NFL Is Back: Lions vs. Chargers Hall of Fame Game Guide

Ah, the Hall of Fame Game. It’s like that annual appetizer before the main NFL season course. Not quite the steak dinner, but enough to whet your appetite for what’s ahead. This year, it’s the Los Angeles Chargers squaring off against the Detroit Lions. Yep, those Chargers who seem perpetually cursed by close games and the Lions, who spent decades as the NFL’s lovable underdogs but are now the league’s darlings after figuring out how to consistently win football games (who saw that coming?!).

For fans looking to see how their squads are warming up for the season, here’s everything you need to know about how to watch this classic kickoff event.

When and Where?

• Date: Thursday, July 31, 2025
• Time: 8 PM ET (so, coffee for West Coasters!)
• Location: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton, Ohio

There’s no elaborate stadium fanfare here. We’re talking about a no-frills kind of venue, sitting humbly next to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But hey, the setting adds some serious nostalgia points.

How to Watch the Hall of Fame Game

TV Broadcast: The Hall of Fame Game will air on NBC, because what’s football without America chiming in to remind us that it’s, well, “Football Night in America”? Just imagine Al Michaels or Mike Tirico bringing a sprinkle of sarcasm and some hard-hitting commentary.

Live Stream Options: For those ditching cables like old flip phones, the game will stream live on Peacock. If navigating streaming apps makes you want to spike your phone harder than a touchdown pass from Justin Herbert, relax. Fire up Peacock on your Smart TV, laptop, or even your mobile device. No excuses.

Preview & What to Watch

This isn’t your typical Week 1 matchup, where starters are doubling as sideline cheerleaders by the third drive. The Hall of Fame Game is much more like a tryout for those late-round draft picks and dudes just trying to make the team. Here’s what to pay attention to:

Chargers’ Backup Showdown

Behind Justin Herbert (who’ll likely be holding a clipboard all night), keep an eye on Trey Lance and Easton Stick along with others competing for those coveted second and third-string spots. It’s like watching backup singers audition for a potential Super Bowl halftime show. Will anyone shine bright enough for the coaches to say, “Yeah, that’s our guy” if Herbert misses a beat this season?

Lions’ Resurgence Tour Continues

Detroit? Fun fact, this isn’t just your standard “rebuild mode” Lions squad anymore. They’re legitimate contenders now, and this game offers a glimpse at their shiny new defensive and offensive pieces. The pressure is on rookies to make that leap from locker room rook to genuine playmaker.

And, of Course… The Hall of Fame Festivities

The game itself is cool, sure, but don’t forget to soak in that Hall of Fame magic. This is Canton, folks. The induction ceremony feels as historic as the NFL itself. Legends will be honored, speeches will hit the heartstrings, and more than a few grown men in the crowd will “be on TV crying.”

Why Watch (You Know, Besides Needing a Football Fix)

This is football’s soft launch. The low-stakes fun before every game feels like life or death starting Week 1. It’s not about who wins, really. It’s about spotting future talent, enjoying the pageantry and maybe witnessing a rookie pull off a highlight-worthy play (you know, the one that ESPN will replay approximately 78 times over the weekend).

Also, we’d be lying if we said this wasn’t a perfect excuse to create an impromptu wing-eating challenge in your living room. Hey, don’t blame us for your cheat day.

Mark Your Calendar

If you’re a fan hungry for the return of football or just someone who needs a buddy to yell at the screen with over preseason plays, well today is the day! It’s time to shake off the offseason cobwebs. NBC. Peacock. Charger bolts. Lions roar. Football is BACK, baby.