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Chicago Bears open 2026 season against Carolina Panthers on Sunday

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 12, 2026, 4:01 PM

Last updated Sep 12, 2026

Chicago Bears open 2026 season against Carolina Panthers on Sunday

Summary

The Chicago Bears host the Carolina Panthers this Sunday for their 2026 NFL season opener. Chicago enters the matchup following an 11-6 campaign that included an NFC North title and a playoff victory. The Panthers finished last season 8-9 but secured a division title. Sunday’s game features a quarterback matchup between Caleb Williams of the Bears and Bryce Young of the Panthers, two players linked by a 2023 trade between the franchises. Bears head coach Ben Johnson looks to establish early-season momentum, while the defense must adjust to an injury to Kyler Gordon and incorporate rookies Jordan van den Berg and Dillon Thieneman. Chicago previously defeated Carolina 36-10 in the last meeting between these teams.

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Status Watch

•Caleb Williams and Bryce Young face off in a marquee quarterback matchup.
•Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson seeks higher offensive consistency early in the season.
•The Bears secondary must defend against three Panthers receivers who are 6'3" or taller.
•Rookies Jordan van den Berg and Dillon Thieneman are expected to see significant action.
•Montez Sweat leads the Chicago pass rush against a depleted Carolina offensive line.

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