Analysts predict the Carolina Panthers will upset the Chicago Bears in their Week 1 matchup, citing potential regression for the Bears and improvements to the Panthers' defense.
Vic Tafur, a senior writer at The Athletic, believes the Panthers could be one of the NFL’s biggest surprises this season, and predicts they will start strong with a win against the Bears. Tafur points to the Bears winning six games last season despite trailing with under two minutes remaining, suggesting this luck may not continue. He also highlights Carolina’s additions of pass rusher Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd as key improvements.
The Panthers’ best chance of winning, according to the analysis, lies in a high-scoring game. While the Panthers have upgraded their defensive front seven, they face a difficult test against the Bears’ offense, which was a fringe top-five scoring unit in 2025. However, Chicago’s defense is now considered one of the league’s worst, finishing 29th in yardage allowed and 23rd in scoring in 2025.
If Panthers offensive coordinator Brad Idzik and quarterback Bryce Young can perform well, and the run game contributes, a close game is expected, playing to the Panthers’ strengths. Ben Johnson, Bears head coach, is described as one of the game’s most gifted offensive play-callers, and his unit is loaded with playmakers.
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