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The 2026 NFL preseason officially kicks off on Thursday, August 6, when the Carolina Panthers face the Arizona Cardinals in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. The Cardinals have been designated as the home team.
Adam Schefter confirmed the matchup, which comes exactly one month from the original post date.
Chris Johnson, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2025, will become the 20th inductee in the Titans Ring of Honor during halftime of Tennessee's Week 1 home game against the Jets on Sept. 13, 2026.
Read articleBill Belichick expressed optimism about UNC heading into 2026, citing improved culture and team cohesion after a rough 4-8 debut season. Relevant mainly for devy and dynasty managers tracking college prospects.
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The Hall of Fame Game is the first live look at starters, depth charts, and rookie usage ahead of the fantasy draft season. Both rosters carry legitimate fantasy assets worth monitoring.
Carolina Panthers
Arizona Cardinals
Dave Canales enters his third season leading the Panthers after the team went 8-10 in 2025, including a 34-31 playoff loss to the Rams. Mike LaFleur takes over in Arizona this offseason. His older brother Matt is the head coach of the Green Bay Packers.
The Cardinals have played in the Hall of Fame Game five previous times, posting a 1-3-1 record. The franchise, then based in St. Louis, participated in the first Hall of Fame Game on August 11, 1962. Carolina last appeared in the game in 1995 as an expansion team, facing fellow expansion franchise Jacksonville.
The two teams met in Week 2 of the 2025 regular season in Arizona. The Cardinals led 27-3 before surviving a Panthers comeback to win 27-22.
The game coincides with the induction of a strong Hall of Fame class. Notable inductees include former Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly, Cardinals icon Larry Fitzgerald, two-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year Drew Brees, kicker Adam Vinatieri, and running back Roger Craig. All five are first-ballot selections.
Mark August 6 on your calendar. This game is your first real data point of the 2026 preseason. Watch how coaching staffs deploy Young, McMillan, McBride, and Harrison Jr. before finalizing your draft boards.
