The Chicago Bears are slight favorites against the Carolina Panthers on the road in Week 1. If they are going to win, it will likely be because of a few potential matchups in their favor.
5 matchup advantages for the Chicago Bears in 2026
Dennis Allen vs Bryce Young
Allen is regarded as one of the better defensive coordinators in the NFL. He did not have a lot of players who fit what he wanted to do last year, but this year the team added a lot of players that fit his style of defense, so there should be improvement.
Bryce Young was up and down last season, but he can be neutralized with the right game plan. Allen needs to come out strong and shut down Young.
Bears edge rushers vs Panthers Tackles
It is not often that the Bears edge rushers have the advantage entering a game but this might be one of those moments. The Panthers are starting rookie Monroe Freeling at right tackle. He played tackle last year and was viewed as a raw project type of player. Rasheed Walker is starting at left tackle.
The Bears are familiar with him, as he started on the left side for the Packers over the past two years. He did not sign for much in free agency, as he struggled against the Bears. Chicago has to take advantage of poor tackle play.
Panthers edges vs Bears tackles
Carolina lost their potential breakout player in Nic Scourton earlier in the offseason. So, they have a hole across from Jaelan Phillips. Phillips will almost solely line up against the right tackle. This will benefit Chicago, which signed Darnell Wright to a massive extension at right tackle this offseason.
Their weak spot is left tackle, and that is also the weaker spot for the Panthers' pass rush.
Bears slot WRs vs Panthers slot CBs
The Panthers slot is the weakest spot on the defense, with Jaycee Horn and Michael Jackson as solid outside options. The Bears have a diverse group of slot receivers who can take advantage. Both Luther Burden and Colston Loveland can move into the slot. Kalif Raymond and Zavion Thomas can also take advantage.
Ben Johnson vs Sean Desai
Bears fans know Sean Desai. While he is a fine coordinator, Ben Johnson is one of the better offensive minds in the NFL right now. He should give the Bears an advantage.
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