The Carolina Panthers face an immediate test in Week 1, and my Bears vs. Panthers prediction expects Chicago to take advantage.
Carolina snuck into the playoffs despite finishing below .500 last season, but Sunday's matchup presents a much tougher challenge against a Bears squad that reached the Divisional Round.
With the Panthers also dealing with key injuries entering the opener, I'm backing Chicago as favorites to create some separation and cover the spread.
Check out my NFL below ahead of the 1 p.m. ET kickoff 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 for Carolina.
The Panthers running backs are unproven.
Last season's rookie of the year, Tetairoa McMillan, 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 46.5
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 player prop: Darren Waller Over 1.5 receptions
The Panthers picked up the veteran tight end during training camp, and he didn't play in any preseason games. He's showing speed in practice, including a reported 20.8 mph radar gun reading on a route at the start of game week.
His catch radius and burst speed are both above the 90th percentile in the league, so he has plenty left in the tank. With second-year McMillan, unproven Coker, and borderline bust Xavier Leggette as the top receiving options, Waller should get plenty of attention as Young looks to get rid of the ball quickly behind a shaky line.
He had three or more targets in eight of his nine games last season, and should see that number go up with the Panthers.
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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
Jason Logan assesses the weather impact for Bears vs. Panthers:
"Temps high 80s feel like 106 degrees. That could wear down both sides in 2H. Carolina new OC Brad Idzik runs more no-huddle, which could gas Bears in 2H. Chance of thunderstorms in 1H. Gusts 7 mph WNW end to end."
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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