiple streaming platforms for free.How to watch Raiders vs. Texans What: NFL preseason: Las Vegas Raiders vs. Houston Texans When: Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026Time: 8 p.m. Eastern (7 p.m. Central, 5 p.m. Pacific)Where: NRG Stadium | Houston, Texas Channel: ESPNBest streaming options: FuboTV (free trial and $25 off first month), DIRECTV (free trial and $35 off first month), Sling TV (daily, weekly, weekend and monthly passes) and ESPN StreamingThis NFL preseason game will broadcast live on ESPN at 8 p.m. Eastern (7 p.m. Central, 5 p.m. Pacific). Looking to stream some free football? There are plenty of options to watch this matchup at no cost, including FuboTV ($25 off first month) and DIRECTV ($35 off first month), which both offer a free 5-day trial. Sling TV is offering daily ($4.99), weekly ($9.99), weekend ($14.99) and monthly ($45.99) passes with Sling Orange, which carries ESPN.This matchup is also available on the ESPN app streaming service, which offers an Unlimited Plan for $29.99 per month (or $299.99 for entire year) and the Select Plan for $12.99 per month (or $129.99 for entire year). We recommend locking in the full year for hundreds of college football games, as well as every Monday Night Football game for the upcoming season. Las Vegas Raiders The Raiders dropped their NFL preseason opener to the Arizona Cardinals, 27-14, on Aug. 13. After starting quarterback Kirk Cousins scored a touchdown on his opening drive, Mendoza checked into the game late in the first quarter and led the Raiders on another touchdown drive, reminiscent of his surgical style in his one-and-done national championship year with the Indiana Hoosiers. Mendoza finished 10 of 16 for 97 yards and one touchdown with one sack, while Cousins went 5 of 6 for 50 yards and a score. Third-string QB Aidan O’Connell mopped up with 4 of 13 for 85 yards. He was also sacked once. Head coach Klint Kubiak will take off the training wheels for tonight’s matchup and let Mendoza make his first NFL start. He is expected to play the entire first half. The offense had its moments in the opener. E.J Williams tallied a team-high 41 yards on one reception, while Jack Bech and tight end Michael Mayer hauled in receiving touchdowns before the offense stalled out. Rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. notched six carries for 63 yards, including a 53-yard scurry. He will look to build on the highlight play. The Raiders’ defense was picked apart by journeyman QBs Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew. The duo combined to go 19 of 21 for 145 yards and three touchdowns.Watch Raiders vs. Texans for free on DIRECTVHouston Texans The Texans looked lost in their preseason opener, falling to the Los Angeles Chargers, 27-7, on Aug. 13.Backup quarterback Davis Mills got the start and nabbed a touchdown in the first quarter with a 5-yard pass to Jared Wayne. That was the extent of the offense. Mills finished 9 of 15 for 82 yards and one touchdown. He was sacked twice. Third-stringer Graham Mertz closed it out 4 of 7 for 23 yards, while adding three carries for 15 yards. Mertz suffered a torn ACL in his left knee late in the first half. Houston compiled just 10 first downs and 209 yards of total offense. Adding to their woeful display, the Texans lost starting receiver Jayden Higgins to a torn ACL during a joint practice this week.With Higgins out of the picture, Houston will look to the likes of Wayne, Lewis Bond, Jaylin Noel and Josh Kelly to step up their production. Starting receiver Tank Dell continues his recovery from a torn ACL and MCL in December of 2024. His preseason status is unclear. Franchise quarterback CJ Stroud could miss his second straight preseason game after head coach DeMeco Ryans opted to rest most of his starters for Week 2 following productive joint practices. If he does play, expect a very small sample. Former Oregon running back Noah Whittington looked sturdy with 13 carries for 40 yards. He will garner the bulk of the load after Josh Pitsenberger was placed on IR with an ankle injury.Stud safety Kamari Ramsey dropped his second interception against the Chargers, which likely would have become a pick-6. He will grab plenty of attention after the breakout performance in Week 1. 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