Panthers vs. Cardinals Best Bets: 3 Picks for the Hall of Fame Game

The NFL Hall of Fame Game celebrates history, legacies and brings the past front and center.

No team in NFL history had ever lost three straight games on a scoring play as time expired until the 2025 Arizona Cardinals.
While Arizona’s 2026 edition aims to avoid approaching such shame again, winning or losing Thursday’s Pro Football Hall of Fame Game against the Carolina Panthers in nail-biting fashion would be a victory for those who stay with the broadcast (8 p.m. ET, NBC) for the long haul.

As usual, the NFL preseason opener features a who’s-who of athletes you won’t see suited up in Canton, Ohio. How will that influence the first Best Bets of the new pro football season? Read on.

Carson Beck Prop Bets

Neither team’s first-round draft pick will play at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, with Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love (No. 3 overall) and Panthers offensive tackle Monroe Freeling (No. 19) being held out.

Arizona’s third-rounder is starting at quarterback, however, and Carson Beck figures to see plenty of opportunities with the Cardinals resting projected starter Jacoby Brissett and backup Gardner Minshew.

Beck said Tuesday that he “had no clue” new coach Mike LaFleur would tap him to start the exhibition. He added that the exclusivity of the nationally-televised game wouldn’t phase him, either.

Beck will learn soon enough that the NFL isn’t college, but the veteran of 43 starts at Georgia and Miami likely is aware already that preseason intensity typically rates a notch or three below normal. Beck completed 72.4% of his passes last season while helping Miami to a runner-up finish in the College Football Playoff national championship game.

Hitch a wager to his competency and ability to collect yards.

Carson Beck over 99.5 passing yards (-182 with Covers.com)

TOTAL POINTS

Veteran Kenny Pickett is set to begin his Carolina career with a starting nod in Canton. The backup to Bryce Young, who also won’t play Thursday, almost sounds like an eager first-rounder again.

“Just want to go out there and operate at a high level,” he said.

Cardinals pass rusher Josh Sweat (knee) is out as the team aims to prepare him for the Sept. 13 season opener. That means one less obstacle to a Beck-Pickett duel complemented by some occasional breakout runs from depth guys.

Over 35.5 points (-106 with FanDuel)

WINNER

Panthers edge rusher Nic Scourton suffered a torn ACL on the first day of training camp while wide receiver Chris Brazzell II (torn LCL) sustained a season-ending injury of his own.

Carolina boasts a more talented roster than Arizona nonetheless, though the scaled-back crop of starters neutralizes things.

Pickett likely won’t go as deep into the game as Beck, but take the QB with regular-season chops over the one without.

Panthers -1.5 (-120 with FanDuel)