The 2026 NFL Hall of Fame Game kicks off the preseason schedule from Canton, Ohio, as the Arizona Cardinals take on the Carolina Panthers on Thursday.
The Cardinals, led by new head coach Mike LaFleur, are looking to improve upon a 4-13 2025 campaign. LaFleur makes his debut for Arizona, hoping to turn the team's fortunes around. The Cardinals will start rookie Carson Beck under center.
Carolina, meanwhile, went 8-9 last year and hopes to build off a surprise postseason berth after winning the NFC South. Head coach Dave Canales is 1-5 in the preseason over the past two seasons. Carolina will have Kenny Pickett under center to begin the game.
The latest Cardinals vs. Panthers odds have Carolina as a 1.5-point favorite, while the over/under for total points scored is 34.5.
Top expert R.J. White has examined the game from every angle and is learning Over 34.5 points. White, the managing editor of betting and Fantasy content at CBS Sports, has a strong track record of making successful NFL picks.
White notes that the last four HOF Games have trended Over, with the highest scoring game reaching 41 points. However, he warns that there is a narrow margin for error, particularly if the Panthers coaching staff is on autopilot.
The game is set to kick off at 8 p.m. ET from Tom Benson Stadium in Canton, Ohio.
White's critical x-factor that has him jumping on one side of the spread remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the 2026 NFL Hall of Fame Game will be a closely watched contest.
Fans and bettors alike will be keeping a close eye on the action as the Cardinals and Panthers face off in the preseason opener.
Source: CBS