Chargers vs. Lions Hall of Fame Game Prediction | NFL Picks Today, Best Bets

The NFL season is officially back on Thursday with the annual Hall of Fame game to kick off preseason. Thursday’s matchup will headline the Los Angeles Chargers, who are set to take on Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of this preseason bout in Canton. 

Where to Watch the NFL Hall of Fame Game

• Location: Canton, Ohio
• Time: 8:00 PM ET
• Stadium: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium
• Where to Watch: NBC/Peacock
• Spread: Lions -1.5
• Moneyline: Lions -135
• Total: 32.5

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Hall of Fame Game Best Bet: Detroit Lions 2+ Passing Touchdowns +310

The Detroit Lions offense is expected to be high-powered once again this season, even with the loss of offensive guru Ben Johnson. With Hendon Hooker expected to take the first reps under center, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the team show their confidence in the young QB and open up the playbook to test things out. That said, it feels like a good bet for Detroit to finish with 2+ passing touchdowns. 

Hall of Fame Game Best Total Bet: Over 32.5 -115

Both teams have players competing for roster spots amid camp battles. Following last season’s snooze fest of a Hall of Fame game, it’s hard to put much stock in this season’s. However, between two talented rosters like Los Angeles and Detroit, the talent that makes up the backup roles is still enough for me to see a final score of 24-17 being a realistic outcome. 

Chargers Offensive Player to Watch: QB Trey Lance

The Chargers took a swing on the potential of Trey Lance this offseason, signing him to the roster with a chance to compete for the backup quarterback job. The team already has its franchise QB in place with Justin Herbert, but it’s always essential to have a reliable backup just in case. Lance has received rave reviews through training camp thus far and has positioned himself to play extended drives as he prepares to battle with Taylor Heinicke for the backup job. My eyes will be on Lance to see how he handles the job as the starter under a new head coach, Jim Harbaugh. 

Chargers Defensive Player to Watch: DE/LB Kyle Kennard

Kyle Kennard proved to be an absolute game wrecker in his final collegiate season at South Carolina. The edge rusher was a menace in pass defense but proved more than capable of stopping the run. Many considered the Chargers to have gotten a steal when landing Kennard, and we’ll get the first chance to see how his game translates to the NFL on Thursday. 

Lions Offensive Player to Watch: QB Hendon Hooker

Another backup quarterback with the chance to make a statement on Thursday night’s matchup is former Tennessee star Hendon Hooker. With Detroit expected to sit their leading players, it leaves a wide open opportunity for the quarterback to prove why he’s not only a reliable option to be the backup to Jared Goff, but why he could also run an offense of his own if a desperate team were to come calling at any point this season. Not to mention, Hooker will be the first QB to watch under new offensive coordinator John Morton’s play-calling. 

Lions Defensive Player to Watch: DE Al-Quadin Muhammad 

Al-Quadin Muhammad will be a player to watch tonight for Detroit simply because the Lions are in desperate need of depth on their defensive line. The team signed Muhammad, hoping he could be the answer, but at 30 years old and bouncing around the league, it’s fair to wonder how much is left in the tank. Regardless, he’ll get a solid chance to prove why he should make the roster and carve out a sizable role on Thursday.

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