With pads arriving Thursday for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Chargers kick off the 2025 preseason showdown in Canton, Ohio .
Here’s the breakdown:
Starters will sit out or limit snaps. Both Jared Goff and Justin Herbert are expected to rest to preserve health ahead of the regular season .
Quarterback reps spotlight backups. Trey Lance will start for the Chargers and likely play into the third quarter before giving way to DJ Uiagalelei. On Detroit’s side, Hendon Hooker and Kyle Allen will split snaps while jockeying for the backup role behind Goff .
Training camp performers hit the spotlight. This game gives media and fans the first real look at emerging Lions standouts and snap-hungry rookies as they fight for roster spots .
Depth at positions will be tested. Coaches and analysts will key in on which position groups impress early—especially on defense where young corners and edge rushers aim to argue their case .
Game trends to note. Recent Hall of Fame Games have leaned toward the under, with totals averaging in the low 30s—but experts expect this year’s game to again go over, given increasing involvement from backups and rookies .
Watch for big plays from the fresh faces. The Chargers plan to involve some of their newest offensive entrants, while the Lions will test their depth and unlock hidden gems on special teams and positional battles .
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✅ Key Preseason Storylines
What to Watch Why It Matters
Rookie Breakouts Roster decisions often get made here—look for players who catch scouts’ eyes.
Quarterback Preview How well Hooker, Allen, or Lance perform can shape depth charts early.
Positional Battles Backup CBs, edge rushers, and interior defenders can earn spots with a standout game.
Depth vs. Fatigue With starters resting, this is a stress-test for the rest of the roster.
Over/Under Trends Betting markets suggest moderate scoring, but intrigue might push it higher.
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🎯 Bottom Line
This isn’t about final scores — it’s Detroit and L.A. laying the foundation for the 2025 regular season. Expect to see scrappiness, standout rookie moments, and position groups proving their worth under real NFL pressure.
Young Guns to Shine: Detroit’s Rookies Take Center Stage vs. LA
