The Hall of Fame game has been the opener of the NFL preseason games for many years. It started in 1962 and is considered the official kickoff of the preseason. Since then, many NFL fans and bettors have looked forward to the said match.
This year, we are set to be delighted by the face-off between the New York Jets and the Cleveland Browns. Fans of both teams are ecstatic to know they’ll have a chance to watch their favorite teams at the start of the preseason games.
For those who aren’t following these two amazing teams chosen to play in the Hall of Fame Game, this is your chance to get to know them.
The New York Jets
Let’s discuss the first team in this year’s preseason Hall of Fame game, the New York Jets. This is not the team’s first time playing the Hall of Fame game. The 2023 Hall of Fame game is the team’s third time participating.
Jets’ Betting Odds
If you follow the updates on the upcoming NFL preseason games, you’ll notice that NFL lines are popping faster than you expected, even though we haven’t started the regular season yet. The reason behind this is the Hall of Fame game that is coming soon.
Currently, the New York Jets’ moneyline odds are at +100. This means that the Jets are the underdog of this match-up. The reason behind this is likely because the Jets were only 7-10 last year. Even though the team’s offense finished second, their defense was ranked 25th.
New York Jets’ Strategy
Jets’ head coach Robert Saleh said he wouldn’t use his team’s starters for the Hall of Fame Game. Saleh wanted to focus and give his younger players a chance to experience the NFL action on the preseason opening.
Another part of his strategy is that Saleh utilizes the team’s training camp activities to make the player’s daily activities less of a chore. It’s also an opportunity for Saleh to allow his younger players to improve their skills as they prepare to face the Cleveland Browns in the Hall of Fame game.
This announcement that the head coach of the Jets made means that we’ll see a lot of Zach Wilson in action during the game. Coach Saleh uses the Hall of Fame game to observe his young players and examine their capabilities.
The Cleveland Browns
The team that will be facing the New York Jets in the Hall of Fame game is the Cleveland Browns. Just like with the New York Jets, this isn’t the Cleveland Browns’ first time in the Hall of Fame game. In fact, it’s their sixth time playing for the said event.
Cleveland’s Odds
The Cleveland Browns’ moneyline odds are -100 for the Hall of Fame game. This means that the team is the favorite team for this match. The Browns were performing much better than the Jets last year, which impacts both teams’ odds on the Hall of Fame Game.
Getting in the Hall of Fame game as the favorite is a huge honor with a lot of pressure. The Browns must work hard to meet the public’s expectations. However, let’s not forget that the Browns hosted a game against the Jets last season, where they were defeated by 31-30. The Cleveland Browns also finished the season with a 7-10 mark.
Cleveland Browns Strategy
If the New York Jets didn’t plan to go all in with the Hall of Fame game by letting their starters sit out the game, will the Cleveland Browns do the opposite?
Following the previous Hall of Fame games, teams invited to play don’t put their starters on the field to play the game. It might be because it’s still early in the preseason to unleash their best players.
So, let’s not expect coach Kevin Stefanski to allow his starters to play in that game. Like every other coach, he doesn’t want to risk his star players being injured early in the preseason games. But if he does, he might only pick a few of his starters to play for the Hall of Fame game.
The Hall of Fame Game Selection Process
The NFL will choose two teams with which Hall of Fame inductees for the year are associated. The Cleveland Browns and the New York Jets were selected to play the kickoff game of this year’s preseason games since they are associated with recently inducted Hall of Famers.
The Browns left tackle Joe Thomas is set to be anointed to the Hall of Fame class this year. Meanwhile, the Jets’ Joe Klecko and Darrelle Revis are expected to be anointed to the Hall of Fame this year.
That’s why the NFL chooses the Cleveland Browns and the New York Jets to play the kickoff event of this year’s NFL preseason games.
Watch The Hall of Fame Game
The Hall of Fame game is an event that is worth watching, especially this year, where both teams have been nominated to play in the said game since the 90s. The Cleveland Browns’ last participation in the Hall of Fame game was in 1999, while the New York Jets’ last appearance was in 1992.
So, clear your schedule on August 3, at 8 PM ET, and watch these two great teams face each other to kickstart another season of the NFL games at Canton, OH.
