NFL Hall of Fame Game Picks & Predictions (Panthers vs. Cardinals)
Football is finally back. Tonight's Hall of Fame Game between the Carolina Panthers and the Arizona Cardinals kicks off the 2026 NFL preseason. While the Hall of Fame Game typically isn't the most exciting contest, football fanatics will be glued to the screen after going six months without the NFL.
Therefore, it's time for me to get back into the swing of betting, so let's look at my three best bets for tonight's Hall of Fame Game.
Best Bets for NFL Hall of Fame Game: Panthers vs. Cardinals
Odds via DraftKings
Arizona Cardinals MoneyLine (-102)
Neither team will play starters or key backups in this game, which makes picking a winner a little more challenging. However, the Cardinals will start third-round rookie Carson Beck at quarterback, with Jacoby Brissett sitting. Meanwhile, the Panthers will start Kenny Pickett under center, with Bryce Young also getting the night off. While Pickett's experience in the NFL should get Carolina off to a better start than Arizona with Beck under center, things will change once the veteran hits the bench.
The Panthers will turn to undrafted rookie Haynes King once Pickett is done playing for the night. Meanwhile, Kedon Slovis will take over once Beck is done playing. However, Arizona will likely let Beck play longer than Pickett, with Brissett and Gardner Minshew not expected to suit up. In a game mostly between players that won't be on a roster four weeks from now, I'm backing Beck to get a win in his NFL debut.
Total Over 34.5 Points (-115)
Everyone is happy that football is back tonight, even if the game won't include any big-name stars like Jeremiyah Love and Jaycee Horn. While some might expect the game to be a low-scoring contest, especially between these two teams, don't be surprised if the over hits. The over has hit in four consecutive Hall of Fame Games, with the average point total in those matchups being 38.5 points.
Last year's contest between the Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions resulted in 41 total points, the most points scored in a Hall of Fame Game since 1999. More importantly, the Cardinals have every reason to play Carson Beck for most of this game. Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew won't suit up, leaving career journeyman Kedon Slovis to take over when the rookie is finished. Expect Beck to take advantage of opposing third-string defenders to put some points up on the board.
Carolina Panthers 125+ Total Rushing Yards (-105)
While I have hyped up the Cardinals for most of this article, it's time to give some love to the Panthers' backfield. Chuba Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks won't play in tonight's game, as the veteran is the starter and the former Texas star is still working his way back from two torn ACLs. Therefore, Trevor Etienne, AJ Dillon, Anthony Tyus III, and Miles Davis will handle the backfield workload. Those four running backs are fighting for one or two roster spots.
Etienne played well in last year's preseason for Carolina, totaling 47 rushing yards on 12 attempts in three games. The second-year pro will likely get the start tonight and see meaningful snaps. Meanwhile, Arizona had an awful rushing defense last season, surrendering 113.3 yards per game on the ground to running backs, the fourth-most in the league. While the Panthers will be without their top two running backs, I'm betting on the team to lean on their rushing attack against a bad Cardinals defense.
Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.