Chicago Bears enter 2026 with top 5 Carolina Panthers matchup

The Chicago Bears are entering the 2026 season looking to prove they can be perennial playoff contenders. As are the Carolina Panthers.

Both teams won their respective divisions in 2025. However, that didn’t come without a bit of scrutiny. Carolina and Chicago still aren’t in the tier of teams considered true Super Bowl hopefuls; at least entering the season. In Week 1, at least one franchise will up their status and take their first step towards legitimization.

There will be plenty of hype for all teams entering Week 1. Each franchise wants to see where they stand, and after a long summer, real football will finally be played again. But only a select amount of matchups could be deemed best of the week.

As they try to defend their NFC North title, and facing off against the defending NFC South champions, the Bears now find themselves under the watchful eye of the NFL.

Chicago Bears want to get out of gate hot

Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears — Jan 10, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) warms up prior to an NFC Wild Card Round game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Fans will get their first look at the 2026 versions of their favorite teams in Week 1. Steven Louis Goldstein of the Athletic thinks plenty will be watching Bears vs. Panthers, as he calls it the fifth-best game on the Week 1 Sunday slate.

“The Panthers return with reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan out wide, and added big-ticket linebackers Devin Lloyd and Jaelan Phillips in free agency. The Bears are ready for Colston Loveland to take the next step at tight end, as Ben Johnson wants to design the “highest-scoring offense ever,’” Goldstein wrote.

If the Bears are able to execute their offense and come out on top, it’s clear they’re getting more comfortable under Johnson’s scheme. On the flip side, for all the flack Chicago’s defense has gotten, they can silence the doubters in a hurry.

The Bears have had plenty of question marks across their roster throughout the offseason. Their matchup against the Panthers gives the franchise its first chance to answer them.

The post Chicago Bears enter 2026 with top 5 Carolina Panthers matchup appeared first on ChiCitySports.