The NFL season is right around the corner and Chicago Bears will be kicking their season off on the road against the Carolina Panthers in Bank Of America Stadium. After a magical 2025-2026 season for the Chicago Bears, the Bears look to take the next step with third year Quarterback Caleb Williams leading the offense alongside with second year Head Coach Ben Johnson.
Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers are coming off an improved season in which they finished with a record of 8-9. Bryce Young entering year four as the Quarterback for the Panthers in which he is looking for a confidence boost to start off the season. He will be guided by electric second year receiver in Tetairoa McMillian and third year Head Coach Dave Canales.
The Bears come into this matchup as the favorites. ESPN currently has the Bears favored by -2.5. The key for the Bears is getting the run game going with D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangi. According to Team Rankings the Bears had the third best run game in the NFL. If the run game stays consistent that will make things easier on Caleb Williams and the offense.
The Panthers look to create turnovers with their young secondary in Mike Jackson and Jaycee Horn who combined for 9 interceptions total according to ESPN. The Panthers will also look to attack this bears defense that is currently dealing with injuries to Coby Bryant who is going to be on the injured list for 4-6 months.
Both division winners of last year look to start of the season with a win. Two former number one overall Quarterbacks look to take the next step. Should be an exciting matchup to open the year.
Sources
ESPN- Bears vs. Panthers (Sep 13, 2026) Live Score – ESPN
Team Rankings- NFL Football Stats – NFL Team Rushing Yards per Game | TeamRankings.com
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