The Chicago Bears will battle the Carolina Panthers to open the 2026 NFL season, which marks the start of Year 2 under head coach Ben Johnson. And it starts with an early, crucial NFC matchup between two reigning division champions.
The Bears’ Week 1 game will air on FOX at 12 p.m. CT on Sunday afternoon. The television commentators for the game are Adam Amin (play-by-play), Drew Brees (analyst) and Kristina Pink (sideline).
Chicago is coming off an impressive first season under head coach Ben Johnson, where the team went from worst to first with an 11-6 record, winning the NFC North for the first time in eight years and winning a playoff game for the first time in nearly two decades. The offense exploded in Johnson's first season, where Caleb
Williams emerged as one of the most exciting and clutch quarterbacks in the NFL, leading a record seven fourth-quarter comebacks and setting a single-season franchise passing record.
Meanwhile, the Panthers are coming off an 8-9 season, which included a pivotal Week 18 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to secure the NFC South division title and their first trip to the playoffs in nearly a decade. Quarterback Bryce Young took a step forward in his development and rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan totaled 70 receptions, 1,014 yards, and seven touchdowns and emerged as a playmaker.
How to watch Bears vs. Panthers
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026
- Time: 12 p.m. CT
- Location: Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, NC)
- TV: FOX
- Stream: FuboTV (try it for free)
- Radio: ESPN 1000 (Chicago)
Watch the Bears vs. Panthers game FREE on Fubo
Chicago Bears schedule 2026
Below is Chicago's regular-season schedule.
Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 13, at Carolina Panthers, 1 p.m. ET, FOX
Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 20, vs. Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m. ET, FOX
Week 3: Monday, Sept. 28, vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 8:15 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN
Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 4, vs. New York Jets, 1 p.m. ET, FOX
Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 11, at Green Bay Packers, 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX
Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 18, at Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. ET, FOX
Week 7: Thursday, Oct. 22, vs. New England Patriots, 8:15 p.m. ET, Prime
Week 8: Monday, Nov. 1, at Seattle Seahawks, 8:15 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN
Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 8, vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC
Week 10: BYE WEEK
Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 22, vs. New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m. ET, FOX
Week 12: Thursday, Nov. 26, at Detroit Lions, 12:30 p.m. ET, CBS
Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 6, vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m. ET, FOX
Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 13, at Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
Week 15: Saturday, Dec. 19, at Buffalo Bills, 8:20 p.m. ET, CBS
Week 16: Friday, Dec. 25, vs. Green Bay Packers, 1 p.m. ET, Netflix
Week 17: Sunday, Jan. 3, vs. Detroit Lions, 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX
Week 18: Sunday, Jan. 10, at Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m. ET, TBD
Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Announcers set for Bears vs. Panthers Week 1 opener
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
