The 2026 NFL season opened with a record-breaking offensive display as the Bears and Panthers combined for 96 points, the most in a season opener in NFL history. Chicago's 59 points were the fourth most in franchise history, with Caleb Williams throwing for 269 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 65 yards and a franchise-record six rushing TDs. The Bears' defense struggled, allowing 442 net yards and seven scoring drives before the third quarter ended. Coach Ben Johnson's goal of the highest-scoring offense ever got off to a strong start, though penalties and tight end Colston Loveland's usage remain areas for improvement.

The Panthers' defense was dismantled despite major offseason investments in Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd. Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero faced his worst performance yet. Bryce Young threw for 361 yards and four total touchdowns in a losing effort, with offensive coordinator Brad Idzik making his play-calling debut.

In other action, the Bills looked sharp offensively in Joe Brady's head-coaching debut against the Texans, while the Lions needed overtime to defeat the Saints. The Jaguars handled the Browns in Deshaun Watson's first regular-season game since October 2024.

Fantasy football analysts Matt Bowen and Tristan Cockcroft provided takeaways from every matchup, with Williams leading all quarterbacks in the early window with 37.26 fantasy points.