Bears to open 2026 season vs. Panthers
The Bears are reportedly opening the 2026 season against the Carolina Panthers
The Chicago Bears ' 2026 Week 1 opponent has finally been revealed a day before the official schedule is released. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Bears are set to take on the Carolina Panthers to open this upcoming season on the road on Sunday, September 13th. The time of the game has yet to be announced.
Sources: The #Panthers will host the #Bears in Week 1, as a pair of former #1 overall picks in Caleb Williams and Bryce Young face-off. Both Carolina and Chicago won their divisions last year. š https://t.
co/Tq23zYKC90 pic. twitter. com/tmGs6vUeRg ā Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) May 13, 2026 These two teams have plenty of recent history together, making for an intriguing matchup.
The Bears and Panthers were involved in the blockbuster trade that sent Carolina the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to select quarterback Bryce Young in exchange for a haul of picks, as well as wide receiver DJ Moore. Thanks to the Panthers, the Bears wound up with the top overall selection and drafted Caleb Williams the following year.