The NFL’s traditional curtain raiser is upon us as the Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions hope to avoid a repeat of last year’s nightmare.The 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, was hit by thunderstorms.Fans were told to find cover as lightning flashed in the distanceWith 3:31 remaining in the third quarter, the Chicago Bears were leading the Houston Texans, 21-17.But with rain sheeting down at Tom Benson Stadium and lightning in the distance, players were told to leave the field.Fans left their seats to seek shelter and the game was officially called 30 minutes later.“The NFL made the right move with lightning in the area,” said former Bears head coach Matt Eberflus. “That was good to see.”Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is sitting out of this year’s game and in 2024, fans were forced to wait to get a glimpse of No. 1 pick Caleb Williams, who made his debut against the Buffalo Bills a week later.Instead, it was Bret Rypien’s time to shine with three touchdowns before the weather closed in.NFL’s new kickoff rules on trialOne of the most debated topics heading into the contest was the NFL’s brand-new take on kickoffs.After months of talks, league bosses were hopeful of seeing fewer injuries and more returns but fans weren’t impressed. The first two returns ended at the 26-yard-line, there were two penalties for either the kicking or receiving team moving before a returner fielded the ball and confused players missed blocks.Thankfully, the flaws were ironed out by coaches in time for the regular season and, if you believe the NFL’s own data, Dynamic Kickoffs were a success.GettyCam Akers was given a run out as he fought back from injury[/caption]GettyThe Texans made it to the playoffs in 2024[/caption]For 2025, touchbacks have been moved five yards forward to the 35-yard line, which should see even more players attempting returns.Luckily, the weather forecast is predicting light rain, which shouldn’t spoil the party.When can you declare an onside kick?This year’s contest will once again be used as a testing ground after the NFL decided to tweak another rule.Teams could previously only declare an onside kick in the fourth quarter of games. The new policy will allow for them to be made at any point as long as a team is trailing.Whether we see an onside kick in what is a meaningless run-out for many is another matter.NFL's Greatest......Ranking the top 10......Quarterbacks of all-time – Can anyone better Tom Brady?Wide receivers of all-time – Does Randy Moss or Jerry Rice come out on top?Running backs of all-time – Stacking Jim Brown, Barry Sanders, Walter Payton, Emmitt Smith and moreTight ends of all-time – How does Travis Kelce compare?One man looking to impress in Herbert’s absence is Chargers backup Trey Lance.The former San Francisco 49er — one of the biggest NFL Draft busts of all time — has been named as starter.“He’s had a heck of a camp,” head coach Jim Harbaugh said of Lance, who was clowned by NFL legend Shannon Sharpe in January.“I just want to get Trey Lance game experience. With his career and then in college, he doesn’t have as much as most guys.”Who is being inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame?Both the Chargers and Lions will have high hopes for the season ahead after making the playoffs in 2024.But this week is all about honoring NFL greats and Eric Allen, Jared Allen, Antonio Gates, and Sterling Sharpe are heading into the storied Hall, per On3 Sports. Stay up to date with the latest from the NFL across all platforms – follow our NFL Facebook page, subscribe to our talkSPORT End Zone YouTube channel for all the offseason news, interviews and more.