Betting the NFL HOF Game

The NFL's preseason calendar kicks off with the always anticipated Hall of Fame Game, a tradition that marks the official start of a new NFL season. For sports bettors, this exhibition matchup presents a unique opportunity to capitalize on valuable insights and gain an early edge in the market. As the 2024 NFL season approaches, it's time to delve into the nuances of betting on the Hall of Fame Game and uncover strategies that can lead to profitable outcomes or give bettors a reason to stay on the sidleline and wait for better NFL preseason betting opportunities.

Why is the 2024 HOF matchup Bears vs Texans?

The Hall of Fame Game holds a special place in the annals of professional football, serving as an integral part of the induction ceremony at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This annual clash brings together two teams with strong ties to the Hall of Fame, often featuring players, coaches, or executives who have been enshrined in Canton, Ohio. For the 2024 edition, the Houston Texans and the Chicago Bears will take the field, with the Bears' Devin Hester, Steve McMichael and Julius Peppers, as well as the Texans' Andre Johnson, set to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Navigating the Preseason Mindset

The NFL Preseason is a unique beast, as teams often approach these exhibition games with varying degrees of seriousness. Some coaches are laser-focused on using the preseason to evaluate their roster, experiment with new schemes, and build a winning culture, while others may prioritize player health and rest over on-field results. Understanding the mindset of each coaching staff is crucial when it comes to betting on the Hall of Fame Game.

Betting the 2024 HOF Game

Houston Texans (+2)
Chicago Bears    (-2)
Game Total - 33

Quarterback Play - The Hall of Fame Game often features limited playing time for starting quarterbacks, as coaches prefer to give their backups and fringe roster players extended opportunities to showcase their skills. This could be the first look at rookie quarterback Caleb Williams in a Chicago uniform, but head coach Matt Eberflus hasn't yet made that call. The Bears haev a new offensive coordinator in Shane Waldron and are learning a new offense, so it wouldn't be a complete surprise to see Williams and some offensive starters suit up for a series, despite this being an extra pres-season contest for both teams. The Bears let former first-rounder Justin Fields go, banking on Williams, so Tyson Bagent, Rookie Ausint Reed (WesternKentucky) and Brett Rypien found out the QB depth chart. 

As far as the Texans, we all know that C.J Stroud is there guy. He might play a series. But thye have leigt backups in Case Keenum and David Mills. Expect former Jet Tim Boyle to work the entire 2nd half, of not more.

Advantage Texans ++

Motiviation - The worst teams from the previous season often perform surprisingly well in the preseason, as new coaches look to establish a winning culture and players strive to prove themselves. The Bears were obviouosly disappointed with a 2023 campaing that saw tham in last place in the NFC North with a 7-10 record. But they  ended the easaeon going 4-2 in thier last 6 and may look to continue that roll. And, the Texans have something to prove, but in the regular season, after making the playoffs in 2023 and winning a Wild Card game. Keep this tip though and keep an eye on the rest of the 2024 NFL Preseason on teams like the New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, Los Angeles Chargers and Washington Commanders, as they may be motivated to start the year strong and secure early preseason victories.

Advantage Bears +

Coaches - One of the most important factors to consider when betting on the Hall of Fame Game is the coaching history of the participating teams. Certain NFL head coaches have a proven track record of success in the preseason, and their teams tend to perform well in these exhibition matchups. The Bears' Matt Eberflus enters his third season at the helm of the Chicago Bears. He's not only tring to win, but also trying to get the Bears back that culture that put fear into opponenets and took them to championships. Ebeflus is 4-2 in preseaon games including 3-0 in his first seson as HC. DeMeco Ryans became just the 6th Titans head coach in team history last season. He got the Texans into the playoffs and the team look even better this year. We can't see Ryans putting his foot on the gas at any time this game. The Texans did go 2-1 last year in the preseason, including thier opening matchup vs the Patriots (under Belechick who never cared about winning preseason games).

Advantage Bears +

Betting Strategies and Prop Opportunities

When it comes to betting on the Hall of Fame Game, there are several strategies and prop bets to consider. Given the limited playing time for starters, focusing on team totals, player props, and first-half lines can be more profitable than traditional game-line bets. Additionally, tracking preseason trends and historical performance can help identify value plays and potential upsets. Games had gone Under the total for years, but bookmakers have caught on. The total for the 2024 HOF game is 33, last year there was 37 points score and 36 in 2022. 19 in 2021 and 24 in 2019, prior to Covid. Look at betting the Under in this years HOF game. To hunt for props, follow the Bears and Texans on X, check in on the team pages at Yahoo Sports and ESPN for updates on player injuries, team rumors and training camp news. Then look for player props that may be advantageous. 

Staying Disciplined and Managing Risk

As with any form of sports betting, it's essential to approach betting on the Hall of Fame Game with a disciplined and risk-managed approach. For starters, avoid unloading way to much in terms of dollars and/or bets on what is the first exhibition game of the season. It's just too early. Think about the overall game, as the HOF Game is not even a typical preseason game anymore, as it is an extra game. And this year it is going to be even more bland as these two teams face each other in Week 3 of the regular season. 

We had always preached to  avoid betting preseaon NFL  football, but with the dizzing array of props offerd and the vast amount of preseason datat now avaialbe, there are opportinuties. just maybe not too many in the Hall of fame game.