Excited fans cheering during the NFL preseason opener in Canton.
Canton, Ohio, July 31, 2025
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Game features the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Chargers, kicking off the 2025 NFL preseason at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Both teams, coming off 2024 playoff exits, will rest their starting quarterbacks. Betting favors the Lions by 1.5 points. The match happens just before the Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony, celebrating legendary players.
Canton, Ohio – The 2025 NFL preseason officially begins with the highly anticipated Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, featuring the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Chargers. This annual marquee event is set to take place on Thursday at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
The Detroit Lions enter the preseason following a stellar regular season where they achieved a 15-2 record, claiming the top seed in the NFC. Conversely, the Los Angeles Chargers concluded their season at 11-6, securing a second-place finish in the competitive AFC West. Both teams aim to bounce back this season after being eliminated in their respective postseason games in 2024, as they set their sights on championship contention in 2025.
Notably, both teams are expected to rest their starting quarterbacks. Lions quarterback Jared Goff will likely sit out, having not participated in a preseason game since 2022. Likewise, Justin Herbert, the Chargers’ quarterback, has never thrown a preseason pass during his five-year NFL career. As for the betting odds, the Lions are favored by 1.5 points, with an over/under for total points scored set at 32.5. The money line has the Lions at -135 and the Chargers at +114.
In terms of coaching, the Lions will navigate the game under Dan Campbell, who has faced significant changes in his coaching staff, having lost both of his coordinators to head coaching roles elsewhere. The Lions have performed well in the preseason in recent years, holding a record of 4-2 straight up over the last two seasons.
The Chargers, on the other hand, are under the leadership of head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Horvitz, both of whom are beginning their second year with the franchise. The Chargers aim to strengthen their running game with the addition of rookie Omarion Hampton. Additionally, they signed running back Najee Harris, who is not expected to play in this game. A notable matchup to watch will be the competition for backup quarterback duties among Trey Lance (set to start), DJ Uiagalelei (who is expected to play in the second half), and veteran Taylor Heinicke (who will not participate).
Historically, underdogs have shown resilience in the Hall of Fame Game, winning for the past three years running. This year’s matchup is particularly significant, as it will take place just ahead of the enshrinement ceremony for the Class of 2025, which includes iconic players such as Antonio Gates, Eric Allen, Jared Allen, and Sterling Sharpe, happening on August 2.
Fans eager to catch the action can find the game on NBC, with well-known commentators Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth providing insights. Streaming will also be available on NFL+. In addition, new users wishing to engage in some entertainment can check out a promotional offer with DraftKings that provides a $150 bonus after a mere $5 wager. Betting expert Matt Severance will offer predictions and analysis for this exciting matchup.
The Detroit Lions will face the Los Angeles Chargers.
The kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET.
The game will be held at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.
Both Jared Goff and Justin Herbert are expected to sit out this game.
The Lions are favored by 1.5 points, with a money line of -135, while the Chargers are at +114.
The game serves as the starting point for the NFL preseason and occurs just days before the enshrinement ceremony for the Class of 2025 Hall of Fame inductees.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | August 2, 2025 |
| Teams | Detroit Lions vs. Los Angeles Chargers |
| Location | Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton, Ohio |
| Kickoff Time | 8 p.m. ET |
| Lions’ Record 2024 | 15-2 |
| Chargers’ Record 2024 | 11-6 |
| Betting Odds (Lions) | -135 |
| Betting Odds (Chargers) | +114 |
| Over/Under Total Points | 32.5 |
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