The Chicago Bears will open their 2024 NFL season against the Carolina Panthers in Week 1, according to a report from Jordan Schultz. The matchup replaces an earlier proposal that would have sent the Bears to Seattle for a season-opening game.
The NFL has instead opted for a Super Bowl rematch in Week 1, ensuring two playoff teams face off in the season’s first week. Both the Bears and Panthers qualified for the postseason in 2023.
The game will air on Sunday afternoon, following the announcement of Sunday night and Monday night fixtures for that week.
There is a direct connection between the two franchises. In 2023, the Panthers traded with the Bears to acquire the first overall pick, selecting quarterback Bryce Young. The Panthers finished with the NFL’s worst record that season, but the first overall selection originally belonged to the Bears, who used it to draft quarterback Caleb Williams.
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