Chicago widens the gap after halftime
The Chicago Bears opened the 2026 season with a 59-37 victory over the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium, using a productive rushing attack and a 28-point second half to move to 1-0. Chicago led 14-7 after the first quarter, but Carolina matched its 17 points in the second to keep the halftime deficit at seven. The Bears then outscored the Panthers 14-7 in the third quarter and 14-6 in the fourth, turning a competitive first half into a 22-point win. Carolina starts 0-1.
Williams and the backs drive the Bears
Caleb Williams completed 21 of 29 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns, then added 65 yards and two more scores on 10 carries. His production through the air and on the ground anchored Chicago’s big afternoon. D’Andre Swift carried 18 times for 124 yards and three touchdowns. Kyle Monangai supplied another 100 yards and a touchdown on 10 attempts. Together with Williams, the trio produced 289 rushing yards and six rushing scores. Kalif Raymond caught eight of nine targets for 84 yards. Cole Kmet added two receptions for 35 yards and a touchdown.
Young and Coker keep Carolina scoring
Bryce Young threw for 361 yards and three touchdowns on 23-of-37 passing, with one interception. He also ran for a touchdown, giving Carolina four scores from its quarterback. Jalen Coker caught eight of nine targets for 138 yards and two touchdowns. Chuba Hubbard scored both rushing and receiving, finishing with 49 yards on 10 carries and 38 yards on three catches. Tetairoa McMillan added five receptions for 75 yards.
Fantasy production runs deep
Williams led the game with 37.3 PPR points, followed by Coker at 33.8 and Swift at 32.4. Young delivered 31.4 despite the loss. Both backfields offered substantial returns: Hubbard finished with 23.7 PPR points, while Monangai posted 20.4 alongside Swift’s three-touchdown performance. Raymond’s eight catches helped him reach 16.4 points without a touchdown.
Week 2 opponents
Chicago hosts the Minnesota Vikings on September 20 at 1 p.m. ET. Carolina visits the Atlanta Falcons at the same time.