Carolina Panthers vs. Arizona Cardinals Picks and Predictions: NFL Hall of Fame Game
Written by: Nate Hornung
Published: Thu Aug 06, 2026, 2:18 pm ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
nfl
Today, we can officially claim the dog days of summer over. Not because the weather is cool, or the World Series champion has been crowned. But because tonight, the glorious sport of (American) football returns to our screens, as the NFL Preseason kicks off with tonight's Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio. It won't be the most exciting matchup, but it's still pigskin. And that's all that matters. The Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals take the field tonight, so let's get into our favorite picks.
Carolina Panthers vs. Arizona Cardinals NFL Betting Insights
Mike LaFleur gets his first shot at a head coaching job in the NFL. His first test for the Cardinals? Taking down Carolina with all eyes glued to the screen.
Remember, this is preseason, and it's the first one of the year. Take it easy. We aren't even betting a full unit tonight, just a half unit sprinkle for some fun. Kenny Pickett will start for the Panthers, so don't expect guys like Chuba Hubbard, Jonathon Brooks, Tet McMillan or Xavier Legette to take the field. It's going to be a lot of third and fourth stringers, and guys simply trying to make a roster.
For the Cardinals, Carson Beck will be starting. He could be the first player ever (probably) to throw the final pass of the NCAA Football season, and the first pass of the NFL Preseason the following year. It would be even crazier if he threw a pick in his first attempt. Regardless, the Cardinals said Jeremiyah Love will also not play. I doubt we see Tyler Allgeier either, or James Conner, so expect Trey Benson and others to carry the rushing load for Arizona.
Of course, Beck will be without Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson and Trey McBride, as well as some others.
Matchup Information – Panthers vs. Cardinals – August 6
- Venue & Location: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium (Canton, OH)
- Date: Thursday, August 6, 2026
- Kick Off: 8:00 p.m. eastern
- Broadcast: NBC
Panthers vs. Cardinals Betting Odds
Odds are courtesy of BetOnline.
Spread
- Panthers -1.5 (-111)
- Cardinals +1.5 (-109)
Moneyline
- Panthers -126
- Cardinals +106
Total
- Over 33.5 (-115)
- Under 33.5 (-105)
Carolina Panthers vs. Arizona Cardinals NFL Picks and Predictions
Kenny Pickett will show us if he's still got it tonight against the Cardinals
Best Bet: Carolina Panthers 1H -0.5 (+105) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
This is the first NFL game of the preseason. We are only putting a half unit sprinkle on this. However, I opted for the first half spread at plus money, instead of paying the dollar 25 for the moneyline. All we lost was some push potential, but I have faith in the Panthers getting it done early. I'm also willing to lose half a unit if they are tied; give me that plus sign.
This team made the playoffs last year, and are looking to bring that positive momentum into this season. How do you do that? You set the tone early, even with your reserve players. Kenny Pickett has plenty of professional experience in the NFL, despite how bad his regular season stats may be. He's played four more years in the league than Beck.
Along with Beck and the fact that the Cardinals are going to be one of the worst teams in the NFL this year, they also have new head coach Mike LaFleur making his debut for Arizona. He has been the Offensive Coordinator for the Rams the past three years, working the same job for the Jets for two years prior. But maybe the two of them are a little less organized early on, simply trying to see if anything can stick. LeFleur will be the play caller in the Desert.
Point being, I expect Carolina to handle this more as a business trip than the opening preseason contest. Look for them to step on Arizona's throats early, especially being the stronger team all over on paper.
Still Want NFL Content?
Here at Betting News, we offer Free Expert Picks for every major sports league. We also host daily streams on our Twitch Channel with our best bets. Be sure to tune into everything we have going on at our Youtube, TikTok, and X pages as well. Be sure to follow my personal X account as well, @Shaggy_Bets for my full daily card.
More NFL News
NFL Betting News
2026 NFL Divisional Previews | AFC West: Can KC Shake it Off?
Get FREE Picks and Props Weekly
Sign up for
THE WEEKENDER NEWSLETTER
Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.
This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Betting News makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.