2026 NFL Hall of Fame Game: Panthers vs. Cardinals Preview
Mike LaFleur will debut as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals when they face the Carolina Panthers in the 2026 NFL Hall of Fame Game on Thursday in Canton, Ohio. The Cardinals finished the previous season with a record of 3-14, while the Panthers ended at 8-9, securing the NFC South title.
The game is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. ET at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Carolina leads the all-time series against Arizona 15-7, but the two teams have not met in the preseason for over 20 years. The Panthers are currently favored by 1 point, with an over-under set at 35 points.
Sports analyst Larry Hartstein has analyzed the matchup and is predicting that the total points will exceed 35. He notes that both teams surpassed this total in their previous preseason opener. Arizona averaged 20.9 points per game last season, while Carolina averaged 18.3. Rookie quarterback Carson Beck is expected to play significantly for Arizona, while Kenny Pickett will start for Carolina, followed by rookie Haynes King.
