What to know about the 2024 Hall of Fame Game: Bears vs. Texans

Football is finally back with the turn of the calendar to August, as the Chicago Bears clash with the Houston Texans in the 2024 Hall of Fame Game, the official start to the NFL preseason.

Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET inside Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, the site of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, whose 2024 class includes former Bears return specialist Devin Hester and Andre Johnson, the all-time receiving yards leader for the Texans.

Below YouBet dives into the 2024 Hall of Fame Game and provides you with everything you need to know about the kickoff to the preseason, from the schedule to the odds and more.

How to watch the 2024 Hall of Fame Game

The 2024 Hall of Fame Game will begin at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, Aug. 1, in Canton, Ohio. ESPN and ABC will broadcast the matchup between the Bears and Texans.

Who is playing in the Hall of Fame Game

Chicago's head coach Matt Eberflus announced on Tuesday that the Bears will not play their starters in the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday. That includes the 2024 No. 1 overall draft pick, Caleb Williams. Projected backup Tyson Bagent, a second-year player who went 2-2 last season as a starter, will take the first snaps at quarterback for Chicago.

As for the Texans, head coach DeMeco Ryans did not rule out 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud, but he's unlikely to see playing time on Thursday as well.

Last season, the Bears finished last in the NFC North with a 7-10 record, and the Texans — who were expected to earn the worst record in the NFL in 2023 — exceeded expectations with a 10-7 mark to lead the AFC South. They also won their wild-card matchup with the Cleveland Browns before falling to the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional Round.

Odds for the 2024 Hall of Fame Game

You can wager on the NFL preseason, just like any regular-season or playoff matchup. The Texans are currently listed as a one-point favorite in the neutral-site matchup, and the total is set at 31.5. You can also wager on the Over/Under for total team points as well as which team will score first and who will lead during half time and end of regulation.

New members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2024

The Pro Football Hall of Fame will induct seven new members as part of the Class of 2024. They include Hester and Johnson, along with pass rushers Julius Peppers and Dwight Freeney, linebackers Patrick Willis and Randy Gradishar, and defensive tackle Steve McMichael. Both Gradishar and McMichael are senior finalists.

How to watch the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement

The 2024 Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony will take place Saturday, Aug. 4, beginning at noon ET. ESPN and NFL Network will offer coverage.

2024 NFL preseason schedule

The official Week 1 of the 2024 NFL preseason will begin on Thursday, Aug. 8, with a double-header featuring the Carolina Panthers at the New England Patriots (7 p.m. ET) and the Detroit Lions at the New York Giants (7 p.m. ET).

The 2024 NFL preseason will last three weeks, and the final games are scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 25.

The first regular-season NFL game is a Thursday Night Football showdown between the Baltimore Ravens and the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET inside Arrowhead Stadium, and NBC will broadcast the matchup.