The NFL returns tonight.
It’s been nearly six months since the Philadelphia Eagles hoisted the Lombardi Trophy and the annual Hall of Fame Game is the first head-to-head NFL competition since.
Tonight’s game in Canton, Ohio is the first of the NFL preseason, which now consists of three weeks of exhibition games that will continue on Thursday, August 7. This year, the Detroit Lions are the designated home team versus the Los Angeles Chargers to kick off the action.
The Hall of Fame Game also represents the start of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Enshrinement Week. The game’s inception dates back to 1962. It’s technically not a preseason game but an exhibition between two teams that typically have a historical connection to the current class of Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees.
On Saturday, August 2, former Chargers tight end Antonio Gates, alongside Eric Allen, Jared Allen and Sterling Sharpe, will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
On the field, expect to see backups and rookies during the game. Many of the players are battling for roster spots, so though it’s an exhibition, expect both sides to play hard. It’s unlikely that starting quarterbacks Justin Herbert or Jared Goff will suit up, among other starters.
Trey Lance has been announced as the starter for the Chargers, with Taylor Heinicke and DJ Uiagalelei making up the rest of the QB depth chart for Los Angeles. On the other side, Detroit will likely deploy Hendon Hooker and Kyle Allen under center.
Soak it in. This is the first taste of NFL football returning to television since February.
USA TODAY Sports will provide live updates, highlights and more from the Hall of Fame Game matchup between the Chargers and Lions below. All times are Eastern.
Hall of Fame Game start time
Date: Thursday, July 31, 2025
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
The Lions vs. Chargers game will kick off the 2025 NFL preseason at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Hall of Fame Game TV Channel
Cable TV: NBC
How to live stream Hall of Fame Game?
Streaming: Peacock | Fubo
Watch the ‘Hall of Fame Game’ on Peacock
Hall of Fame Game odds, Lions vs. Chargers moneyline, over/under
The Lions are favorites to defeat the Chargers, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2025 including the ESPN BET app and Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.
Spread: Lions (-1.5)
Moneyline: Lions (-118); Chargers (+100)
Over/under: 32.5
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Where is the Hall of Fame Game played?
The Hall of Fame Game is played at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. It is a significant part of Hall of Fame Village that seats over 20,000 people. It serves as the home field for Canton City Schools’ McKinley High School Bulldogs. It has been a host site for numerous championship events, including the inaugural USFL Championship Game, the 2021 NCAA DIII Stagg Bowl, and over two decades of OHSAA high school football championship games.