News Summary
The NFL preseason begins with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game featuring the Detroit Lions against the Los Angeles Chargers. Set for kickoff at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, both teams are looking to rebound from last season’s playoff exits. Key quarterbacks are expected to sit out, raising questions about both teams’ depth. The Lions are favored by 1.5 points, while historical trends favor underdogs in this matchup. Coverage will be provided on NBC and streaming on NFL+, with betting insights available from experts.
Canton, Ohio – The 2025 NFL preseason officially kicks off with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, featuring a matchup between the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Chargers. The game is set to take place at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium with kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
The Lions, who finished last season with an impressive 15-2 record, claimed the top seed in the NFC, while the Chargers concluded their season with an 11-6 record, finishing second in the AFC West. Both teams will be seeking redemption after being eliminated in their respective postseason games last year and are aiming for contention in this upcoming season.
As both teams prepare for the preseason encounter, it is noteworthy that key quarterbacks are expected to sit out. Lions quarterback Jared Goff has not participated in a preseason game since 2022, and Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has yet to throw a pass in the preseason during his five-year career. This decision may impact the teams’ performance as they look to establish depth in their rosters.
According to the latest betting odds, the Lions are favored by 1.5 points, with the total points over/under set at 32.5. The Lions hold a -135 money-line, while the Chargers are positioned at +114. Additionally, historical trends indicate that underdogs have triumphed in the Hall of Fame Game for the past three seasons, adding an intriguing element to the matchup.
Coaching changes have also marked this preseason, as Lions’ head coach Dan Campbell has lost both of his coordinators to head coaching positions. This factor could influence the team’s strategy and execution in the upcoming game. The Lions have performed well in recent preseason matchups, with a record of 4-2 straight up in the last two years.
On the other side, Chargers’ head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Horvitz are entering their second season with the team. The Chargers are eager to establish a robust running game, with rookie Omarion Hampton in the mix, alongside newly signed running back Najee Harris, who will not be participating in this game.
The Chargers are also gearing up for a competitive battle at the backup quarterback position. Trey Lance is expected to start, while DJ Uiagalelei is anticipated to see action in the second half. Veteran quarterback Taylor Heinicke will not be on the field for this game.
The Hall of Fame Game not only serves as a kickoff for the preseason but also precedes the enshrinement ceremony for the Class of 2025, which includes notable players like Antonio Gates, Eric Allen, Jared Allen, and Sterling Sharpe on August 2.
Fans can enjoy coverage of the game on NBC, featuring familiar football personalities like Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth as commentators. The game will also be available for streaming via NFL+. For those interested in betting, a promotional offer from DraftKings includes a $150 bonus after a $5 wager. Betting expert Matt Severance is poised to provide predictions and analysis in anticipation of this exciting matchup.
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Additional Resources
- NFL.com: 2025 Hall of Fame Week How to Watch
- Wikipedia: Pro Football Hall of Fame Game
- NBC: 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game How to Watch
- Google Search: 2025 NFL Preseason
- Action Network: 2025 Hall of Fame Game Betting Promos
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Football League
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
