NFL Preseason Begins Thursday with Hall of Fame Game in Canton

NFL football officially returns Thursday night as the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals meet in the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio. While the result will not count in the standings, the annual preseason opener signals the start of the league’s exhibition schedule and provides the first opportunity for coaches to evaluate rookies, recent NFL Draft picks, and players battling for roster spots ahead of the regular season.

Because both teams are participating in the Hall of Fame Game, they will each play four preseason games, while the other 30 NFL teams will play the standard three preseason games before the regular season begins. The extra contest gives Carolina and Arizona additional practice time and an extra opportunity to evaluate the bottom half of their rosters. The launch of at least some NFL action offers fans some changes to engage in preseason NFL betting.

Panthers vs. Cardinals: Key Details

The spotlight will be on young quarterbacks, rookies, and reserve players rather than established starters, many of whom are expected to sit or play only briefly. Fans will also get their first look at several offseason rule changes and coaching adjustments before the regular season kicks off next month.

Game Information

• Matchup: Carolina Panthers vs. Arizona Cardinals
• Date: Thursday, Aug. 6
• Time: 8 p.m. ET
• Location: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio
• TV: NBC
• Streaming: Peacock
• Point Spread: Panthers -1.5
• Over/Under: 35.5 points
• Moneyline: Slight edge to Carolina, though odds have moved throughout the week

What to Watch

Even with most veteran starters expected to receive limited snaps, Thursday’s contest offers several intriguing storylines.

• Quarterback competitions begin in earnest, with young passers expected to receive extended playing time.
• Rookie draft picks will make their NFL debuts.
• Fringe roster players have an opportunity to improve their chances of making the 53-man roster.
• Coaches will begin evaluating special teams units, often a deciding factor for players competing for final roster spots.
• Fans will also celebrate Hall of Fame weekend honoring this year’s induction class, including franchise legends connected to both organizations.

Week 1 NFL Preseason Schedule

Additional preseason games continue throughout the weekend as all 32 teams begin exhibition play.

Betting Outlook

Preseason wagering differs significantly from betting regular-season games because starters rarely play deep into contests. Instead, bettors often focus on quarterback depth, coaching tendencies, and expected playing time for backups. Totals also tend to be lower than regular-season contests due to simplified offensive game plans and player rotations. Early action has installed Carolina as a slight favorite, but line movement has been modest heading into kickoff.

The game also marks the unofficial beginning of the NFL betting season, with sportsbooks expanding markets to include preseason futures, player props, and regular-season win totals in the coming weeks. Thursday’s opener offers the first chance for fans to evaluate offseason acquisitions and rookies in live game action before the regular season kicks off in September.