The 2024 NFL Hall of Fame Game is almost here, and the best NFL betting sites offer odds on the clash. Itâs a good opportunity to finally bet on football, so Iâm more than happy to share my 2024 NFL HOF betting prediction.
The game pits the Chicago Bears against the Houston Texans on Thursday, August 1. Although most starters will only play a series or two, this HOF Game gives fringe players on the Bears and Texans an extra game to impress the coaching staff.
Letâs explore the latest NFL HOF game odds and both teams, before I share my best bet for the encounter.
NFL HOF Game 2024 Betting Odds
The following NFL Hall of Game odds are courtesy of BetUS:
| TEAM | MONEYLINE | SPREAD | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Texans | OFF | +1.5 (-110) | Over 33 (-110) |
| Chicago Bears | OFF | -1.5 (-110) | Under 33 (-110) |
The Chicago Bears are slight -1.5 favorites to beat the Houston Texans in the 2024 HOF Game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, OH. In short, oddsmakers do not have a strong opinion one way or the other.
Online sportsbooks expect a tight matchup, with the Bears having a small advantage at kickoff. The Hall of Fame Game is typically low-scoring, so the over/under reflects this with a total of just 33 points!
You can find up-to-date odds on the NFL HOF Game at BetUS by navigating to Sportsbook > Football > NFL Hall of Fame Game.
Houston Texans Analysis
The Houston Texans opened as small underdogs to the Chicago Bears, but weâll see where the markets move before kickoff on August 1.
Itâs highly unlikely that weâll see much of C.J. Stroud, or even at all in this game. If youâre betting on seeing the new connection between the quarterback and Stefon Diggs, you will be disappointed.
Instead, the Texans are expected to give Davis Mills, Case Keenum, and Tim Boyle action. Last year, the Texans had Stroud, Mills, and Keenum on the active regular season roster. Boyle is most likely out at the end of training camp, but he has some motivation to impress in the NFL HOF Game.
All four QBs on the Texans roster have experience in NFL games. In fact, they have all started in the NFL. Keenum is the most experienced, with 15,175 passing yards, 79 touchdowns, and 51 interceptions. That bodes well for the Texans, who are favorites to win the AFC South!
Case Keenum to Noah Brown ties the game!
đș: #HOUvsTEN on CBS
đ±: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/kw7mays4qU pic.twitter.com/G6sN0nyM9M— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2023
Houston has depth at wide receiver, too. I like what Robert Woods, John Metchie III, and Ben Showroken have to give in the HOF Game. Metchie III has something to prove after a delayed start to his career due to an injury. I expect big things out of him in the preseason. Additionally, Woods provides veteran stability in a backup role.
On the defense, expect plenty of competition between the defensive backs. There are still roles to fill in the depth chart in the secondary, so look for strong play in the second half. The linebacker depth is questionable, but the defensive backs should make plays.
Chicago Bears Analysis
Will No. 1 overall 2024 NFL Draft pick Caleb Williams play in the NFL Hall of Fame Game? If you are looking for a reason why the Bears are favored, Williamsâs potential involvement is at the top of the list. Still, I would be surprised if he plays more than a series or two.
Risking an injury to their prized rookie quarterback is too much of a gamble for head coach Matt Eberflus, who is among the favorites in the NFL Coach of the Year odds. An injury to Williams would see his price and the teamâs chances for a strong season regress significantly.
.@idjmoore got UP đźâđš pic.twitter.com/fzTnKIUswp
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) July 23, 2024
Behind Williams, the Bears have Tyson Bagent and Brett Rypien under center. Bagent backed up Justin Fields serviceably last year. He passed for 859 yards, three touchdowns, and six interceptions on 65.7% passing. Bagent should be one of the better quarterbacks playing in the NFL Hall of Fame Game!
That being said, I am not thrilled about Rypien taking over for Bagent in the rotation. He has had multiple opportunities to be an NFL backup and has failed. Surprisingly, he is getting another chance. In three years, Rypien has passed for 950 yards, four touchdowns, and nine interceptions on 58.3% completions.
Keenum is by far the better No. 3 option at quarterback in this game, so the Bears might have to build up an early advantage on the scoreboard. Nevertheless, the Bears as a team have made solid gains in the offseason on both sides of the ball. The defensive depth is much improved, which should help against the Texans and in the pursuit of the NFC North title this season.
2024 NFL HOF Game Prediction and Betting Pick
In a game that is decided by the backups deep down the depth chart, I give the advantage to the Texans. Most notably, Keenum is the perfect quarterback for Houston in this situation.
Although head coach DeMeco Ryans hasnât announced the QB schedule for the HOF Game, Keenum will presumably play toward the end of the first half and most of the second half.
He doesnât need preseason experience at this stage of his career, but as the No. 3 QB on the depth chart, Keenum will see time on the field. Mills has already solidified himself as a strong backup. He started multiple games for the Texans in 2021 and 2022.
The teamâs quarterbacks all have experience in this offense. Also, theyâve run it well enough to have success against a third-team defense. For my 2024 HOF Game pick, the Texans are the sharp side as a small underdog!
Where to Bet on the HOF Game?
If youâre looking for a bookie that offers Hall of Fame Game 2024 odds, I recommend checking BetUS! The sportsbook offers various wagers for the HOF Game, including the point spread, over/under, and a prop bet on the opening kickoff length. I expect even more options as we get closer to the game.
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