2025 Hall of Fame Game Odds: Chargers vs Lions
Chargers vs. Lions Hall of Fame Game: NFL Odds and Preseason Outlook
As NFL Betting heats up with the return of preseason football, all eyes are on the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, where the Los Angeles Chargers will take on the Detroit Lions on Thursday night. With the 2025 NFL season just around the corner, this matchup offers the first real betting action, especially for those examining the 2025 Hall of Fame Game Odds and analyzing how early roster decisions will impact the season.
After a wild offseason and another chaotic NFL Draft, the depth charts look different, and bettors are eager to test the waters.
BUSR NFL Lines:
Spread: Los Angeles Chargers +2.5 (-108), Detroit Lions: -2,5 (-113)
Total: Over 32 (-112), Under 32 (-110)
Los Angeles Chargers: A New Chapter Under Harbaugh
The Chargers ended the 2024 season with an 11-6 record and a second-place finish in the AFC West. Despite a strong showing in the regular season, their playoff run ended abruptly with a 32-12 loss to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card Round. Jim Harbaugh’s first year brought structure, but the postseason disappointment lingers.
Quarterback Justin Herbert, who led an offense that averaged 23.6 points per game (11th in the league), won’t see much action in this game. Instead, Taylor Heinicke and Trey Lance, competing for the backup job, are expected to take most of the snaps. Rookie DJ Uiagalelei is also in the mix.
With running back J.K. Dobbins gone, Najee Harris was brought in during free agency, but a fireworks-related eye injury has kept him on the non-football injury list. That opens the door for rookie Omarion Hampton to take first-team reps. Behind him, Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal are fighting for roster spots.
The wide receiver room is a major focus. Ladd McConkey remains the top option, but Mike Williams retired unexpectedly. Rookies Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith will need to step up, especially with Quentin Johnston struggling. Tight end Oronde Gadsden II could be a wild card in the passing game.
Injuries are a concern. Harris remains out, linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips has been absent from practice, and receiver Jalen Reagor missed Monday’s session. Preseason games like this are critical for depth evaluation.
Detroit Lions: Building on 2024’s Breakthrough
Detroit finished 15-2 in the regular season, cruising to the NFC North title and top playoff seed before falling 45-31 to the Washington Commanders in the Divisional Round. The loss stung, but the Lions are still trending upward under Dan Campbell.
Campbell enters 2025 without his previous coordinators. Ben Johnson (now with the Chicago Bears) and Aaron Glenn (now with the New York Jets) moved on, prompting internal shifts. John Morton takes over the offense, and Kelvin Sheppard has been promoted to run the defense. Despite these changes, the Lions have strong continuity among returning players.
Several offensive stars, including Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, David Montgomery, and Jameson Williams, are expected to sit. That gives Hendon Hooker and Kyle Allen a chance to compete for a depth chart position. Wide receivers Isaac TeSlaa, Ronnie Bell, Dominic Lovett, and Tom Kennedy could make an impact in extended preseason reps.
Lions Offensive Line Status
Detroit’s offensive line must be addressed. Center Frank Ragnow retired, and guard Kevin Zeitler departed in free agency. Injuries haven’t helped. Defensive lineman Josh Paschal is on the non-football injury list. Tackle Taylor Decker, cornerback Khalil Dorsey, guard Miles Frazier, linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, and defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo are all on the PUP list.
Levi Onwuzurike is out for the year following knee surgery, and Alim McNeill is recovering from knee surgery and may miss the start of the regular season. Sione Vaki returned to practice in a limited role, while Terrion Arnold left Tuesday’s practice early with a hamstring issue.
Detroit is 1-2 all-time in Hall of Fame Games, most recently winning 14-3 over the Denver Broncos in 1991. Harbaugh is 11-8 in preseason games, while Campbell holds a 5-7 record but has gone 2-1 in each of the last two years. This game gives both teams an extra week to evaluate talent with four preseason games instead of the usual three.
2025 Hall of Fame Game Odds Analysis: Back the Lions -2.5
The current line shows Detroit favored by 2.5 points (-113), while the Chargers are +2.5 (-108). The total is set at 33, with the over at -112 and the under at -110.
Given the Lions’ continuity, quarterback depth, and preseason track record, they enter this game with a slight edge. While the Chargers are evaluating key position battles and managing injuries, Detroit has a more transparent structure and more returning depth across both sides of the ball.
The Lions also have less uncertainty in their second-string offense and more flexibility to create mismatches in preseason situations.
Harbaugh’s approach in his second preseason with Los Angeles will focus on testing new personnel, especially at wide receiver and running back. Campbell, meanwhile, is likely to rely on players who have already fit into his system and philosophy.
Expect a low-scoring game due to limited action from starters and conservative play-calling. However, Detroit’s stability and experience among backups make them a better bet in this matchup.
Best Bet: Detroit Lions -2.5
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