The National Football League is the most-watched sport in the United States. Naturally, when the beginning of the season is near, NFL fans get excited and are eager to tune into the product.
Cue the 2025 NFL Hall of Fame Game featuring the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Chargers. The game is set for an 8 p.m. ET kickoff this Thursday, July 31, and can be seen on NBC and Peacock.
The problem is the lack of star power attached to the NFL’s debut contest. Is there anything that can be done about it? No, and there shouldn’t be, but fans and bettors need to remember that Jared Goff and Justin Herbert will not be a part of the action.
Since the game is an extra preseason contest for both the Chargers and Lions, even fewer first and second-team personnel will be featured than normally would be. This scenario is unusual in regard to NFL betting, but gamblers can clean up if they do their research.
Hall of Fame Game Betting Line
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Detroit Lions
- Point Spread: LA +1.0 (-110), Detroit -1.0 (-110)
- Monyline: LA -105, Detroit -115
- Over: 33.0 (EVEN)
- Under: 33.0 (-120)
The first thing to keep in mind is that the under often hits during NFL preseason games. Oddsmakers have adjusted to this reality, offering a cosmically low 33-point total for Thursday.
The reason the scoring remains low is that offensive units are comprised of players who don’t know each other that well and lack chemistry. Any unity that is present is tossed out the window when an entirely new unit of players shifts in during the second quarter.
So what is the best strategy to use for betting on preseason NFL games?
- Understand Coaching Philosophy: Some coaches historically prioritize winning in preseason to establish a winning culture or evaluate depth, while others focus solely on evaluation and player health.
- Quarterback and Depth Chart Analysis: With backups and rookies playing significant minutes, the quality of second and third-string quarterbacks, as well as roster depth, often determines outcomes more than the starting lineup.
- Bet Small and Manage Bankroll Carefully: Preseason games are notably less predictable due to frequent substitutions and experimentation. Limit bet sizes to account for variance.
- Focus on First-Half Bets: Starters, if they play at all, are more likely to play in the first half, making these markets slightly more predictable than full-game outcomes.
- Consider Betting the Underdog or the Under: There’s a general trend toward lower-scoring games due to conservative play-calling and unfamiliar players. In particular, a historic trend suggests totals under 37 points hit the over frequently, but games with totals at or above 37 go under more often.
- Betting the Moneyline: Since games are less predictable, outright winner bets on the NFL moneyline can serve as more of a coin flip, 50-50 style wager.
Another downside of NFL preseason betting is the lack of prop bets, which would make gambling on the games more enjoyable.
Sources: Bovada Sportsbook | Yahoo! Sports
