For weeks, it was speculated that the Chicago Bears would open up the 2026 season in Seattle against the defending champion Seahawks on opening night. Even top insiders were convinced it was likely. So you can imagine the surprise when news broke that it instead would be a Super Bowl rematch with the New England Patriots. People were confused. Why would anybody want to watch that game after how dull the actual Super Bowl was, especially with how much controversy Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel is involved in? Regardless, it left people wondering what fate awaited the Bears.
Now we know. Jordan Schultz revealed that Chicago will travel to Carolina for an opening-day showdown with the Panthers. It will be a showdown of two playoff teams from last season and two former #1 draft picks in Caleb Williams and Bryce Young. That should create some fun buzz in and of itself. That is before you remember it’ll also be a matchup between Bears head coach Ben Johnson and Panthers head coach Dave Canales, two of the best offensive play callers in the league.
The potential for fireworks on opening day will be high.
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