Chicago Bears open 2026 season against Carolina Panthers

The Chicago Bears begin their 2026 NFL campaign on Sunday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, facing the Carolina Panthers. Chicago enters the matchup following an 11-6 finish in 2025, a season that marked their first NFC North title in eight years and an initial playoff victory in nearly two decades. Under head coach Ben Johnson, the team significantly improved its offensive efficiency, ranking fourth in total yardage and first in total turnovers during the previous campaign. While the offense excelled, the defense finished 29th in total yards allowed despite recording a league-best 33 takeaways. Quarterback Caleb Williams enters his second year under Johnson following a 2025 season that saw him emerge as a key playmaker. The upcoming game serves as the first test for a roster looking to build on the momentum generated during their recent turnaround.

• 6:35 PMYahoo Sports — Where the Chicago Bears rank statistically heading into Week 1