The Chicago Bears are preparing to face the Carolina Panthers in their 2026 season opener on Sunday, where Chicago is looking to kick things off with a win.
Despite winning the division, the Panthers did so with a sub .500 record, finishing the year 8-9, but they have the talent to compete in a division that's wide open, while Chicago is coming off an 11-6 record, NFC North title and their first playoff win in nearly two decades.
Each week, there will be plenty of narratives and storylines to follow for the Bears and here at Bears Wire, we're breaking down the top five to watch for. Here's the Top 5 storylines for Week 1 between Chicago and Carolina.
Battle of the former No. 1 pick quarterbacks
The infamous 2023 trade between the Bears and Panthers landed both franchises their quarterback
that they hope can bring them to the promised land. Much more has been for Caleb Williams and the Bears, especially with the hiring of head coach Ben Johnson and the success they had last season, but Carolina still is hoping to get the most out of Bryce Young. These two teams will be linked together for as long as their quarterbacks remain on their franchise, so who gets the upper hand, although the only time Williams faced Carolina, the Bears won the game 36-10 as he threw for 304 yards and two touchdowns.
Ben Johnson's pursuit of offensive excellence
Head coach Ben Johnson has made it clear that he wants to set NFL history with the highest-scoring offense of all-time, and he can make that statement loudly with a good start on Sunday. Carolina's defense improved this off-season as they added several pieces, but the big key for the Bears will be to get off to a hot start early and keep their foot on the gas throughout the entire game. As thrilling as the fourth quarter comebacks were last season, the offense needs to show more consistency this year and that means more early production.
Chicago's secondary vs. Carolina's receivers
Carolina's top three wide receivers stand 6'3" and taller, meaning the Bears cornerbacks are going to have to be aggressive and find the football and attack it. Jaylon Johnson is back healthy, Tyrique Stevenson needs to have a big year, all while Kyler Gordon will start the season on injured reserve. This will be a tall task for the Bears secondary, pun intended, and if they can force takeaways through the air, they'll find themselves in good shape.
Who steps up at pass rusher?
Montez Sweat is going to be the top pass rusher in Chicago for the 2026 season, he's proven that since his arrival here, but who will step up as his best battering mate? Dayo Odeyingbo is a good name to bounce back after he was injured last season, but Austin Booker is also a young player with plenty of potential that has yet to be seen on the field. Carolina is banged up on their offensive line coming into this game, giving the Bears an upper hand, if they can get the most out of the talent that they release after Bryce Young.
Rookies making an immediate impact
This will specifically focus on defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg and safety Dillon Thieneman, who might be one of the most single important players on the team this week. Thieneman will have to show a quick adjustment to the NFL in his first career game as a rookie, a young leader at the safety position since the team loss Coby Bryant during the preseason. Van den Berg played so well during the preseason that the Bears decided to trade veteran Gervon Dexter. Both rookies have the opportunity in front of them to have an impact in this game, both are likely going to be very much needed.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 5 storylines to watch in Bears' season opener vs. Panthers
