Chicago Bears fans are ready for football again. The 2026 season kicks off Sunday, and the biggest question on many minds is simple: what channel is the Bears game on?
The answer is FOX. The Bears travel to Charlotte to face the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, September 13, with kickoff set for 12:00 p.m. CDT (1:00 p.m. ET) at Bank of America Stadium. Local Chicago viewers will find the game on FOX 32. Out-of-market fans need NFL Sunday Ticket or other streaming options.
This matchup features two young quarterbacks who were once linked by a major draft trade. Caleb Williams leads a Bears team that won the NFC North last season under second-year head coach Ben Johnson. Bryce Young and the Panthers look to build on their own 2025 success. Here is everything you need to know about where to watch, the latest team news, the preview, key stats, players to watch, and expert analysis.
How to Watch the Bears Game: TV Channel and Streaming Options
The primary broadcast for the Bears-Panthers game is on FOX. In the Chicago market, that means FOX 32.
Nationally, the game airs on FOX stations in many markets. In-market fans can also stream it through NFL+ on mobile devices. Streaming platforms that carry local FOX affiliates, such as Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and DirecTV Stream, typically include the game for subscribers in the Chicago area.
Out-of-market viewers must use NFL Sunday Ticket (available on YouTube and YouTube TV) to watch the regional FOX broadcast. Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, and Paramount+ do not carry this particular game, as it is neither Thursday Night Football, Sunday Night Football, nor a CBS matchup.
Radio coverage in Chicago airs on ESPN Chicago (1000 AM / 100.3 FM HD2) with the familiar team of Jeff Joniak, Tom Thayer, and Jason McKie. Spanish-language radio is available on Latino Mix 93.5 FM.
Always double-check local listings, as blackouts and flex scheduling can affect availability.
Latest Player and Team Updates
The Bears enter the season with momentum from an 11-6 campaign and a playoff appearance in 2025. Ben Johnson has repeatedly praised the team’s practice habits this summer, noting they are operating at a “championship level” compared to the previous year.
On the injury front, four Bears players were listed as questionable ahead of the opener: wide receiver Rome Odunze (calf), offensive lineman Ozzy Trapilo (knee), safety Xavier Woods (groin), and backup quarterback Tyson Bagent (back). Odunze has been limited in practice but expressed confidence he would play. Trapilo is working back from a previous knee injury. Bagent’s absence means veteran Case Keenum is prepared to serve as the primary backup to Williams if needed.
For the Panthers, outside linebacker Patrick Jones II is out with a back injury. Running back Jonathon Brooks has been cleared and is expected to play with no limitations after dealing with a groin issue.
Caleb Williams arrives in strong form after throwing for 3,942 yards and 27 touchdowns with only seven interceptions last season. The supporting cast includes Odunze, tight end Colston Loveland, and running back D’Andre Swift, among others. The offensive line remains a strength, giving Williams a solid foundation in Year 3.
Match Preview: Bears at Panthers
This is a clash of former No. 1 overall picks and recent division champions. The Bears are slight road favorites (around -3 to -3.5 in most lines), reflecting their stronger recent pedigree and offensive firepower under Johnson.
Johnson’s scheme emphasizes aggression, tight-end mismatches, and explosive plays. Williams has shown improved decision-making and mobility, and the coaching staff has focused on unlocking more big plays from scramble situations this season.
Carolina will rely on Young’s development and a physical running game featuring Brooks. The Panthers’ defense must contain Williams’ dual-threat ability while generating pressure. Bank of America Stadium can be loud, and early-season weather in Charlotte is typically mild, so conditions should favor a clean game.
Historically, the Bears hold a strong edge in the series. Last meeting, Chicago dominated. Both teams face first-place schedules in 2026, so a strong start matters for confidence and early standings.
Key Statistics to Know
- Caleb Williams 2025: 3,942 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, 7 interceptions. Franchise single-season passing yardage mark.
- Bears 2025 record: 11-6, NFC North champions, playoff win over Green Bay.
- Points per game (2025): Approximately 25.9 (top-10 range).
- Total yards per game (2025): Around 369.5 (top-10).
- Series history: Bears lead the all-time series against Carolina.
- Betting context: Bears favored by roughly a field goal; total hovering near 46-47 points in early lines.
These numbers highlight Chicago’s offensive efficiency under Johnson and Williams’ growth from his rookie year. Carolina’s improvement in 2025 makes them dangerous at home, but the Bears’ talent edge on offense is clear on paper.
Players to Watch
Caleb Williams (QB, Bears): The centerpiece. Watch for improved accuracy, deep-ball accuracy, and scramble-drill production. His ability to extend plays creates opportunities for receivers.
Rome Odunze (WR, Bears): Questionable with a calf injury but expected to be a focal point if active. His size and contested-catch ability stretch the field.
Colston Loveland (TE, Bears): Johnson loves using tight ends in creative ways. Loveland’s athleticism creates mismatches against linebackers and safeties.
Bryce Young (QB, Panthers): Facing the team that traded him the picks that became Williams. Young’s mobility and quick release will be tested against Chicago’s pass rush.
Jonathon Brooks (RB, Panthers): Cleared and ready. His vision and burst could punish any early defensive lapses by the Bears.
Secondary contributors such as D’Andre Swift and the Bears’ defensive front will also influence the outcome. Keep an eye on how the Bears’ secondary handles Carolina’s play-action and screens.
Expert Analysis
Ben Johnson has the Bears practicing with purpose. After an 0-2 start in 2025 that prompted pointed comments about practice standards, the team responded with a strong finish. This year’s group appears more locked in from the jump.
Williams continues to refine his game. Improved pressure-to-sack rates and better decision-making last season suggest further growth is possible. The offense has the pieces to be among the league’s most explosive if the run game and tight-end usage click early.
Defensively, questions remain. The secondary underwent changes, and consistency against the pass will be critical on the road. Carolina is not a pushover at home, and Young has shown the ability to make plays when given time.
The smart money leans toward Chicago because of superior offensive talent and coaching continuity. A clean, efficient performance from Williams sets a tone for a demanding schedule that includes multiple primetime games and tough NFC North battles. Expect the Bears to lean on the run early, then open things up as the game progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What channel is the Bears game on this week?
The Bears-Panthers game is on FOX. In Chicago, tune to FOX 32. Kickoff is noon CDT / 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, September 13.
How can I stream the Bears game if I don’t have cable?
In-market fans can use NFL+ (mobile), Fubo, YouTube TV, or similar live-TV services that carry FOX. Out-of-market viewers need NFL Sunday Ticket.
Is the Bears game on ESPN or CBS this week?
No. This Week 1 matchup is a FOX regional broadcast, not ESPN, ABC, CBS, NBC, or Prime Video.
Will Rome Odunze play in the season opener?
He is listed as questionable with a calf injury but has indicated he feels ready. Final decision will come closer to game time.
What time does the Bears-Panthers game start?
12:00 p.m. Central / 1:00 p.m. Eastern on Sunday, September 13, 2026.
Conclusion
Knowing what channel the Bears game is on removes the last barrier between fans and the start of a promising 2026 season. FOX carries the action as Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson take the field against Bryce Young and the Panthers.
With a strong supporting cast, improved practice standards, and high expectations after last year’s NFC North title, Chicago has every reason for optimism. Whether you watch on FOX 32 in Chicago, stream through NFL+, or catch it via Sunday Ticket, the focus remains on the field.
