The 2026 NFL preseason schedule kicks off on Thursday, August 6, at 8 p.m. ET, from Canton, Ohio, when the Carolina Panthers meet the Arizona Cardinals in the 2026 NFL Hall of Fame Game.
The game is part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s biggest year, as Saturday will see five legends of the game have their busts unveiled in Canton: QB Drew Brees, RB Roger Craig, WR Larry Fitzgerald, LB Luke Kuechly, and K Adam Vinatieri.
While both teams will not play their starters tonight, we get our first taste of NFL action tonight at 8 p.m. ET, live on NBC and Peacock in the annual exhibition from Canton.
Below, we’ll break down when the Hall of Fame Game is, who will get playing time, and the favorites on PrizePicks Team Picks to win the opening preseason game.
Make your Hall of Fame Game picks on players, winner, and more on PrizePicks now!
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2026 NFL Hall of Fame Game: When is the Panthers vs. Cardinals Game?
The NFL Hall of Fame weekend kicks off Thursday, August 6 with the annual NFL Hall of Fame Game.
Let’s take a look at how you can watch the Panthers and Cardinals in action in Canton tonight.
When is the Hall of Fame Game? Time, How to Watch
The NFL Hall of Fame Game is the annual preseason curtain-raiser, kicking off an exciting weekend to commemorate the new Pro Football Hall of Fame class in Canton.
Rookie Arizona Cardinals QB Carson Beck will get the start and is expected to play for most — if not all — of the first half. Meanwhile, Panthers QB Kenny Pickett will be vying to put himself in contention for the regular-season starting role. See more on the full participants below.
- Date: Thursday, August 6
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Where: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton, Ohio
- How to Watch: NBC and streaming on Peacock
NBC has the rights for the 2026 NFL Hall of Fame Game, the second-straight year they have broadcast the game. The game is also available to stream on NBC's Peacock app.
2026 NFL Hall of Fame Game: Panthers vs. Cardinals Favorite, Playing Time, Over/Under
The NFL Hall of Fame Game often sees the bulk of starters for both teams get a rest, and often gives fringe players a chance to make a statement ahead of the first roster cuts.
This is the first time we'll see the rule changes for the alignment of players on kickoff returns and allowing onside kicks to be declared anytime during the game.
The Panthers are slightly favored to win Thursday night’s game, with a 1.78x payout to win on PrizePicks Team Picks. The Cardinals have a straight 2x payout — meaning you'll double your entry fee if they win.
NFL payouts below show the real-money return for a correct pick on PrizePicks Team Picks. For example, a 1.92x on Over 39.5 points turns a $100 entry into $192.
Make your 2026 NFL Hall of Fame Game predictions on PrizePicks – including the winner!
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Carolina Panthers Playing Time Expectations & Players to Watch Today
The Panthers announced that QB Kenny Pickett will start on Thursday night. The former Pittsburgh Steeler will get the bulk of the reps, with QB Bryce Young not dressing for the contest. He will then hand over to 25-year-old rookie QB Haynes King, who was known for his legs more than his arm at Georgia Tech, with 953 rushing yards in 2025.
Head coach Dave Canales also stated none of the other locked-in starters would participate, but spots that are up for grabs will see some regular contributors on the field for a bit of time.
One player who might see some extended reps is Feleipe Franks. The 6-foot-6 TE has been making some big plays in camp, and the coaching staff has said they expect more from him after being named special teams MVP last season for the Falcons.
WR Ja’seem Reed has had a strong training camp so far, and the undrafted second-year player is vying for a spot in a heavily-contested wideout group. He spent last year on the practice squad, so he’s quite familiar with the offense.
Here are three players to watch when making your picks on PrizePicks:
QB Kenny Pickett: 50.5 Pass Yards
QB Haynes King: 94.5 Pass Yards
WR Ja'seem Reed: 24.5 Receiving Yards
K Ryan Fitzgerald: 1.5 PAT Made, 1.5 FG Made
Arizona Cardinals Playing Time Expectations & Players to Watch
Cardinals first-year head coach Mike LaFleur announced before Wednesday’s practice that third-overall pick RB Jeremiyah Love will not play in Thursday’s Hall of Fame Game. That robs fans of their first opportunity to see him in action at the professional level.
Rookie third-round pick Carson Beck will start at QB, though. He’s expected to get at least a half of action, despite some iffy results while operating with the third unit in practice thus far. Neither starter Jacoby Brissett or backup Gardner Minshew will dress, which should give way to former USC QB Kedon Slovis in the second half.
Beck is going to operate behind an offensive line that sees the entire right side being rebuilt. With Arizona’s primary weapons off the field, it’ll be interesting to see how Beck performs in his NFL exhibition debut.
Getting help from WR Xavier Weaver would help, as he's projected for 23.5 receiving yards on PrizePicks tonight. The third-year WR should get playing time tonight as he fights for his spot on the roster.
QB Carson Beck: 92.5 Pass Yards
WR Xavier Weaver: 23.5 Receiving Yards
K Chad Ryland: 1.5 PAT Made, 1.5 FG Made
Make your Hall of Fame Game picks on PrizePicks now!
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Make 2026 NFL Hall of Fame Game Picks on PrizePicks
Thursday night’s NFL Hall of Fame Game kicks off the NFL preseason from Canton, and the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame induction weekend. Best of all, it marks the return of football.
Although there are many unknowns, and starters will remain sidelined, it's an appetizer for football fans everywhere. The Hall of Fame Game allows us to see some of the players looking to make the final rosters for both the Carolina Panthers and the Arizona Cardinals.
Don’t wait until the 8 p.m. ET kickoff — make your 2026 NFL Hall of Fame Game picks on PrizePicks now and earn real money if you’re right.
Pick NFL preseason players, predict More or Less on their stats, and cash in if you’re right on the NFL Hall of Fame Game. With Team Picks in 36 states, you can make predictions on the winners in every NFL preseason game.
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