Excited fans cheering during the NFL preseason opener in Canton.
The NFL preseason begins with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game featuring the Detroit Lions against the Los Angeles Chargers. Both teams aim to prepare for a competitive season ahead, with key players unlikely to participate. The game, scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, will be closely watched as both teams adjust to coaching changes and look to evaluate their backup quarterbacks. Historical trends suggest underdogs in Hall of Fame Games tend to perform well, adding intrigue to this season opener.
Canton, Ohio – The NFL preseason officially begins on Thursday with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, pitting the Detroit Lions against the Los Angeles Chargers. The game is set to kick off at 8 p.m. ET at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium and marks an important matchup as both teams prepare for the challenges of the 2025 season.
The Lions enter the game following a successful 2024 season, boasting a record of 15-2, which earned them the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. Despite their strong regular-season performance, they were unable to advance far in the postseason. The Chargers, with an 11-6 record, also fell short in their playoff ambitions, finishing second in the competitive AFC West division. As both teams set their sights on title contention in the upcoming year, their performance in this preseason matchup will be closely observed.
For the game, Lions quarterback Jared Goff will likely not take the field, as he has not participated in a preseason game since 2022. Similarly, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is also expected to be absent from action, marking a peculiar trend as he has never thrown a preseason pass in his five-season NFL career. Consequently, fans will be looking for memorable performances from the backup quarterbacks in both camps.
The latest odds indicate that the Lions are favored by 1.5 points, with a set over/under total of 32.5 points scored during the game. The money-line odds stand at -135 for Detroit and +114 for the Chargers, suggesting the Lions have a slight edge as they prepare for their first game of the season.
Both teams have seen notable coaching changes leading into the 2025 season. The Lions’ head coach Dan Campbell faces the challenge of adapting after losing both of his coordinators to head coaching positions. In contrast, the Chargers are under the guidance of head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Horvitz, entering their second season together with a focus on enhancing their team’s competitive edge.
The Lions have shown promise in recent preseason games, achieving a record of 4-2 straight up over the last two seasons. The Chargers, eager to solidify their running game, recently signed running back Najee Harris, who will not participate, while rookie Omarion Hampton looks to make a strong impression. The backup quarterback battle will be a key focal point for the Chargers, featuring Trey Lance starting the game and DJ Uiagalelei slated to play during the second half. Veteran quarterback Taylor Heinicke will not take the field.
Historically, recent Hall of Fame Games have favored underdogs, with the last three contests resulting in victories for those viewed as less likely to win. This trend adds an element of unpredictability as both teams look to establish their identities going into the regular season.
In addition to the game itself, the event will precede the enshrinement ceremony honoring the Class of 2025, which includes noted players such as Antonio Gates, Eric Allen, Jared Allen, and Sterling Sharpe, scheduled to occur on August 2. Fans can tune into the game’s live coverage on NBC, with football commentators Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth providing insights. Streaming options are also available via NFL+ for those unable to watch on television.
Amidst the excitement surrounding this football season kickoff, bettors will be able to find expertise and predictions for the game, enhancing their viewing experience as the Lions and Chargers take the field.
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