Bears Favored in Week 1 at Panthers

Overview

• The Chicago Bears open the 2026 season on the road against the Carolina Panthers in Week 1 with sportsbooks listing Chicago as a three-point favorite and a -176 moneyline.
• Pre-game analysis centers on the ground game because both teams leaned on rush-heavy offenses last season and the trenches will shape play-calling and time of possession.
• Chicago will start the year without safety Coby Bryant and will rely on rotation pieces and rookies such as Jordan van den Berg, Jayden Loving and Kentavius Street to shore up a run defense that allowed the sixth-most rushing yards last year.
• Carolina beefed up its front with additions including Devin Lloyd and edge rusher Jaelan Phillips while dealing with an injured Taylor Moton that thrust rookie Monroe Freeling into a difficult right-tackle assignment against Montez Sweat.
• Coaches and local analysts say the Bears must establish their run, stop Carolina’s front to force Bryce Young into tough third downs, and protect the ball to convert a pregame edge into a win.