Chargers vs Lions Best Props to Bet for Hall of Fame Game

• The Chargers and Lions kick off the 2025 NFL preseason tonight in the Hall of Fame Game
• LA has a significant advantage at the starting QB spot with Trey Lance versus Detroit’s Hendon Hooker
• See my favorite Chargers vs Lions props to bet for the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday night

The calendar hasn’t even turned to August yet and we’ve already got NFL preseason football to sweat. What a time to be alive. The Hall of Fame Game goes down tonight between the Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions, and I see a major edge for Jim Harbaugh’s crew, especially early on.

Chargers vs Lions Best Props

LAC to win the first half is the first bet on my Chargers vs Lions best props card, followed by LAC to score the first points. I’m also betting under 18.5 points for Detroit, as they have the look of a team bringing a plastic knife to a gunfight.

Odds as of July 31 at DraftKings and FanDuel. New customers can claim the FanDuel promo code and get a bonus to use on Chargers/Lions.

LAC vs DET Prop Pick #1: Chargers to Win First Half

While neither team is expected to play traditional starters, the Lions are taking even more precautions by resting all of their key rookies. It makes sense, as Detroit is among the top-5 contenders in the Super Bowl odds. The Lions will trot out primarily backups and depth players led by Hendon Hooker at QB. The former Tennessee pivot is having an average preseason by his standards, and I expect a slow start tonight without the luxury of having Ben Johnson call the plays.

On the other side, the Chargers want to get a look at all of their rookies, and this year’s class is full of explosive talent. Running back Omarion Hampton has the traits to be a top talent at his position, and is top-three in the NFL OROY odds. Second and fifth-round receivers Tre Harris and Ke’Andre Lambert-Smith have been turning heads in camp, giving Trey Lance plenty of weapons at his disposal.

Don’t forget Lance was the third-overall pick just a few years ago and has significant NFL experience under his belt. He’s also got major upside with his arm and legs. With explosive playmakers around him, and starting center Zion Johnson slated for a few series, LA should have a much easier time moving the football, resulting in more scoring opportunities.

Chargers vs Lions Props Pick #2: LAC First to Score

Which makes sense why I’m betting the Chargers to be the first team to score. Not only should they have the advantage on offense, but they also have more continuity on the defensive side of the ball.

LAC is bringing back its defensive staff, while Detroit’s is full of turnover, most notably losing DC Aaron Glenn. I expect growing pains on defense for the Lions, as they lack depth. That was evident last season after their defensive metrics cratered when key pieces went down.

Los Angeles Chargers 2024 Defensive Stats

The Chargers meanwhile, led the NFL in scoring defense last season, and like all Harbaugh led teams are extremely well coached. I trust him to have his team ready to run through a wall tonight, and make Hooker and company look even more average than their pedigrees suggest.

LAC vs DET Props Pick #3: Lions Under 18.5 Points

I may like LAC to keep Detroit’s offense quiet with Hooker in the game, but I love them to shut down the Lions when he departs. That’s because DJ Uiagalelei will take the reigns next, and he couldn’t even flourish versus college defenses. The undrafted rookie free agent threw more picks (6) than touchdowns (5) last season at Florida State, completing only 52.5% of his passes along the way. He projects as the worst QB that will see significant playing time tonight, and I don’t believe he has the talent to succeed versus NFL competition.

At the end of the day, Dan Campbell has bigger aspirations than padding his preseason record. He’ll treat this game like a glorified scrimmage, drawing up a vanilla game plan, and devoting the bulk of the playing time to players who won’t see a minute of regular-season football.