Week 1: Bears Visit Panthers Missing Both Starting Tackles
The Chicago Bears open the defense of their NFC North title at the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, September 13. Caleb Williams comes off a franchise-record 3,942-yard season, but Chicago's practice week ended with D'Andre Swift and Rome Odunze both leaving early, with Swift's issue reported as cramping and Odunze's right leg pulled as a precaution; the first official injury report is not due until Wednesday. Carolina opens without left tackle Ikem Ekwonu and right tackle Taylor Moton, and without edge rusher Nic Scourton, while Chuba Hubbard and Xavier Legette are expected back for this game.
Carolina's line problem
Rasheed Walker and rookie Monroe Freeling start at tackle, protecting Bryce Young against a Chicago front that added Dayo Odeyingbo and gets Austin Booker back.
Chicago's skill players are the open question
Swift and Odunze were both pulled from Thursday's practice, and Kyle Monangai is week to week, so the Bears' depth at running back is thin if Swift is limited.
Williams and Young, three years on
Carolina's trade-up for Young in 2023 gave Chicago the pick used on Williams. Chicago has won four straight in the series.
AI Prediction
Bears 
Panthers Two backup tackles against Chicago's pass rush
Young was pressured into two interceptions in joint practices against Houston, and this line is weaker than that one.
Williams' fourth-quarter track record
Chicago won seven games with fourth-quarter comebacks last season, which matters in a game projected to be within a score.
Chicago's injury uncertainty holds the confidence down
If Swift and Odunze are both limited, the Bears' offense loses its top back and its No. 1 receiver in the same week.
The pick assumes Swift and Odunze play. Carolina's tackle situation is the most exploitable weakness on either side.
Panthers Leaders
Bears Leaders
Venue
Closing Line
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Panthers Injuries