NFL Preseason Kicks Off in Canton, Ohio

As the excitement builds for football fans, the 2025 NFL preseason is set to officially begin this Thursday night in Canton, Ohio. The Detroit Lions will face off against the Los Angeles Chargers in the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, with kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.

The Lions had a standout season last year, finishing with a remarkable 15-2 record and securing the top seed in the NFC. However, their postseason ended abruptly as they failed to advance past the initial playoff rounds. Similarly, the Chargers wrapped their season with an 11-6 record, finishing second in the AFC West, but didn’t find postseason success either.

Both teams will be looking to establish momentum heading into the new season. Notably, starting quarterbacks Jared Goff of the Lions and Justin Herbert of the Chargers are expected to sit out the game. Goff hasn’t participated in a preseason game since 2022, while Herbert has never taken a snap in preseason throughout his five-year career. This will give both teams a chance to evaluate their roster depth and the promising talents from the bullpen.

Currently, the Lions are favored by 1.5 points, with an over/under set at 32.5 total points. The moneyline sees Detroit at -135, while the Chargers stand at +114 in betting odds.

In the realm of NFL predictions, expert insights point to the Lions’ roster-building acumen under head coach Dan Campbell, who has garnered praise for his team setup, especially against the relatively new regime of Jim Harbaugh and Joe Horvitz in Los Angeles. Historical trends indicate that underdogs have triumphed in the Hall of Fame Game for the last three seasons, prompting a look at how both teams will attempt to define their style for the upcoming season.

The Lions boast a preseason record of 4-2 over the past two seasons, which adds another layer of intrigue to the matchup. Coach Campbell’s loss of two highly regarded coordinators may present a challenge, but it could also open opportunities for their key players to acclimate to new schemes.

With a focus on competitive roster battles, the Chargers are determined to establish a solid running game with new additions like rookie Omarion Hampton and veteran Najee Harris, who may not play but are indicative of their strategic mindset moving forward.

As fans gear up for a thrilling kickoff, all eyes will be on the talent showcased from both teams. What will be revealed as the Lions and Chargers take the field? Only time will tell as the NFL preseason ignites its 2025 season on a historic note.