Expectations have rocketed up for the Chicago Bears after a dream debut season for head coach Ben Johnson — and the tests start all over again this weekend as they face a Carolina Panthers team trying to make strides of its own.
With Chicago’s affinity for shootouts and some high-upside Carolina playmakers, it’s no surprise to see a lofty O/U total in place for this Week 1 clash, and that sets up a pile of tasty Bears vs. Panthers prop picks to dig through.
Read on for my NFL picks for this Sunday, Sept. 13 battle, including a prediction on Colston Loveland making an early splash.
Best Bears vs Panthers props
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| Pick |  Probability |
|---|---|
 Jalen Coker 40+ receiving yards |
53% |
 Colston Loveland 1+ touchdown |
35% |
| Bryce Young 1+ interception |
44% |
Percentages courtesy of Kalshi, one of the best prediction market apps.
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Prop pick #1: Jalen Coker 40+ receiving yards
The lack of depth in the Carolina Panthers’ receiver room is glaring, but that locks in a bigger target share for their top dogs. Although
Coker finished with 40+ receiving yards in five of his final six outings last season, headlined by nine catches for 134 yards and a touchdown in the playoff loss to the Rams, and he’s a natural outlet when McMillan sees the inevitable double coverage.
Carolina’s game plan should initially skew towards the run on Sunday, setting up some play-action downfield shots, and Coker is poised to shred a shaky Bears secondary that allowed 227.2 passing yards per game in 2025.
Prop pick #2: Colston Loveland 1+ touchdown
The youth movement is gathering steam in Chicago. With DJ Moore leaving for Buffalo, Ben Johnson will lean on the trio of Colston Loveland, Rome Odunze, and Luther Burden III — and the touchdown value sits with Loveland in Week 1.
The Bears unlocked Loveland in the second half of last season, including 28 catches on 48 targets across Weeks 17 and 18 and two playoff rounds, and I expect him to cruise past his rookie year tally of six TDs.
Last season, the Panthers finished 30th in DVOA against tight ends, and
Prop pick #3: Bryce Young 1+ interception
The jury is still out on Bryce Young heading into his fourth pro season, and I’m buying into a bumpy opening Sunday in the Charlotte heat.
Young threw 11 interceptions last year – the highest tally in his NFL career to date – and Week 1 has been a particular horror show for the Panthers QB. He’s tossed two picks in each of his season openers, and there’s a scenario where he’s heaving downfield passes if Carolina is playing catch-up.
On the heels of some mixed preseason cameos, Young’s decision-making will be under the microscope.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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