The NFL Hall of Fame game may be the most important unimportant game of the year. Sure, it’s just a preseason game, but it’s the first pro football action since the Super Bowl. The lure of watching at least a quarter and betting on NFL Preseason Odds is hard for any football fan to resist.
To ensure you’re able to scratch that itch with as much Hall of Fame Game knowledge as possible, we’re providing a HOFer game preview with plenty of helpful tips.
View the latest NFL odds at Bovada
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Detroit Lions Preseason Odds
- Spread: Detroit Lions -1 (-105)
- Moneyline: -110
- Total: 32.5 (-110)
- Game Start: July 31, 2025, at 8 PM ET
There is no “home” team in the Hall of Fame game. The game is played at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio – a neutral site. Neither team involved has played in the HoF game in over 30 years.
The Chargers may have a bit of extra juice as legendary tight end Antonio Gates is part of the 2025 Hall of Fame Class.
Don’t Expect to See Starters Very Long
It’s unlikely either team will play their starters for long. Both the Lions and Chargers were playoff teams in 2024, finishing 15–2 and 11–6, respectively. Their primary focus in the Hall of Fame Game is evaluating rookies and finalizing depth chart spots. For veteran starters, the only real goal is to stay healthy for Week 1.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff, a nine-year veteran, probably won’t see a snap. Head coach Dan Campbell is more likely to give extended reps to young backup Hendon Hooker as he looks to develop the future of the position.
On the Chargers’ side, if Justin Herbert sits, veteran Taylor Heinicke and former No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance should see significant action. Most non-rookie starters will play at most until halftime, with the second half fully dedicated to roster hopefuls trying to earn a spot.
Chargers Rookie Could Have Impact
The game-changing Charger who could see a lot of action is running back Omarion Hampton. A first-round rookie from North Carolina, Hampton posted over 1,500 yards in each of his final two years as a Tar Heel. Rookies tend to get the most play in preseason, and Hampton was a big play threat at North Carolina. Hampton could make game-changing plays with only a handful of meaningful touches.
The Lions will showcase their own first-round rookie in Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams. However, his position isn’t one that typically fills up the box score in preseason games.
Hall of Fame Games Are Low Scoring
While there have been a few high-scoring Hall of Fame Games, they’re the exception, not the rule. Over the last 20 HoF Games, the total has averaged just 32.7 points, and even in the past three years, it’s only slightly higher at 37.7. For comparison, the 2024 NFL regular season averaged 45.8 points per game.
As mentioned earlier, most established starters don’t suit up for the preseason opener. Instead, fans get an extended look at backups, many of whom are fighting to make the roster. Additionally, coaches frequently rotate players in and out, aiming to evaluate a 90-man roster that must be trimmed to 53 by the start of Week 1. The constant substitutions, paired with the fact that most players haven’t seen live action in over six months, make it tough for offenses to find any rhythm. The result? A sloppy punt fest more often than not.In fact, Hall of Fame Games have only topped 40 total points three times in the past 20 years: 2005, 2008, and 2013.
Turnovers Mirror the Regular Season
While the Hall of Fame Game often appears sloppier than a regular-season matchup, the turnover numbers might surprise you. The last 10 HoF Games averaged 2.88 turnovers per game, not far off from the 2.42 per game during the 2024 NFL regular season.
However, there is a noticeable difference in the type of turnover. In those last 10 HoF Games, interceptions account for 71% of the turnovers, compared to 59% during the 2024 season. Judging by those numbers, expect the QBs to be a bit more scattershot, especially when the rookie QBs get playing time.
There Hasn’t Been a 100-yard Rusher or Receiver in 20 Years
For those looking to enjoy some NFL props during the game, don’t expect anybody to show out like it’s the regular season.
The Hall of Fame game hasn’t had a running back top 100 yards rushing or a receiver top 100 yards receiving in the last 20 games. Cleveland Browns running back Kellen Mond has the most rushing yards in the last 20 games with just 46 in 2023. Meanwhile, Houston Texans receiver Xavier Hutchinson and Chicago Bears receiver Cade Johnson tied for the most receiving yards with 56 each in 2024.
New 2025 NFL Rules
You should see a couple of new rules implemented during the Hall of Fame game and become the norm in the regular season. They are as follows:
- New Kickoff and Touchback Spot
- On a touchback, the ball will now be placed at the 35-yard line, not the 30.
- Overtime Changes
- Regular season overtime now mirrors the playoff rules. Each team is guaranteed at least one possession, even when the first team scores a touchdown. Overtime has also been shortened to 10 minutes from 15.
- Virtual First-Down Measurements
- Like MLB, the NFL is going the digital route for specific rules and measurements. All stadiums will feature Sony Hawk-Eye technology, which utilizes camera-based tracking to determine first downs instantly. It will be immediately used this year; the chain gang will only be used as a backup.
- New Reviewable Plays
- Replay officials can now review facemasks, roughing the kicker, roughing the passer, intentional grounding, unnecessary roughness, horse-collar tackles, and tripping.
- No More “Nose Wipe” Celebrations
- You read that right. The NFL has banned the celebration where players wipe their noses as a celebration. It is now considered unsportsmanlike conduct and is a 15-yard penalty.
