Not all division winners are the same, and my Bears vs. Panthers prediction makes that clear in Week 1.
The Carolina Panthers finished below .500 last season, while the Chicago Bears were three games better and advanced all the way to the Divisional Round of the playoffs. With Carolina also dealing with key injuries, the gap between these teams has only widened.
Our NFL picks have the Bears covering on Sunday, Sept. 13, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. ET on FOX.
TOP PICK
Bears vs Panthers prediction: Bears -3.5
The line has moved after opening at -2.5. That's fine. I'd stick with the Chicago Bears until 50%.
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young's development has coincided with the team's improved offensive line. That strength is now a weakness because of injuries.
Carolina opens the season without either starting tackle. Former first-round pick Ikem Ekwonu tore a knee ligament in the playoffs. RT Taylor Moton was diagnosed with blood clots in the lungs in June.
Rookie Monroe Freeling starts in place of Moton, while Young's blind side will be protected by former Packer Rasheed Walker. Last season, Walker faced the Bears three times and was manhandled by Bears edge rusher Austin Booker, who had 1.5 sacks, a TFL, and three QB hits against Walker.
COVERS INTEL: Chicago capped off the 2025-26 season (including the playoffs) by going 8-1-1 ATS over its last nine games.
Bears vs Panthers combo
The total has also moved by a point this week after starting at 47.5. I'll stick with it until 53%.
If the Bears are able to take advantage of the Panthers' patchwork line to pressure Young, there aren't any experienced playmakers on offense to pick up the slack.
Carolina's running backs are unproven.
Last season's rookie of the year, Tetairoa McMillen, is promising but inexperienced, and former practice squadder Jalen Coker out of Holy Cross is the second receiver.
Coach Ben Johnson should have the Bears offense at another level in his second year and year three for quarterback Caleb Williams, but the Panthers defense is a tough Week 1 matchup.
The Panthers have a stout defensive line, led by Pro Bowler Derrick Brown. The linebacker corps has been rebuilt with veterans, and Carolina should be able to take away the Bears' run game.
Bears receiver Rome Odunze is also battling a calf injury.
Bears vs Panthers combo
- Bears -3.5
- Under 47.5
Bears vs Panthers touchdown scorer: Colston Loveland
With the Panthers' line and linebackers making running room scarce, and with Odunze hobbled by a leg injury, Williams may be looking to the tight ends to help spark the offense.
Colston Loveland could be on the verge of a breakout season after scoring six touchdowns in 11 starts as a rookie last year. That tied for the team lead, and he also led the Bears in receiving yards.
Loveland impressed observers during training camp with his ability to get open and his reliable hands. He's also improved his ability to add yards after the catch.
Bears vs Panthers odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Spread: Bears -3.5 (44%) | Panthers +3.5 (56%)
- Over/Under: Over 46.5 (51%) | Under 46.5 (49%)
- Moneyline: Bears 60% | Panthers 41%
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Bears vs Panthers weather
Summer's not over in North Carolina, where temperatures could hit 93 during the game, with humidity hovering around 50%.
Check out our NFL weather page for up-to-date info on every matchup.
Bears vs Panthers trend to know
Chicago is 7-2 SU over the last nine head-to-head matchups. Find more NFL betting trends for Bears vs. Panthers.
How to watch Bears vs Panthers
| Location | Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC |
| Date | Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 1 p.m. ET |
| TV | FOX |
Bears vs Panthers latest injuries
Check out our NFL injuries page for updates on every team.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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