2016 Hall of Fame Game Expert Betting Pick & Odds

For a fifth time in the NFL history, the Green Bay Packers and the Indianapolis Colts will both play at the Pro Football Hall of Fame game when they go against each other in Canton, Ohio this coming weekend. Here is a preview, along with the NFL odds and betting predictions, for this annual preseason encounter.

Analyzing the 2016 Hall of Fame Game Expert Betting Pick, Odds & TV Info

This week… We play . #INDvsGB #PFHOF16 pic.twitter.com/0VOOZtBynr

— NFL (@NFL) August 2, 2016

When: Sunday, August 7, 2016. 8 pm ET. Where: Canton, OH TV: ESPN NFL Odds: Packers at -.5

Setting the Scene

The 2016 Hall of Fame game will mark a weekend where we’ll get to see a number of former NFL stars inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the Green Bay fraternity is expected to be extra-motivated for the weekend, as arguably the best quarterback in their franchise history, Brett Favre, will be among the inductees. Other names in the 2016 Hall of Fame induction list include Tony Dungy, Marvin Harrison, Orlando Pace, Ken Stabler, Kevin Greene, Dick Stanfel and owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. Will the emotional day culminate with a win for Favre and the Packers nation, or will the Colts steal away the thunder of the day?

Why Bet on Green Bay?

Given that this is a preseason game, you shouldn’t expect to see the likes of Aaron Rodgers, Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson getting a lot of time on the field. Even so, Rodgers has been a big admirer of Favre and will almost want to honor him with a TD or two before he leaves the game, so lookout for a strong performance from him. But even if Rodgers won’t be on his A- game, things should be fine in the offense, as Brett Hundley is among the best backup QBs in the nation; something that is evidenced by his strong preseason showcases since he left UCLA. Defensively, we should also see several changes, especially with the new signings taking a lot of reps. Green Bay Head Coach Mike McCarthy has never been the guy to take the preseason very seriously, but he owns a winning record of 20-19 in preseason games since taking over the team in 2006. That should bring some level of trust for Green Bay fans who will be hoping for a win in this clash.

Why Bet on Indianpolis?

Like Green Bay, the Colts will most likely see very little of their starters, so don’t expect to see much of Andrew Luck and his fellow starters on the field, especially now that Luck is coming off a season-ending injury and the team will want to keep him healthy for the new season. That should mean a lot former Green Bay QB Scott Tolzien leading Indy in most of the game. Tolzien was awful in the few times he had his chance to flaunt his skills and bettors should be careful about trusting him for a big game. Not to mention, Indianapolis Head Coach Chuck Pagano is just 5-11 in his preseason games since taking over the team in 2012. That notwithstanding, Indy comes into this game with several players fighting for positions in the team, especially in the defense, while Pagano will want to convince Indy fans that he is ready for a big season by giving a strong show, so don’t totally write off an upset from Indy.

2016 NFL Hall of Fame Prediction and Picks

With Luck getting very little playing time and the shaky Tolzien to lead the Colts, I have no option but to go with Hundley and the extra-motivated Packers for the win at half-time and full-time. And as long as the spread doesn’t go above 5, Green Bay should also be your preferred ATS pick at full-time. Best Pick: Green Bay (-2)