Who Will Win the 2025 Hall of Fame Game? Lions vs Chargers Preview

The 2025 NFL preseason officially kicks off with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on July 31, as the Detroit Lions face off against the Los Angeles Chargers in Canton, Ohio. While the fixture is primarily ceremonial, tied to the annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony, it still offers fans their first taste of NFL action since February.

This year’s matchup is especially compelling given the strong 2024 campaigns both teams enjoyed. The Lions, under head coach Dan Campbell, reached the NFC Championship Game and fell just short of their first Super Bowl appearance. Meanwhile, the Chargers are entering a new era under head coach Jim Harbaugh, who is expected to instil discipline in a roster that has long underachieved.

Lions: Depth and Culture on Display

Detroit’s rise from mediocrity to genuine contender has been one of the NFL’s best stories over the past two seasons. Their roster is solid, their identity is clear, and their confidence is sky-high. However, most of their starters won’t feature heavily in this early preseason fixture. Instead, the spotlight will be on rookies like quarterback Hendon Hooker.

Keep an eye on the depth players who participate, as this will be their chance to push for greater roles in the coming season. With Detroit’s offensive and defensive systems already well established, it wouldn’t be surprising to see backups looking more cohesive than usual.

Chargers: Harbaugh’s New Beginning

For Los Angeles, the 2025 Hall of Fame Game marks the beginning of a new chapter. Jim Harbaugh’s recent return to the NFL brings excitement and expectations, but also question marks. The Chargers have lost key veterans and are likely to be cautious with their star players in the preseason opener as a result.

All eyes will be on the team’s younger players, including new draft picks and recent additions to the secondary and offensive line. Harbaugh is renowned for turning teams around, and will see this game as a chance to gauge the next steps he must take ahead of the new season.

Betting Outlook and Predictions

Preseason NFL games are notoriously hard to predict due to the limited involvement of starters and the experimental nature of lineups. However, platforms offering online betting indicate that the Lions are slight favourites, likely due to their stability and continuity under Campbell.

That said, preseason wins are more about coaching depth and execution from second and third-string units. Harbaugh may want to set the right tone early, but the Lions’ cohesion and the advantage of experienced backups could tilt the balance in their favour.

Final Verdict

While the outcome of the Hall of Fame Game won’t determine who lifts the Lombardi Trophy in February, it’s an important tone-setter. Detroit’s stability, recent success, and quarterback depth suggest they’re better positioned to start the preseason on a high note.

Expect a low-scoring contest with flashes of promise from both sides, and a strong hint of what’s to come later in 2025.