Bears to open 2024 season at Panthers in reported Week 1 matchup

The Chicago Bears are expected to open their 2024 NFL season on the road against the Carolina Panthers in Week 1, according to a report. The game would be played in Charlotte, North Carolina. With the Sunday night and Monday night openers already set, the matchup is slated for a Sunday afternoon kickoff. The NFL has not yet officially confirmed the pairing.

The reported opener extends a recent connection between the clubs. In 2023, Carolina acquired the first overall draft pick from Chicago and used it to select quarterback Bryce Young. The Panthers then finished the 2023 season with the league’s worst record, which conveyed the 2024 No. 1 pick to the Bears. Chicago used that selection to draft quarterback Caleb Williams.

Reported Week 1 scheduling details

The scheduling detail places the game outside the Week 1 prime-time windows, with Sunday afternoon identified in the report rather than Sunday night or Monday night. Specific kickoff time and broadcast information were not included. Those details typically follow once the league releases its full schedule.

Trade ties and quarterback spotlight

The sequence of moves and results over the last two years links the franchises through consecutive No. 1 overall picks, creating an early-season quarterback storyline if the report holds. Young enters his second season after going first overall in 2023, while Williams arrives as the top pick in 2024. That parallel gives additional context to a season opener that would already draw attention based on the recent draft history between the teams.

No official statements from the league or the teams have been announced regarding this specific matchup. If confirmed, final details on date, time and broadcast assignment will be set when the complete schedule is published.

Fans should watch for the league’s schedule release to confirm the matchup and provide kickoff and broadcast specifics.