The NFL returns in grand style with the Hall of Fame Game as its preseason opener, and this year promises added significance: Antonio Gates, Chargers legend, will be inducted as part of the Hall of Fame Class of 2025. While the game holds no bearing on the regular season standings, it serves as an important showcase for both franchises as they solidify new identities and evaluate talent depth.
Chargers Overview
Under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers are embarking on a more physical, run-oriented identity. Most veterans—including Justin Herbert—will sit out to protect health, with Trey Lance slated to start and play into the third quarter before yielding to DJ Uiagalelei.
This game offers a spotlight to young players and recent draft picks. The Chargers will lean on Omarion Hampton as their lead back, along with wideouts like Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert‑Smith to make early impressions. Training camp has emphasized rookies pushing for roster spots and offensive line cohesion under the new system Chargers.
Lions Outlook
Detroit arrives off its franchise-best 15–2 season, though it lost in the divisional round. Under Dan Campbell, the Lions will also sit most starters, using this game to test depth and build continuity under new coordinators John Morton (offense) and Kelvin Sheppard (defense).
Behind Jared Goff, who probably won’t play, Detroit’s quarterback reps will go to Hendon Hooker and Kyle Allen. Meanwhile, the club is carefully balancing live reps for rookies like Tyleik Williams and Tate Ratledge, who may see limited action to avoid injury risk while still getting evaluated. Practices in Allen Park have been physically intense, showing position battles heating up across the roster.
Lions vs. Chargers Game Notes & Betting Context
According to oddsmakers from online sportsbook Bovada.lv, the Lions are 2.5-point home favorites to beat the Chargers. The total, meanwhile, sits at 33 points.
Historical trends favor low scoring in the Hall of Fame Game: totals often land in the low‑30s, with the Under hitting more often than not.
Odds have the Lions as slight favorites (around –1 to –1.5) with a modest total near 33–33.5 points.
Coaching edge: Harbaugh is 10‑6 ATS in preseason games; Campbell is 6‑6 ATS as a head coach, though recent seasons have been positive SU and ATS for Detroit.
Lions vs. Chargers Prediction
With top-tier starters mostly sitting, this will be a contest of second- and third‑stringers—emphasizing ball control, run-first sets for the Chargers, and short passing to establish rhythm for the Lions. Detroit may have the edge with Hooker and Allen, but L.A. has deeper QB rotation options including Lance and Uiagalelei.
The Lions, playing as the home team, set the tone early with strong defensive rotations and efficient offensive drives. Chargers show flashes from Hampton and company but remain inconsistent in execution.
Lions vs. Chargers Final Notes
Expect a gritty, low-scoring game. We lean Lions by a small margin on the moneyline, and suggest the total stays under 33.5 points.
Projected score: Detroit Lions 14, Los Angeles Chargers 10.
Overall, this Hall of Fame Game is less about the scoreboard and more about seeing who steps forward. Detroit’s established depth at key spots may give them a slight advantage—but every snap will serve as audition as teams finalize rosters ahead of the regular season.