The Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Chargers will kick off the NFL preseason in the 2025 Hall of Fame Game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, OH tonight.
While Week 1 of the preseason can't quite match the anticipation of Week 1 of the regular season, there's still plenty for football fans and bettors to get excited about.
Here's everything you need to know ahead of the 2025 Hall of Fame Game, including odds, props, and storylines to help you make your NFL picks on July 31.
NFL Hall of Fame Game odds
The Detroit Lions come into the Hall of Fame Game as tepid 1.5-point favorites over the Los Angeles Chargers at the majority of sportsbooks we're tracking. If you want to back the Lions straight-up, you'll be laying about $135 to win $100 based on the latest odds.
The total sits at 32.5, with the Over slightly juiced beyond the standard -110. It's not uncommon to see totals this low in preseason.
Trend bettors should note that six of the last 12 Hall of Fame Games have seen fewer than 33 points scored, with none eclipsing 40 points in the last 10 years. Both teams went Under in their 2024 preseason openers by a healthy margin, with neither game getting to the 20-point plateau.
NFL Hall of Fame Game props
Although NFL player props are hard to find when betting on preseason action, FanDuel and DraftKings are offering various team props. Below is a list of selected milestone markets.
| Market |  |
 |
|---|---|---|
 Chargers 1+ Passing TDs |
-145 | -118 |
 Lions 1+ Passing TDs |
-165 | -172 |
| Chargers 2+ Passing TDs |
+370 | +430 |
| Lions 2+ Passing TDs |
+320 | +310 |
| Chargers 1+ Rushing TDs |
-175 | -192 |
| Lions 1+ Rushing TDs |
-170 | -188 |
| Chargers 2+ Rushing TDs |
+300 | +270 |
| Lions 2+ Rushing TDs |
+300 | +280 |
| Chargers 200+ Receiving Yards |
-120 | -118 |
| Lions 200+ Receiving Yards |
-160 | -128 |
NFL Hall of Fame Game predictions
NFL expert Neil Parker has made his Lions vs. Chargers predictions for Thursday night. Find out why he's eyeing the Chargers over the Lions in what could be a higher-scoring affair than expected.
NFL Hall of Fame Game storylines
Lions' big names to be benched
Do not expect the Lions to dress any of their starters for the Hall of Fame Game. Detroit's big guns like Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Amon-Ra St. Brown all featured heavily in a recent scrimmage, and head coach Dan Campbell indicated that those who played in the scrimmage would be allowed to rest on Thursday night.
"This will be our first scrimmage that we will have in camp here," Campbell said on Tuesday. Most of it will be focused on the group of guys that I don’t see playing in a couple of days for the Chargers."
The Lions rested 27 players in their 2024 preseason opener, and 28 players in 2023.
Lance gets his chance for Chargers
The Chargers announced that former No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance will start in the Hall of Fame Game, with QB No. 1 Justin Herbert presumably being benched on Thursday.
Lance may not have Ladd McConkey to throw to due to a minor injury, and Mike Williams' shock retirement has also provided some additional opportunities for other WRs on the Bolts' roster to step up. One of those opportunists could be Tre Harris, L.A.'s second-round selection out of Mississippi.
The speedy KeAndre Lambert-Smith, a fifth-round selection out of Auburn, is another name to watch for from the Chargers' WR corps.
How to watch the NFL Hall of Fame Game and info
| Location | Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton, OH |
| Date | Thursday, 7-31-2025 |
| Kickoff | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | NBC |
NFL Hall of Fame Game weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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