Lions vs. Chargers Early Picks, Predictions & Odds for Hall of Fame Game 2025

The Detroit Lions vs. Los Angeles Chargers Hall of Fame Game is upon us, which means the NFL regular season is just over a month away and our Lions vs. Chargers early picks and predictions have arrived.

Our analysis for Thursday's game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, focuses on each team's quarterback room, analyzing which signal-callers vying to land the backup role have performed better in their respective training camps. Kickoff is at 8 p.m. ET (NBC/Peacock).

That narrative forms the bedrock of our picks below, with the Lions the 1.5-point betting favorites at our best sports betting sites.  

🏈 My early Lions vs. Chargers prediction: Lions -1.5

NFL picks made Monday; odds subject to change. Our NEW NFL player prop odds tool can help you find the best odds on any market across legal sportsbooks in your area!

🦁 Prediction: Lions -1.5

Best odds: +100 via FanDuel | Implied probability: 50%

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There are a few considerations to take into account for Thursday's ceremonial contest.

First, the Lions have been acting like their team name early in training camp, with multiple scraps breaking out. I don't see that as a negative, though, as excessive competitiveness - even at this embryonic stage - is a hallmark of Dan Campbell-led teams.  

There's also the narrative of the Lions entering the game under new coaching regimes on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. John Morton takes the helm as the offensive coordinator, while Kelvin Sheppard leads the defense. 

Morton served as the senior offensive assistant in 2022 under Campbell, and Sheppard has been learning under Aaron Glenn's tutorship as linebackers coach for the last four seasons. I don't foresee any debilitating growing pains for either side in their first kick of the can. 

Which quarterback room looks better at training camp? 

Taylor Heinicke has the inside track to be named the Chargers' backup quarterback again this season unless, of course, he's dealt. With the veteran being such a known commodity, I expect Trey Lance and DJ Uiagalelei to get the bulk of the reps.  

Both struggled in June's minicamp with poor decision-making and a disproportionate number of interceptions. Even with Lance showing signs of improvement in the last week, I'm more partial to the Lions' quarterback room. 

Kyle Allen and Hendon Hooker, who have performed steadily and consistently at the Lions' camp, should see most of the reps, which is why I'm backing the Lions to win and cover the 1.5-point spread. 

Lions vs. Chargers live odds

See the NFL odds from our best NFL betting sites for every forthcoming game. 

💸 Moneyline

• Lions best odds: -110 via BetMGM | Implied probability: 52.38%
• Chargers best odds: +100 via FanDuel | Implied probability: 50%

Only two of our four best sports betting apps currently have odds available for Thursday's Hall of Fame Game. The Lions and Chargers are a -110 pick'em at BetMGM, while Campbell's Lions are the slight -120 favorites at FanDuel. 

🖐️ Spread

• Lioins best odds: -1.5 (+100) via FanDuel, BetMGM
• Chargers best odds: -1.5 (-120) via FanDuel, BetMGM

The Lions are the 1.5-point betting favorites at BetMGM and FanDuel, with the +1.5 Chargers receiving +100 odds.

After the pomp and pageantry of the Hall of Fame inductees being honored, the game will feature a bunch of depth players, many of whom will be trying their best to make a lasting impression and make the final 53-man roster.

Many starters will see limited playing time, if any at all. Additionally, the game will be played at a neutral venue in Canton, Ohio, which facilitates more parity in the spread. 

Over/Under

• Over best odds: 32.5 (-110) via BetMGM
• Under best odds: 32.5 (-105) via FanDuel

Four of the last six Hall of Fame Games had at least 33 points, including the last two. However, none of those games finished with more than 38 points. 

Execution is often problematic in these games, with quarterbacks and fringe players trying to make the roster more prone to mistakes. 

Lions vs. Chargers injuries to watch

💵 Best NFL betting sites

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