In a decisive opening matchup of the 2026 season, the Carolina Panthers topped the Chicago Bears with a final score of 38-13. With both teams looking to establish momentum early in the year, the Panthers showcased their dominance on both sides of the ball, leaving the Bears struggling to keep pace. Chicago's Jordan Love delivered a strong performance, throwing for 349 yards and four touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to push the ball downfield. However, the Bears’ ground game faltered, and they couldn't find a consistent answer to complement Love's aerial assault. On the other side, Tetairoa McMillan emerged as a key target for the Panthers, racking up 102 receiving yards to help anchor their offensive attack. Defensively, the Panthers were relentless, with Nic Scourton leading the way with three sacks that disrupted Chicago's rhythm. The turning point came in the second quarter when Carolina scored back-to-back touchdowns, effectively putting the game out of reach. Despite a strong individual showing from Chicago's Devin Bush and an interception from Xavier McKinney, the Bears' defense could not contain the Panthers' offensive explosion, sealing the game for Carolina.