The long wait is over... NFL football is back, baby!
The Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals meet in Canton, Ohio, to compete in the 2026 Hall of Fame Game, and we've rounded up our experts to provide you with a plethora of NFL picks for this Aug. 6 matchup.
If you're looking for more intel, make sure you check out our complete Panthers vs. Cardinals predictions.
NFL Hall of Fame Game expert picks
| Pick |  Probabillity |
|---|---|
 Rob Paul: Over 35.5 |
47% |
 Jon Metler: Panthers ML |
53% |
 Joe Osborne: Panthers 1H ML |
48% |
 Dustin Saracini: Over 34.5 |
52% |
Percentages courtesy of Kalshi.
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Rob Paul's expert pick: Over 35.5
]In a game featuring rookies and burnout backups at quarterback, it may seem strange to expect points, but the Over has hit in four straight NFL Hall of Fame Games.
With both the Arizona Cardinals' and Carolina Panthers’ defenses being bottom 10 in EPA per play and missing more than 8% of their tackles last season, defense is unlikely to stand out in Canton.
Instead, both teams can lean on their deep stable of running backs, and both have X-factors in their rookie QBs. Carson Beck’s accuracy and Haynes King’s mobility can help hit a fifth straight Over in the HoF Game.
Jon Metler's expert pick: Panthers moneyline
I'm going to keep this simple and not overthink it. Dave Canales enters his third year as head coach of the Carolina Panthers, so his system, terminology, and overall execution should be much further along than those of first-year head coach Mike LaFleur with the Cardinals.
It's also the first game for LaFleur and quarterback Carson Beck, while Carolina turns to the more experienced Kenny Pickett. When the game shifts to a run-heavy approach in the second half, that also plays into the Panthers' quarterback depth with Haynes King.
His mobility should be even more effective against third-string defenders in the Hall of Fame Game, who often struggle to contain the edge.
The Panthers are trading as 53-cent favorites at Kalshi, but I make them closer to a 56-cent favorite, which is why I'm hitting the button.
Joe Osborne's expert pick: Panthers first-half moneyline
Carolina’s experience gives it the edge in the first half against an Arizona coaching staff and quarterback making their debuts.
Mike LaFleur will coach his first game for the Cardinals, while rookie Carson Beck gets the start under center. Kenny Pickett has looked like a prime Aaron Rodgers in past preseason games, completing 73 of 95 passes for 674 yards, six touchdowns and zero interceptions.
His 76.8% completion rate and 116.7 passer rating across nine appearances are difficult to ignore, and Haynes King is more than capable of holding his own if he does see any action in the first 30.
Dustin Saracini's expert pick: Over 34.5
Let's see some points.
The Hall of Fame Game is the perfect opportunity to open the playbook, and I expect both offensive-minded coaches Dave Canales and Mike LaFleur to dial up some splash plays.
This number has hit four straight times in this exhibition game (averaging 38.5 points), and with two quarterbacks looking to put on a show, we should have no problem here.
Carson Beck — who will likely see extended action — wants to take the coveted first step toward showing the Cardinals he can be their guy of the future, and perennial backup Kenny Pickett wants to capitalize on the little playing time he’ll have this season.
Haynes King, who will supplant Pickett in the first half, is a playmaker who should be able to sustain drives as a strong fallback option. Against two Bottom-10 defenses from a year ago, I'll take the Over, which is trading at 52 cents at Kalshi.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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