Expert prediction
NFL Week 1: Bears vs. Panthers Preview, Odds, Predictions (Sep 13)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- Bears vs. Panthers odds favor Chicago by 3.5 points.
- Panthers won the NFC South last year with an 8-9 record.
- Bears took the NFC North and reached the NFC Divisional Game.
The Bears enter this contest between the two NFC division champions as the favorite. Last year, they reached the divisional round, and all eyes are on Caleb Williams now, as many expect him to lead Chicago at least one step further in the playoffs.
Check more NFL odds here.
How to Watch
- When: Sunday, September 13, 2026, 1:00 PM ET
- Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
- How to Watch: FOX
Bears vs. Panthers Odds
Game Preview
Chicago’s defense climaxed near the end of the season, and to be honest, that’s when Caleb Williams began to improvise with his scrambling. Though, that came back to him in the playoffs. However, he’s more experienced now, and the Bears offense has more experience in general.
The real question is whether they upgraded the defense. Statistically, they were excellent, with 33 takeaways and 23 interceptions, but ranked 23rd in scoring defense. That discrepancy needs to be corrected. The Bears added LB Devin Bush, who is in Chicago, and first-round pick safety Dillon Thieneman, so we’ll see where they stand now.
Panthers won the division last season with 8-9. But that was an anomaly, and everyone knows that. Tampa Bay fell apart, and Carolina used that. However, the franchise got two players from that campaign: No.1 pick QB Bryce Young and the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, WR Tetairoa McMillan.
The bad news is that RB Rico Dowdle left Carolina. He was a 1,000-yard rusher last year, and to be honest, the Panthers didn’t find a suitable replacement.
Bears vs. Panthers Head to Head
The last clash was in Chicago back in 2024, and the Bears swiped the Panthers 36-10. The team from Soldier Field has won 4 straight over the Panthers.
Bears vs. Panthers Predictions
Chicago is a better team here, there’s no doubt about that. Especially because the Panthers don’t have Dowdle, who was a massive force on the ground. We pick the Bears to triumph and cover the spread.
- Free NFL Pick: Chicago Bears -2.5
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