75%
USA
Canada
Australia
UKBetting on the 2025 NFL Hall of Fame Games: Top Picks & Storylines
The 2025 Hall of Fame Game pits the Chargers against the Lions in the first preseason matchup of the season. This matchup between LA and Detroit also kicks off Hall of Fame Weekend.
This year’s four HoF inductees, Sterling Sharpe, Jared Allen, Antonio Gates, and Eric Allen, will be honored during the game. Keep reading to see the best NFL Hall of Fame Game bets and my picks for this year’s matchup.
What Teams are Playing in the 2025 NFL Hall of Fame Game?
The best NFL betting sites are full of exciting betting markets for the return of the football season. Before digging into the latest odds, let’s look at the basic details for this year’s HoF Game.
Detroit will be the designated home team in Canton this Thursday. The Lions roster was devastated by injuries last season, but their next man up philosophy helped Detroit earn a 15-2 record in the regular season.
They earned the number one seed in the NFC, but the Lions’ injury woes caught up with them in the playoffs. Detroit went one-and-done in the postseason, losing 45-31 against the Commanders in the Divisional Round.
The Chargers also fell flat in the postseason thanks to a four-interception game from Justin Herbert. Before their disappointing playoff performance, the Jim Harbaugh Era was off to a hot start. Harbaugh helped the Chargers improve from a 5-12 record in 2023 to an 11-6 record in 2024.
2025 NFL Hall of Fame Game Odds
See the table below for the current NFL Hall of Fame Game odds, courtesy of BetUS.
| Team | Moneyline | Point Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Chargers | +115 | +2.0 (-110) | Over 33.5 (-110) |
| Detroit Lions | -135 | -2.0 (-110) | Under 33.5 (-110) |
The Lions are -135 favorites heading into this matchup with LA (+115). Oddsmakers list the Chargers as 2.0-point underdogs in the latest moneyline odds. The over/under is listed at 33.5 points.
In the days leading up to the game, the line has moved in Detroit’s favor. The Lions were only favored by a point on Monday, with the moneyline essentially a pick’em.
Who is Playing in the Hall of Fame Game?
The players will be wearing Chargers and Lions uniforms, but they are not the stars fans are used to seeing. LA and Detroit, as is the case for most preseason games, will be sitting their starters.
Some of the players competing on Thursday include:
Lance, the third overall pick by the 49ers in 2021, will be the starting quarterback for the Chargers. He is expected to play the first three quarters before undrafted free agent D.J. Uiagalelei takes over. Rookie receiver Tre Harris will play, too.
Detroit is also sitting their regular starters and their first two picks, DL Tyleik Williams and OL Tate Ratledge. Isaac TeSlaa, a rookie receiver who has impressed in camp, will play. Third-year quarterback Hendon Hooker will be under center for the Lions to start the game.
Top NFL Hall of Fame Game Props
Your NFL Hall of Fame Game betting options are not limited to moneylines and point spreads. Offshore sportsbooks also offer exciting props for the first preseason game of the year.
Win Margin
The favorite in this win margin prop is for Detroit to win by 1-6 points (+275). A Chargers win by the same margin is not far behind at +330.
Your options in this prop range all the way up to a win by 43+ points. Both Detroit and LA are listed at +10000 odds to win by more than 43 points on Thursday.
I think Detroit will win, and I like the Lions by at least a touchdown. My recommended option for this wager is Lions win by 7-12 points (+450).
Double Result
Double result game props allow you to wager on the winners of both halves of the game. The favorite for this wager is for Detroit to win both halves. A Lions-Lions double result is listed at +145 odds.
On the flip side, a Chargers-Chargers result is a close second at +220. A Chargers-Tie double result rounds out the top three at +260 odds.
As mentioned above, I do think the Lions will win on Thursday. However, given that it is the preseason, I would not be surprised if the Chargers steal a half. So, I recommend betting on a Chargers-Lions double result at 7-1 odds.
Best 2025 NFL Hall of Fame Game Bets
The Lions have a 4-2 record in the preseason the last two years. Dan Campbell and his new coordinators will have the Lions ready to go, and Detroit will pick up the win.
Also, the winning team in the Hall of Fame Game has scored at least 21 points three years in a row. Detroit had one of the best offenses in the league last season, but I am less confident that Trey Lance can be productive. I like the Lions to win by 7-12 points (+450).
Only one of the last four HoF Game matchups has scored under 37 total points. Campbell will do his best to run up the score, so I recommend taking the over on 33.5 points (-110).
NFL Hall of Fame Game Betting Tips
After six months off from betting on the NFL, you may be a little rusty. Here are three tips to help you succeed at betting on this year’s Hall of Fame Game.
Know the Starting Lineups and Playing Time
As mentioned above, starters typically do not play in the Hall of Fame Game. With that in mind, it is especially important for bettors to know who is suiting up for the game.
Also, since it is the preseason, it is highly unlikely that one player will take all the reps at most positions. Instead, coaches will limit the playing times for all players to ensure there are plenty of reps to go around.
This is vital to assessing as many players as possible during the game, but it can also change the outcome of the game if inexperienced players are taking more snaps.
Expect a Low Scoring Game
Last season, teams in the NFL averaged over 22 PPG. However, scoring in the preseason is usually lower.
The trend in recent years has been for teams to minimize their starters’ reps in preseason games. Some teams, like the Rams, do not play their starters at all.
One side effect of this trend is increased playing time for less skilled players. This typically results in lower scoring in preseason games.
Research HoF Game Trends
The Hall of Fame Game is unique in many ways, including its own exclusive trends.
Some recent tendencies to be aware of are:
- Home teams are 8-2 in the last 10 HoF Games
- 5 of the last 7 HoF Games totaled 33+ points
Winning the game can also be a curse. The last team to win a playoff game the same year they won the HoF Game was the 2005 Chicago Bears.
Betting on the 2025 NFL Hall of Fame Game
The 2025 NFL Hall of Fame Game marks the end of the annual football betting drought. My top wager for this year’s game is for Detroit to win and cover their 2-point spread (-110). Also, I encourage bettors to take the time to do a deep dive into the starting lineups for Thursday’s preseason kickoff game.
Whether you are riding with the Lions or the Chargers, the best place to wager on the HoF Game is BetUS. Join today to claim a 125% deposit match on your first three qualifying deposits.
