The unofficial kickoff to the 2025 NFL season is just around the corner. The first preseason game, the Hall of Fame Game, will take place on July 31st, with the Los Angeles Chargers hosting the Detroit Lions. This year’s Hall of Fame class features Antonio Gates, Eric Allen, Jared Allen, and Sterling Sharpe, who will be honored with their gold jackets on August 1st.
At BETMGM, 89% of bets favor the Lions to win by more than 1.5 points, and 77% of wagers are betting that the combined score will exceed 32.5 points. The Lions, coming off a strong 15-2 season, will play as the home team, while the Chargers, who finished the 2024 regular season at 11-6, will be the visitors at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
As of July 4th, the odds show the Lions as 1.5-point favorites, with a money line of -110 for the Lions and +110 for the Chargers. The over/under for the total points scored by both teams is set at 32.5. This matchup marks Detroit’s fourth Hall of Fame Game appearance and Los Angeles’ third. Detroit last played in this game in 1991, defeating Denver 14-3, while the Chargers’ last appearance was in 1994 when they lost to Atlanta 21-17.
Fan Take: This preview of the Hall of Fame Game provides a thrilling early look at emerging talents and seasoned players before the regular season. For NFL fans, it’s a perfect opportunity to gauge team dynamics and build excitement for the upcoming season, highlighting the sport’s deep-rooted traditions and competitive spirit.
