Chargers vs. Lions 2025 NFL Hall of Fame Game Betting Preview

By Jeff Stinger • July 28, 2025

The Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions kick off the 2025 NFL Preseason this Thursday when the two playoff contenders clash at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.

Early 2000s stars corner Eric Allen, defensive end Jared Allen, Chargers’ legendary tight end Antonio Gates, and wide receiver Sterling Sharpe are this year’s inductees. After the ceremony, the game will open this year’s NFL Season.

After failing in the Divisional Round to the Washington Commanders last season, the Lions hope to close the door on their NFC opponents this season and march to their first-ever Super Bowl. The Chargers, under coach Jim Harbaugh, believe they’ve made enough changes to challenge the Kansas City Chiefs for AFC West supremacy. Which team begins the preseason with a victory and a cover?

2025 NFL Hall of Fame Game Information

4️⃣ days till kickoff!!

⏰ 8 p.m. ET
@SNFonNBC/@Peacock
@Lions vs. @Chargers @NovartisUS | #PFHOF25 pic.twitter.com/GGQPitLkoy
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) July 27, 2025

When

Where: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton, Ohio
TV/Streaming: NBC/Peacock
ATS Odds: Detroit -1.5
Over/Under: 32.5

Deep Dive into the 2025 NFL Hall of Fame Game

The over/under total clues us in as to what early NFL bettors and NFL oddsmakers are thinking. The 32.5 suggests that both teams leave their starters on the bench; it’s rare to play starters in the first preseason game, and instead take a look at rookies and possible notable team players.

So, for the Detroit Lions, we should expect a heavy dose of Hendon Hooker and Kyle Allen under center. Craig Reynolds should get the bulk of the carries while Ronnie Bell and Malik Taylor will get the starts at receiver. Also, don’t expect the Lions to play any of their starters at offensive line. An OL line injury this early would be devastating to the team’s chances of winning the NFC North.

The L.A. Chargers will go with a couple of familiar names at quarterback. The first is former NFL first-round draft Pick Trey Lance. Lance was set to start for the San Francisco 49ers before suffering an injury in his rookie season. Since then, Lance’s career has been in a state of flux.

We should also get a look at former Clemson and Oregon State standout quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei. After transferring to Florida State last season, Uiagalelei’s college career took a significant step backward. Harbaugh will want to see if D.J. still has NFL starter potential.

Expect special teams starters and backups to play on both defenses. The coaches will use this game to get a good look at which players to include on the game-day and practice-day rosters.

How to Bet the 2025 NFL Hall of Fame Game

Last season, the Chargers beat the Dallas Cowboys 26-19 in their first NFL Preseason game. The Detroit Lions beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-17. Based on those games, the best bet for Thursday night’s matchup appears to be over 32.5.

However, the Lions are without former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who took the reins in Chicago. There’s no way to tell how well the offense will click, and the Bolts’ defense is decent, even down to the third string.

But the preseason is all about getting our feet wet and preparing for the regular season. A small parlay, such as Lions at -1.5 to over 32.5, is a decent play. Hendon Hooker should get plenty of reps, and he dominated the Boys with 114 passing yards last season in the Lions’ first preseason game. Let’s roll the dice some. But don’t bet too much. Good luck!

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