The 2026 NFL preseason kicks off with the annual Hall of Fame Game as the Carolina Panthers take on the Arizona Cardinals at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, Aug. 6, from Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.
This extra preseason game gives rookies, backups, and players battling for roster spots a valuable opportunity to impress.
2026 NFL Hall of Fame Game Odds
2026 NFL Hall of Fame Game odds are courtesy of BetOnline.
Panthers vs. Cardinals Quick Notes
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton, Ohio, USA
- Where to Watch: Peacock
- Spread Odds: Panthers PK (-115) / Cardinals PK (-105)
- Total Odds: Over 36 (-115) / Under 36 (-105)
The industry-leading offshore sports betting sites view the Hall of Fame Game as a true toss-up, with neither Carolina nor Arizona receiving points on the spread. The Panthers are only slight favorites based on the added juice at -115, while the Cardinals are priced at -105.
The 36-point total also shows expectations for a low-scoring preseason matchup. With starters likely to play limited snaps (if at all) and backup quarterbacks handling most of the game, sustained offensive production could be difficult to find.
With that said, it’s fair to question whether the market has overcorrected on this total, as 36 points is extremely low.
Which Players Will Play in the 2026 Hall of Fame Game?
As of July 20, 2026, neither the Carolina Panthers nor Arizona Cardinals have announced an official lineup or quarterback rotation for the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, August 6.
Because this is an extra preseason game, the matchup should primarily feature rookies, backup quarterbacks, younger players, and veterans competing for roster spots.
Carolina Panthers Players Expected to Play
The most likely Panthers quarterbacks are Kenny Pickett and rookie Haynes King. Bryce Young is Carolina’s established starter, so he’s probably not going to play. King is a player who should receive considerably more practice work following Will Grier’s retirement.
Panthers players likely to receive meaningful preseason snaps include:
- Haynes King, QB
- Kenny Pickett, QB
- AJ Dillon, RB
- Trevor Etienne, RB
- Chris Brazzell II, WR
- Jimmy Horn Jr., WR
- John Metchie III, WR
- David Moore, WR
- Brycen Tremayne, WR
- Feleipe Franks, TE
- Mitchell Evans, TE
- Monroe Freeling, OT
- Will Lee III, CB
- Zakee Wheatley, S
- Lee Hunter, DL
King is the clearest player to watch because he is competing for the final quarterback position. Dillon, Metchie, Horn, Moore and several other offensive reserves are also involved in roster battles.
On defense, rookie cornerback Will Lee III is being evaluated at multiple positions, while Zakee Wheatley is receiving work across different personnel groups. Rookie defensive lineman Lee Hunter has also stood out during offseason practices. Those circumstances make all three strong candidates for extended playing time in Canton.
Arizona Cardinals Players Expected to Play
Arizona’s quarterback situation makes its rotation more important. The Cardinals currently have Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew II, rookie Carson Beck and Kedon Slovis in the room. The starting competition remains unsettled, with Brissett, Minshew and Beck all possible game-day options.
The strongest Hall of Fame Game candidates are Beck and Slovis, since Arizona will want to evaluate its younger quarterbacks.
Cardinals players likely to receive meaningful snaps include:
- Carson Beck, QB
- Kedon Slovis, QB
- Trey Benson, RB
- Bam Knight, RB
- Corey Kiner, RB
- Reggie Virgil, WR
- Harrison Wallace III, WR
- Xavier Weaver, WR
- Jalen Brooks, WR
- Simi Fehoko, WR
- Chase Bisontis, OL
- Karson Sharar, LB
- Owen Pappoe, LB
- BJ Ojulari, OLB
- Max Melton, CB
- Wydett Williams Jr., S
The Cardinals have James Conner, Tyler Allgeier, Trey Benson, Bam Knight and Corey Kiner in a crowded backfield, creating plenty of evaluation opportunities.
Hall of Fame Game snaps will go to players competing behind wide receiver starters, particularly rookie Reggie Virgil, Harrison Wallace III, Xavier Weaver and Jalen Brooks. Virgil is a player to monitor because of his speed and special-teams ability.
Defensively, players such as Max Melton, BJ Ojulari, Owen Pappoe and Karson Sharar are involved in competitions that should lead to preseason work. Arizona’s crowded cornerback room also includes Denzel Burke, Elijah Culp, Jaden Davis, Kalen King and Elijah Jones, several of whom could see extended action.
Key Players to Watch
The most important matchup variable will be the quarterback rotations. Based on the current roster situations, King and Pickett should handle most of Carolina’s passing snaps, while Beck and Slovis should receive the bulk of Arizona’s work. However, that remains a projection until the coaches discuss their plans closer to August 6.
2026 NFL Hall of Fame Game Best Bets for Panthers vs. Cardinals
As always with NFL preseason games, we want to tread lightly. This is a volatile market where games don’t matter, so always make sure to bet responsibly. The most value I see here is on the total.
Panthers/Cardinals Over 36 (-115)
A total of 36 points is simply too low, even for the Hall of Fame Game. While preseason openers are known for conservative game plans and frequent substitutions, this matchup should feature extended action from backup quarterbacks and young skill players competing for roster spots. Those players often take more downfield chances than established starters, creating opportunities for explosive plays and defensive mistakes.
It won’t take much offense to cash this ticket either: something as simple as a 20-17 or 21-16 final gets the job done. With oddsmakers projecting an extremely low-scoring game, there’s value in fading that expectation and backing the Over 36.
2026 NFL Hall of Fame Game Responsible Gaming
Betting on the NFL Hall of Fame Game can make the start of the preseason more exciting, but it should always remain a form of entertainment rather than a way to earn money. Set a bankroll before placing any wagers, keep your bet sizes reasonable, and avoid chasing losses if things don’t go your way. Remember that preseason games can be especially unpredictable because playing time often varies for starters and backups. If gambling begins affecting your finances, well-being, or relationships, free and confidential help is available by calling or texting 1-800-GAMBLER or contacting your local responsible gaming organization.
Final Verdict: Quarterback Play Has Intrigue
The Hall of Fame Game is about evaluating young talent, and no player fits that description better than Carson Beck. The Cardinals rookie is expected to receive meaningful snaps as Arizona evaluates its quarterback depth, making him one of the game’s biggest storylines. Beck has the arm talent and poise to create explosive plays, and he’ll have every incentive to impress the coaching staff.
On the other side, Carolina’s quarterback competition should also produce competitive football throughout the night. With plenty of inexperienced passers getting extended opportunities, expect an entertaining preseason opener where the quarterback play provides the biggest source of intrigue.
*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
