Chicago Bears visit Carolina Panthers for 2026 season opener

The Chicago Bears travel to Charlotte to face the Carolina Panthers in a Week 1 matchup scheduled for Sunday. Both teams enter the contest following successful 2025 campaigns, with Chicago coming off an 11-6 finish and a trip to the divisional round of the playoffs. Carolina, the 2025 NFC South champions, continues to evaluate quarterback Bryce Young as he enters his 2026 campaign. The game features a reunion of former No. 1 overall draft picks Caleb Williams and Young, alongside a showcase for 2025 rookies Tetairoa McMillan and Colston Loveland. Ben Johnson enters his second season as Chicago head coach, while Dave Canales continues to lead the Panthers staff. The game serves as a critical test for both rosters as they aim to establish momentum early in the regular season.

• 6:10 PMYahoo Sports — 4 bold predictions for Bears at Panthers