NFL expert picks for Panthers vs. Bears in Week 1

Health By USA Today • September 12, 2026, 5:46 PM UTC
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They may be in the "easiest" division in today's NFL, but the Carolina Panthers may have a difficult path towards defending their NFC South title in 2026. Thanks to their first-place finish in 2025, head coach Dave Canales and his crew are set to face the third-toughest schedule ...

They may be in the "easiest" division in today's NFL, but the Carolina Panthers may have a difficult path towards defending their NFC South title in 2026. Thanks to their first-place finish in 2025, head coach Dave Canales and his crew are set to face the third-toughest schedule this upcoming season.

That journey begins on Sunday—when the Panthers welcome in the Chicago Bears, the reigning NFC North champions, for their opener. And based off the opinions of some who know the game best, that journey might get off to a losing start.

Here are the expert picks for the Week 1 matchup between the Panthers and Bears . . .

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