The NFL is finally back. After a summer that felt like forever, Week One has finally arrived, bringing with it the answers to months of speculation, questions, and concerns.
The Carolina Panthers have a daunting task in front of them to kick off their 2026 campaign, opening the season at home against the Chicago Bears. Both teams are at different points in their respective rebuilds and will look to capitalize on momentum from the previous season.
So, what must Carolina accomplish to walk out of Bank of America Stadium with its first win of the season?
Protect Bryce Young
Offensively, it comes down to this: The Panthers cannot trip over their own feet.
Carolina has to approach this game with the urgency of a team that knows how quickly a season can end. The first way to do that is by protecting Bryce Young, making the offensive line the key spot to watch.
This will be the first regular-season game for rookie tackle Monroe Freeling, the Panthers’ first-round pick and 19th overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. His debut is gearing up to be a trial by fire. The more time Young has in the pocket, the more dangerous he becomes. That simple act can unlock Carolina’s arsenal.
Young enters the season after a career-best 2025 campaign in which he completed 63.6 percent of his passes for 3,011 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
More time in the pocket, in theory, should help him control the tempo and pace of the offense while limiting turnovers.
Make Caleb Williams Uncomfortable
Defensively, Carolina needs to bring consistent, relentless pressure. Last season, the defense finished last in quarterback pressures with only 203 while finishing near the bottom of the league in sacks. That’s straight-up unacceptable.
From the glimpses we saw during the preseason, the team’s new defensive acquisitions look just as advertised and comfortable in Carolina’s schemes. That’s fantastic because while they’re comfortable, they need to make Caleb Williams uncomfortable all game long. The Bears’ receiving corps could also enter the season opener less than 100 percent. Rome Odunze has dealt with a leg injury after missing time last season with a foot injury.
Even if Odunze can suit up Sunday afternoon, the question becomes how effective he will be. Can Carolina take advantage of any limitations and force Williams to look elsewhere with the football?
Watch the New Additions
Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd could make their Panthers debuts memorable. Both additions were brought in to help transform a defense that struggled to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks last season. Their ability to create disruption could be one of the biggest differences between Carolina starting the year 1-0 or 0-1.
Other players such as Lathan Ransom, Princely Umanmielen, Jaycee Horn, and Mike Jackson are also worth watching. Any and all of them could make key plays throughout the game.
Let Jimmy Horn Jr. Fly
Another element worth watching is Jimmy Horn Jr.’s speed. The Panthers currently list Horn as a second-team wide receiver while also identifying him as the primary punt and kick returner.
Horn has the type of lightning-quick speed that can change a game in an instant. Carolina could use that explosiveness to create a spark in the return game or manufacture opportunities for him on offense. If he gets an opportunity in space, something absolutely ridiculous could happen.
Can Carolina Start 1-0?
Last year’s ending peak should be this year’s starting floor.
This will be a day-one test for the Panthers, but the formula is relatively simple. They need to protect Bryce Young, limit the turnovers, pressure Caleb Williams, and take advantage of every opportunity to make an impact.
If Carolina hits those keys, they can come away with the win.
Prediction: Panthers 24, Bears 17.
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