The 2026 NFL Hall of Fame Game is almost here, and if you’re looking to set those daily fantasy lineups for the first time in nearly six months, you better listen up! Thursday night, August 6, at 8 p.m. ET, the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers kick off the preseason in Canton, Ohio. But here’s the kicker: don’t expect to see the big guns. Stars like Bryce Young, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Tetairoa McMillan aren’t even expected to hit the field. This means your DFS strategy needs to be laser-focused on the backups and those scrapping for a roster spot.
R.J. White’s Hot Takes for the Hall of Fame Game
When it comes to sniffing out value in these preseason battles, SportsLine NFL expert R.J. White is your guy. This dude is legit, having cashed huge twice in the world-renowned Westgate Las Vegas SuperContest and sitting as SportsLine’s No. 1 all-time NFL ATS expert. He’s also CBS’s Fantasy expert, so he knows these rosters inside and out. White just locked in his top daily fantasy football picks for this Cardinals vs. Panthers showdown, and he’s got some insights that could make or break your first lineup of the season.
One of White’s absolute favorite picks for Thursday is Carolina quarterback Haynes King. This guy is in an optimal spot to put up some serious numbers. Think about it: starting QB Bryce Young is out, and fifth-year veteran Kenny Pickett probably won’t get a long look from the coaches. King is the only other quarterback on the roster! The Panthers made him a priority undrafted free agent, even shelling out $250,000 in guarantees, so they want to see what he can do. Plus, he was a prolific runner at Georgia Tech, which means multiple ways to rack up production in what could easily turn into an extended audition.
Cardinals Running Back Ready to Feast
On the Arizona side, White’s strategy includes building around Cardinals running back Bam Knight. The rookie Jeremiyah Love isn’t making his anticipated debut, and veteran James Conner is sidelined with a foot injury. This opens the door wide open for Knight. He flashed some serious potential in 2025, scoring four touchdowns and clearing 50 yards on the ground in two different games. He also hauled in 31 receptions last season, showing off that dual-threat ability. With Arizona trying to sort out its running back depth chart, Knight is a prime target for a big workload in this preseason setting.
So, get ready to dive into those DraftKings and FanDuel lineups, where every player is $7,600 and $12,000 respectively. This Hall of Fame Game isn’t just a warm-up; it’s a chance to see some hungry players fight for their careers, and for us, it’s the first taste of NFL DFS action in months. Grab your picks, watch these guys battle, and let’s get this season started right!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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