Hall Of Fame Game Odds: How to Bet Jaguars vs. Raiders

The 2022 NFL Preseason starts Thursday night in Canton, Ohio, with the annual Hall of Fame Game. This year’s preseason opener features the Jacksonville Jaguars taking on the Las Vegas Raiders. For those so inclined — yes, you can bet on the game, and Hall of Fame game odds have the Raiders as slight favorites.

Hall Of Fame Game Betting Odds

Jaguars vs. Raiders — Who is Playing?

When it comes to a preseason game, the first question bettors want answered is this— who’s playing? It is not uncommon for teams to sit all or most of their starters in the first preseason game, especially if they are playing in the Hall of Fame game. If they do play, they do not play much. Jacksonville stated earlier in the week that Trevor Lawrence and Travis Ettienne would not be playing.

We will probably not see running back James Robinson or backup quarterback C.J. Bethard either.

What does this mean? It means we will see third-string QB Jake Luton and former USFL standout Kyle Sloter taking snaps for the Jaguars tonight. Joining them in the backfield will be Snoop Conner and Mehki Sargent.

As for the Raiders, Josh McDaniels has not stated that anyone would be sitting out. But it would be shocking to see Derek Carr, Josh Jacobs, or Davante Adams play much, if at all. Carr didn’t play in the preseason last year, and the risk of injury is not worth getting Jacobs or Adams game reps.

Fans should expect to see a lot of Jarrett Stidham and Nick Mullens at QB for the Raiders. They may also give rookie Chase Garbers some reps. But if he sees the field, it will probably be sometime in the fourth quarter.

Jaguars vs. Raiders Betting Analysis

Kyle Sloter may give the Jaguars a slight advantage. Luton, Stidham, and Mullens have not seen game time since the 2021 preseason (if at all). Sloter just finished a season in the USFL — and was one of the better quarterbacks in the young league. He may have more success working with the random collection of unknown players that often see action in the Hall of Fame game than anyone else.

How To Bet On The Hall Of Fame Game

When betting on preseason games, there are certain things bettors should be aware of and that oddsmakers have already taken into consideration.

What is each head coach’s preseason record?

Both head coaches are in their first year with the team, but their career preseason records can give you an idea of how they feel about winning preseason games. Is it important to them, or are they more concerned about keeping players healthy for the regular season?

Doug Pederson went 4-0 in his first preseason (2016) as head coach of the Eagles. He went 2-2 in his second and was 1-3 in each of his final two. McDaniels was a dismal 2-6 during his two-year stint with the Broncos (2009-2010).

How much time will star players see?

It is not unusual for a team to leave its starters in for a series or two after the other team takes theirs out. But since this is the first preseason game for both teams, don’t expect either team’s stars to touch the field. Raiders fans will probably have to wait until next week to see Davante Adams catch a pass from Derek Carr.

When in doubt, take the Under.

Chances are good we will only see third stringers and below taking the field, which means points will probably be at a premium. Seven of the last 10 saw 30 points or fewer scored. That trend has to continue for under bets to cash again.

Pay attention to the news.

Most coaches will not give the press much (if any) information that their opponents might find helpful. But it is not uncommon for them to indicate how long certain players will play (if at all) in the preseason.

Our Pick: Don’t bank on either team trying too hard or playing anyone important. Take under 31 at PointsBet.

Bet the Hall of Fame Game at PointsBet: Get $2,000 Risk-Free Bet with Promo Code BONUSDAY

Also read: Five strategies for betting NFL preseason