On Thursday night, we finally get to witness the return of the NFL in preseason form with Carolina meeting Arizona at 8pmET from Canton, Ohio, in the Hall of Fame Game
Odds: Carolina -1.5
Total: 35.5
Moneyline: Carolina -118/Arizona -103
In this matchup, we’ve got both backup quarterbacks listed as the starters. Arizona will go with third-string rookie Carson Beck against journeyman Kenny Pickett.
Trends: Underdogs of +1 to +3 have covered at a 60% clip since 2015. Since 2013, Underdogs are 8-2-1 ATS and 7-4 SU in the HOF game.
The Carolina Panthers (8-9 SU, 10-7 ATS, 7-10 O/U) made the playoffs last season thanks to winning the NFC South over Tampa Bay (8-9) and Atlanta (8-9). They were leading the Rams in the wild card game before falling in the last minute 34-31. Coach Dave Canales helped Bryce Young live up to his potential last season, though he still has room for improvement (3,011 yards, 23 TDs, 11 INTs). He will sit this one out for the well-traveled Pickett, along with starting WR Tetairoa McMillan. The Panthers went 0-3 SU and ATS in last year’s preseason against Pittsburgh (19-10), Houston (20-3) and Cleveland (30-10).
Injuries: Six-foot-five rookie receiver Chris Brazzell II (torn LCL) and Edge Nic Scourton (ACL) are out for the season. OT Taylor Moton (blood clots) and OT Ikem Ekwonu (knee), and DL Tershawn Wharton (neck) are out trying to rehab their injuries.
The Arizona Cardinals (3-14 SU, 6-11 ATS, 11-6 O/U) were horrific last season, and that allowed them to grab the No. 3 pick in the draft, where they took speedy RB Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame. Love will not play in this game, but that position is loaded now with Love, veteran James Conner and Tyler Allgeier in the mix. Wide receiver is a concern as Marvin Harrison Jr. hasn’t lived up to his potential. New coach Mike LeFleur has his work cut out for him. At quarterback, Jacoby Brissett takes over after a reworked contract behind a shaky offensive line. Having Love in the backfield can’t hurt, but he won’t play in this game. All eyes will be on the rookie Carson Beck, a third-round pick from Georgia. Beck should get plenty of time as he attempts to take the backup job from veteran Gardner Minshew. The Cardinals went 2-1 SU/ATS in preseason last year.
Injuries: RB James Conner (foot) and LB Josh Sweat (knee) are out.
(odds from DraftKings)
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Upcoming and Current Events at ATS:
- Hall of Fame Game (Aug 6). Football starts this week! Preseason NFL action begins as ATS enters its 34th football season. Early Bird discounts are still available!
- UFC Fight Night on Aug. 8 from Las Vegas, featuring Gamrot vs. Salkilld. UFC wins FOUR straight weeks. Average clients up over $7,500!
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