The NFC North champion Chicago Bears open the 2026-27 season at the NFC South champion Carolina Panthers in Charlotte. The Bears were three games better than the sub-.500 Panthers last season and are 2.5-point favorites on the road.
Former top overall draft picks start at quarterback as Caleb Williams leads the Bears against Bryce Young at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 13.
My early Bears vs. Panthers predictions and NFL picks have the Bears taking advantage of an injury-ravaged Panthers O-line.
Bears vs Panthers predictions
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Early Bears vs Panthers spread pick: Bears -2.5
Bryce Young had his first 3,000-yard season last year, and much of his improvement was credited to an improved Carolina Panthers’ offensive line. That could be a problem to start this season, as 40% of that line is out.
Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu tore a knee ligament in the playoffs and opens the season on PUP. Meanwhile, right tackle Taylor Moton was diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs in June. Rookie draft pick Monroe Freeling replaces Moton, while free-agent pickup Rasheed Walker takes over at left tackle.
Chicago Bears edge rusher Austin Booker manhandled Walker in two Bears-Packers matchups last year, racking up 1.5 sacks, a TFL, and three QB hits, one of which injured Jordan Love.
Play to 59%.
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Early Bears vs Panthers total pick: Under 47.5
If the Bears can pressure Young, which seems likely, the Panthers offense will be hard-pressed to counter it. The receivers are young and inexperienced, and the running backs are equally unproven.
Other than last year’s Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan, there doesn’t appear to be anyone with the ability to step up and be the star.
The Bears offense should improve dramatically in Year 2 under head coach Ben Johnson and Year 3 for quarterback Caleb Williams. But while they may have a big year overall, the opener against the Panthers is a tough matchup.
Carolina has a strong defensive line anchored by Pro Bowler Derrick Brown. The linebacker corps has been rebuilt with veterans, including pass rusher Jaelan Phillips, standout Devin Lloyd, and veteran Bobby Okeke. They should be able to control the Bears’ run game and force Williams to beat them.
Play to 56%.
Bears vs Panthers odds
For help understanding Kalshi probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Bears vs Panthers spread: Panthers +2.5
- Bears vs Panthers moneyline: Bears 59%, Panthers 41%
- Bears vs Panthers Over/Under: 47.5
How to watch Bears vs Panthers
- Bears vs Panthers matchup
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, 1 p.m. ET
- City: Charlotte, N.C.
- Venue: Bank of America Stadium
- TV: FOX
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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