A tradition started more than 60 years ago continues in 2025. You guessed it: The NFL Hall of Fame Game is back.
This year, the storied exhibition game that kicks off the NFL season will be played between the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday, July 31, at 8:00 p.m. ET. And all the action will be available to watch on NBC and Peacock.
Don’t miss a single snap with our watch guide for the 2025 NFL Hall of Fame Game, complete with channels, a game preview, and much more.
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What channels have the NFL Hall of Fame Game?
Those who want to watch the Hall of Fame Game can do so in two ways: on NBC or on Peacock. Those are the only channels on which the game will air due to the broadcast deal with NBC Sports.
For those that can’t get in front of a television that night for whatever reason, fans can stream the game on their mobile devices with NFL+.
Did you know? Two previous Hall of Fame games ended prematurely due to weather events. One of those ended in a 0–0 tie.
2025 NFL Hall of Fame Game preview
Will the Detroit Lions roar their way to a ring?
The Lions are heading into the 2025 NFL season on a high note. While they didn’t advance to the Super Bowl, they still finished with a league-best record of 15–2. In fact, they’ve increased their win total each of the last three seasons.
Detroit is coached by Dan Campbell, who’s been at the helm since 2021 and has been instrumental in the team’s rise. He’s apparently something of a football internet darling due to his predilection for a good quote. There’s even a Reddit thread dedicated to some of his sayings.
Campbell did share his thoughts on the Hall of Fame Game, but mainly in the context of his team’s entire 2025 slate.
“We’re not worried about that we don’t have pass rush, I’m not worried about that we lost two coordinators, I’m not worried about the injuries, I’m not worried about the Hall of Fame Game, I’m not worried about the schedule,” Campbell said in May. “I think it’s perfect. I think it lines up perfect. I think it’s gonna be what’s best for us with where we’re at going into 2025.”
Lions vs. the Chargers in this year’s Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on July 31. pic.twitter.com/xuFU7cZx05
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 23, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers: Electric, or duds?
It’s true that the Chargers haven’t won a playoff game since 2018. But their inclusion in this game means the league thinks they’re good enough to be showcased in this way—although others aren’t as optimistic about them.
Quarterback Justin Herbert amassed nearly 4,000 yards last year and had only three interceptions to his 23 touchdown passes, per Pro Football Reference. That’s elite production and efficiency that can lead Los Angeles to the playoffs again this season.
Jim Harbaugh, who used to coach the University of Michigan, is back leading the Chargers. He’s one of the most storied coaches in college football history, and he’s looking to make the same kind of mark in the NFL.
Harbaugh said recently that he had a dream telling him he needed to get Herbert into the Hall of Fame. Could this HOF Game be the first step to that?
we play football this month pic.twitter.com/7XUaqZwLop
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) July 1, 2025
What to expect
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Game is even more of an exhibition than a regular preseason game, so don’t expect to see each team’s best punch or even best potential lineups. It would be surprising if either the Lions or Chargers went all-out in this game.
That being said, there’s definitely some bragging rights at stake. The Lions franchise has played in the HOF Game three other times, winning their most recent matchup—in 1991. The Chargers, meanwhile, have never won the HOF Game in two attempts.
Those that organize the HOF Game really like the matchup between the Lions and Chargers for this event.
“This game features two teams that can be considered legitimate contenders to reach Super Bowl LX next February. For them to face each other right out of the gate in Canton, Ohio, should create a dynamic opening to another spectacular NFL season."
If you’re looking for a prediction, I tend to avoid those for matchups like these. Eh, what the heck. The Lions will win this one, 24–17.
Best TV plans for watching the NFL Hall of Fame Game
For my money, I would want one of two plans to catch the HOF Game on TV: YouTube TV or Peacock. The former will get you access to NBC and other core NFL channels, while the latter is perfect if you just want to stream this game. Read below to learn more about each service.
YouTube TV ($82.99/mo.)
YouTube TV gives you access to your local affiliate channels like ABC and NBC. Fortunately, it also lets you watch ESPN, NBA TV, TNT, The Food Network, and many others. So whether you’re a huge NFL fan or not, the service has you covered every day and twice on Sundays.
The only thing that might turn you off about YouTube TV is the monthly cost. But you definitely get a lot of bang for your many bucks.
Peacock ($10.99–$16.99/mo.)
NFL fans can get more than just the HOF Game with Peacock. The service airs every game on Sunday Night Football. So those who maybe can’t watch Monday and Thursday nights have a great alternative for primetime pro football action. Peacock is also much cheaper—albeit less robust overall—than YouTube TV.
Aside from the NFL, Peacock also features many shows that are or have ever been on NBC. So after watching the NFL Hall of Fame Game, you can start that Parks and Recreation rewatch, or finally dip your toes into Scrubs.
How to watch the NFL Hall of Fame Game for free
†CableTV.com utilizes paid Amazon links. Amazon.com Price; $46.99 (as of 7/25/25 11:20 a.m. CT). Read full disclaimer.
Because the game is on NBC, an over-the-air (OTA) antenna would be the best way to watch the Hall of Fame Game for free. It’s a simple setup that plugs into your TV and almost instantly gives you access to local channels carrying news, sports, and other programming in your area.
Unfortunately, Peacock doesn’t offer a free trial at this time for any of its plans. But several live TV streaming services—DIRECTV, Fubo, YouTube TV, and others—do offer free trials of varying lengths.
How to watch the NFL Hall of Fame Game FAQ
Have the Detroit Lions ever won a Hall of Fame Game?
The Lions have a 1–2 all-time record in Hall of Fame games. The last time they won was July 27, 1991, when they beat the Denver Broncos, 14–3.
Have the Los Angeles Chargers ever won a Hall of Fame Game?
The Chargers have yet to win a Hall of Fame Game. They last appeared in one on July 30, 1994, when they narrowly lost 21–17 to the Atlanta Falcons.
What day is the NFL Hall of Fame Game?
The 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game is on Thursday, July 31.
Who won the last NFL Hall of Fame Game?
The Chicago Bears beat the Houston Texans 21–17 in the 2024 Hall of Fame Game.
Why you should trust us
At CableTV.com, we make sure our recommendations are thorough and with the fan experience in mind. For this guide, I researched the teams involved in the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, the history of the game itself, and where and when the game will be televised.
Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.
Disclaimer
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
†Amazon.com price as of 7/25/25 11:20 a.m. CT. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. CableTV.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.
