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Panthers 37 Bears 59: A shootout to open the season

The Chicago Bears launched their 2026 campaign with an explosive offensive display, outscoring the Carolina Panthers 59-37 on September 13 at Bank of America Stadium. Chicago's offensive eruption marked the franchise's first time reaching at least 50 points in a contest since 2012.

The combined 96 points between the two squads also established a new NFL record for the highest-scoring Week 1 game in league history.

Carolina quarterback Bryce Young took the field under head coach Dave Canales and general manager Dan Morgan, but the host Panthers were ultimately unable to keep pace during the high-scoring clash. Despite Young's efforts under center through the fourth quarter, Chicago controlled the tempo to seal the season-opening victory in Charlotte.