NFL Hall of Fame Game 2026 Betting Preview: Odds, Best Bets, & Predictions

Arizona Cardinals Analysis

First-year head coach Mike LaFleur enters his inaugural campaign with high expectations in Arizona. Tasked with reshaping the culture and building a consistent winner in the NFC West, LaFleur gets an early look at his roster depth in Canton against the Carolina Panthers.

Quarterback Jacoby Brissett enters the season as the veteran leader under center. However, expect Brissett to sit out the Hall of Fame Game entirely. A battle-tested veteran doesn’t need extra snaps in an extra preseason game to prepare for Week 1.

TRENDING: Carson Beck is reportedly “turning heads” at Cardinals training camp.

Beck’s throwing velocity and sheer size have reportedly been “eye opening” early on.

Where it currently stands, Beck measured in at 6’-4” and 233 pounds.

For reference, Brock Bowers (his former… pic.twitter.com/dntCJe65BS

— Rookie Watch (@RookieWatxh) July 25, 2026

That leaves LaFleur with a heavy quarterback rotation featuring Gardner Minshew II, rookie Carson Beck, and Kedon Slovis.

• Gardner Minshew II: Minshew represents one of the premier backup options in the NFL. With extensive starter experience across his career, he brings poise, mobility, and high-energy leadership to the early offensive series. Expect Minshew to command the offense smoothly and move the chains against Carolina’s second-string secondary.

• Carson Beck: The rookie out of Georgia enters the NFL with significant draft pedigree and a chance to lock down the QB2/QB3 role. While he will face rookie growing pains, his quick trigger and big-game experience give him a strong chance to produce positive results against depth defenders in the second half. This extra game provides vital live reps for his development.

• Kedon Slovis: Rounding out the room, Slovis faces uphill odds to make the final 53-man cut. If he sees action late in the fourth quarter, Carolina’s reserve pass rush could gain an edge, but it gives Slovis a platform to showcase his arm for a practice squad spot. As a rookie, he threw for 233 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the preseason.

Beyond the QB rotation, the Cardinals feature compelling depth across the board. Behind elite tight end Trey McBride, the position boasts reliable rotational pieces in Tip Reiman and Elijah Higgins.

At running back, depth options like Trey Benson, Michael Carter, and Emari Demercado provide explosive options out of the backfield to relieve the starters.

LaFleur’s staff emphasizes setting the tone at the line of scrimmage. The defense showcases formidable front-seven depth with pass rushers, including Josh Sweat, Zaven Collins, BJ Ojulari, and Darius Robinson.

Supported by a ball-hawking secondary led by Budda Baker and Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Arizona’s defensive rotation should generate consistent pressure and force turnovers throughout all four quarters.

I’m confident that LaFleur will want to get off to a quick start in his first job as the head coach. It’s only the preseason, but LaFleur is undoubtedly interested in setting the tone for the rest of training camp.

Beck and Slovis on the field in the most important stage of the game in the second half leaves a lot to be desired, though.

Carolina Panthers Analysis

Head coach Dave Canales enters his third season leading Carolina following an NFC South title campaign in 2025. With expectations rising in Charlotte, Canales gets an early opportunity in Canton to evaluate roster depth and refine his offensive system.

Quarterback Bryce Young enters his fourth year taking charge under center. However, expect Young to sit out the Hall of Fame Game entirely. Coming off a career-best 3,000+ passing yard season, which included 23 TD passes and 11 INTs, Young does not need extra preseason snaps to get ready for the regular season.

That leaves Canales with a quarterback rotation featuring former first-rounder Kenny Pickett and rookie Haynes King.

• Kenny Pickett: Pickett brings valuable starting experience and high-level poise to the backup QB spot. Having starter reps under his belt, Pickett provides Carolina with a reliable floor in the opening quarters, capable of operating the rhythm passing game cleanly against Arizona’s reserve secondary. He’s thrown for 16 touchdowns and 16 interceptions on 62.4% completions in his four-year career.

• Haynes King: The rookie gets a massive opportunity in Canton to state his case for the 53-man roster. Known for his athletic rushing ability and playmaking traits, King gives the Panthers an explosive running element under center late in the game, though he will need to display consistency as a pocket passer against Arizona’s second and third-team defenses.

While reigning AP Offensive Rookie of the Year WR Tetairoa McMillan sits, young wideouts Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker, and Chris Brazzell will generate a share of targets. In the backfield, behind starter Chuba Hubbard, running backs Jonathon Brooks, Trevor Etienne, and veteran AJ Dillon offer strong depth.

Additionally, under defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, Carolina’s scheme should be successful early and late in this contest. Anchored by premier corner Jaycee Horn and a deep pass-rushing rotation, the Panthers’ defense has the tools to maintain pressure and disrupt Arizona’s lackluster passing attack.