If you’re looking to bet on the Hall of Fame Game, there are some things you should familiarize yourself with.
- First, the Hall of Fame Game is usually a low-scoring one. In fact, the Over/Under has gone Under in seven of the last 10 games. If you enjoy a high-scoring game, Thursday night’s contest might not be for you.
- Second, the Jets are -1.5 favorites at Bet365 Ohio and -120 at Barstool Sports. The average point spread in the last 10 games has been just 2.5 points, and we shouldn’t expect to see a blowout Thursday night.
- Finally, remember that the Hall of Fame Game is a preseason game. This means that starting quarterbacks DeShaun Watson and Aaron Rodgers will likely only play one series, so the game’s outcome is often difficult to predict.
Here are a few tips for betting on the Hall of Fame Game:
- Look for the Under: As mentioned above, the Over/Under has gone Under in seven of the last 10 Hall of Fame Games and is usually a safe bet for the Hall of Fame Game or any other preseason NFL contest.
- Consider the Underdog: The point spread is close enough (1.5 points) where the moneyline could be a good bet. Because of the travel involved, preseason games usually give the home team the edge, and Cleveland is right down the street from Tom Benson Stadium.
- Injuries matter: The Hall of Fame Game is the perfect opportunity for teams to get some reserves and long shots for some additional playing time. So, if there are any key injuries on either team, it could affect the game’s outcome.
- Pay Attention to Backup Quarterbacks: Neither starting QB will likely play more than one series, so consider the second and third-string QBs. Listening to preseason coaches’ press conferences and reading the teams’ beat writers will usually lead you to a preseason angle worth exploiting.
- Bankroll Management: This is the preseason. While it can be profitable to bet on preseason NFL games, it’s always wise to practice sound bankroll management and never bet more than 5% of your bankroll on any preseason contest.
Hall of Fame Game Betting Options
- Point spread: The Browns are currently +1.5 point underdogs and essentially playing a home game in Canton. The less travel time allows extra preparation time and a possible betting angle on Cleveland.
- Moneyline: Obviously, the Browns are also +105 moneyline underdogs at BetFred. Catching a moneyline underdog is always a good thing, and Cleveland essentially playing a home game is something to consider.
- Total points: The Over/Under for the game is 33.5 points. Big scoring games don’t usually happen during the preseason, and Thursday will likely not buck that trend.
- Consider Wagering In-Game: Live or in-game betting is another option to consider. Just be sure to only wager during the stoppage of play, such as the end of a quarter, during a timeout, or during a commercial break.
The Hall of Fame Game is a fun way to kick off the NFL preseason. It’s the first preseason game of the season, and with training camp just a few days old, these teams haven’t had much time to prepare, and the starters, at the most, will play just one series.
That means we’ll see plenty of reserves and players fighting to make an impression on the coaching staff. The games are usually low-scoring affairs, and the quality of play can sometimes be quite sloppy. Consider all of these things carefully, bet responsibly, and enjoy the game!
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