NFL HOF Game Pick: Chargers and Lions Clash in Thriller (Jul 31)

• The Chargers lost badly in the Wild Card round after an 11-6 finish.
• Detroit had a major disappointment in the Divisional Round at 15-2
• These teams last met on November 12, 2023, in a game Detroit won 41-38.

Preseason football kicks off next week in the NFL HOF Game. Two Super Bowl hopefuls, the Chargers and Lions, will clash in this game. They’ll be aiming to iron out some issues before the regular season begins.

Chargers Seek Further Improvement

The Chargers returned to the postseason in the first year of Jim Harbaugh’s tenure. Already boasting a solid defense, Los Angeles has been focused on adding help for QB Justin Herbert lately. After selecting OT Joe Alt and WRs Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston in the last two draft’s first rounds, the Chargers added RB Omarion Hampton to the backfield in April. He’ll be put to the test against Detroit’s capable front seven.

Lions Aiming for Defensive Statement

Detroit’s blowout loss to Washington in the Divisional Round was a major disappointment after a 15-2 result in the regular season. Still seeking their first Super Bowl appearance, the Lions will be desperately avoiding another playoff one-and-done this year. The addition of CB Maxwell Hairston and the eventual return of DE Aiden Hutchinson should make a difference. Their depth will be tested against the Chargers.

Chargers vs Lions NFL HOF Game Pick:

It’s tough to predict preseason games when there isn’t as much to play for and the starters won’t play the whole game, or even at all. That being said, there are still certain indicators to look for. Detroit holds a minor advantage having to commute much shorter distance to Canton than Los Angeles, but also is missing more key players to injury. Jim Harbaugh’s style is to fight to win, even in preseason, so take LA.