History is not on the Carolina Panthers' side as they enter the 2026 regular season. They have lost their last four openers and have an all-time record of 11-20 in Week 1. If that's not discouraging enough, they are considered an underdog by more than a field goal even though they're at home hosting the Chicago Bears.
If the Panthers are going to pull off an upset, they're going to have to win some key individual matchups. Here are four to watch come Sunday afternoon:
Sometimes, the greatest battle is within—and that's definitely the case with Carolina's starting quarterback.
Young has struggled in all three of his Week 1 games in his NFL career. In his rookie year, he managed just 146 passing yards and threw two interceptions in a loss to Atlanta. In 2024, he bombed against New Orleans—throwing for 161 yards and two more picks with no touchdowns. Last season, Young wasn't much better against Jacksonville—passing for 154 yards, one score and two picks in a 26-10 defeat.
Young has to shake off whatever it is that has him stumbling out of the gate, and deliver a strong performance if the Panthers are going to have any chance this week.
#week #they 're
If the Panthers are going to pull off an upset, they're going to have to win some key individual matchups. Here are four to watch come Sunday afternoon:
Sometimes, the greatest battle is within—and that's definitely the case with Carolina's starting quarterback.
Young has struggled in all three of his Week 1 games in his NFL career. In his rookie year, he managed just 146 passing yards and threw two interceptions in a loss to Atlanta. In 2024, he bombed against New Orleans—throwing for 161 yards and two more picks with no touchdowns. Last season, Young wasn't much better against Jacksonville—passing for 154 yards, one score and two picks in a 26-10 defeat.
Young has to shake off whatever it is that has him stumbling out of the gate, and deliver a strong performance if the Panthers are going to have any chance this week.
#week #they 're
4 hours ago
