In a thrilling season opener, the Carolina Panthers narrowly defeated the Chicago Bears with a final score of 35-28. Both teams entered Week 1 eager to set the tone for the 2026 season, but it was the Panthers who managed to hold off a late-game surge from the Bears to secure their victory. Caleb Williams stood out for the Bears, throwing for 217 yards and two touchdown passes, showcasing his ability to lead the offense effectively. D'Andre Swift contributed significantly on the ground, racking up 107 rushing yards, while Luther Burden III made his presence felt in the air with 134 receiving yards. Despite their efforts, the Bears couldn’t quite overcome the Panthers' edge in the scoring department. Defensively, Tre'von Moehrig led the Panthers with three total tackles, but it was Nick Scott’s interception that proved to be a crucial turning point in the game. With the Bears on the verge of tying the score in the fourth quarter, Scott’s timely pick halted their momentum and allowed the Panthers to secure the win. Nic Scourton added pressure with a sack, further stifling Chicago's attempts to mount a comeback.