Congratulations. You made it through the spring and summer. Chicago Bears football is officially back.
And with greater expectations comes great responsibility.
Ben Johnson called the Bears this season’s “No. 1 regression candidate.” There’s a target on their back. They’re the hunted now. They’re reigning NFC North champions.
Can they climb higher in 2026? The journey begins on Sunday in Charlotte, North Carolina.
WEEK 1 PREDICTIONS
Adam Hoge (Bears 24, Panthers 16)
Week 1 is tricky and no one should underestimate the sun and heat the Bears will be dealing with in this game. I expect the Panthers to have the ball in the fourth quarter with a chance to tie or take the lead, but the Bears have more firepower and will hold on.
Adam Jahns (Bears 27, Panthers 20)
Week 1 can be tough to predict. Some teams take weeks to figure out what works best — and they still make the playoffs. But I’m confident that the Bears have too many weapons on offense for the Panthers’ defense to handle. And I’m confident they are better equipped for a fast start under Ben Johnson in Year 2.
Mark Carman (Panthers 28, Bears 24)
Too many new parts playing key positions for me to think Week 1 goes the Bears’ way. Long season, don’t panic.
[Don’t worry about a regression: Bears QB Caleb Williams is built for the one-score world of the NFL]
Patrick Norton (Bears 30, Panthers 24)
Concerns about the Bears’ defense are legitimate. Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson are enough to keep those concerns at bay against last season’s worst division winner. No heroics necessary this week. Just a good old-fashioned 1-0 start to the Bears’ season.
Greg Braggs Jr (Bears 31, Panthers 17)
For as much unknown as there is with this Bears defense, I know what this Bears offense is: potent, explosive, dangerous. The Panthers will have a tough time slowing down Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams.
Stephen Nicholas (Bears 31, Panthers 27)
What’s worse: the Bears’ defense or the Panthers’ offense? That’s what this game could come down to. Shut down Tetairoa McMillan and you have a strong chance of winning. The Panthers boast an impressive duo at corner with Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson. Devin Lloyd was brought in to cure their deficiencies at guarding tight ends. It’s a tough defense to exploit.
I’ll take Colston Loveland moving around the formation to go over 53.5 receiving yards and D’Andre Swift over 63.5 rushing yards as the Bears look to establish the run early. Bears start the season 1-0.
Joey Christopoulos (Bears 31, Panthers 17)
Ben Johnson is the F1 driver who finds that DRS down the straight in Week 1. Caleb will come out sharp and lethal. I just don’t buy this Panthers defense on third down and the Bears could enjoy a sizeable lead in the first half. Could it get scary (21-17)? Maybe. THIS DEFENSE has me skeptical. But this 2026 offense gets an excellent first matchup to drive and thrive.
Corey Wootton (Bears 30 Panthers 24)
Solid first performance for the offense and Caleb Williams and Co. Much more confident in Year 2 of Ben Johnson’s system. Defense struggles like we thought they would. Great to start out 1-0.
