The 2026 NFL season is underway, and Week 1 has already delivered a record-setting slate of games. The biggest headline came from the Chicago Bears, who defeated the Carolina Panthers 59-37 on Sunday, September 13, in the highest-scoring season opener in NFL history.
For fans checking live NFL scores today, Monday, September 14, has one game remaining on the Week 1 schedule: the Denver Broncos visit the Kansas City Chiefs for Monday Night Football at 8:15 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN.
NFL Week 1 Scores and Results 2026
Here are the completed Week 1 results through Sunday:
| Matchup | Final Score |
|---|---|
| New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks | Seahawks 13-10 |
| San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams | 49ers 27-7 |
| Chicago Bears vs. Carolina Panthers | Bears 59-37 |
| Buffalo Bills vs. Houston Texans | Bills 36-31 |
| New Orleans Saints vs. Detroit Lions | Lions 31-30 OT |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Cincinnati Bengals | Bengals 33-27 |
| Baltimore Ravens vs. Indianapolis Colts | Ravens 41-23 |
| Cleveland Browns vs. Jacksonville Jaguars | Jaguars 34-10 |
| New York Jets vs. Tennessee Titans | Jets 23-10 |
| Atlanta Falcons vs. Pittsburgh Steelers | Steelers 20-13 |
| Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings | Vikings 39-22 |
| Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles | Eagles 24-22 |
| Miami Dolphins vs. Las Vegas Raiders | Raiders 27-13 |
| Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Chargers | Cardinals 26-14 |
| Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants | Giants 28-20 |
The only Week 1 game still scheduled as of September 14 is Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs, with kickoff set for 8:15 p.m. ET.
Chicago Bears vs Carolina Panthers: Final Score and Recap
Bears 59, Panthers 37: Final Score
The Chicago Bears opened their 2026 season with a spectacular 59-37 road win over the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
The scoring was relentless from the opening quarter:
- First quarter: Bears 14, Panthers 7
- Second quarter: Bears 17, Panthers 17
- Third quarter: Bears 14, Panthers 7
- Fourth quarter: Bears 14, Panthers 6
- Final: Bears 59, Panthers 37
The combined 96 points surpassed the previous record for the highest-scoring NFL season opener. The previous mark was 88 points from Tampa Bay’s 48-40 victory over New Orleans in 2018.
The result also gave Chicago its highest-scoring Week 1 performance in franchise history. The previous Bears record for an opener was 45 points against Green Bay in 1948. Carolina’s 59 points allowed were also the most the Panthers have surrendered in franchise history.
How the Bears Beat the Panthers
Chicago’s biggest advantage was its rushing attack. The Bears finished with 291 rushing yards, compared with 125 for Carolina, while producing 552 total yards. They also converted 10 of 14 third downs and scored eight touchdowns.
Caleb Williams was at the center of the performance. He completed 21 of 29 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 65 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
That gave Williams four total touchdowns in his first game of the 2026 season.
The running game was equally impressive. D’Andre Swift carried 18 times for 124 yards and three touchdowns, while Kyle Monangai added 100 yards on only 10 carries, including a 61-yard touchdown.
That balance made the Bears offense difficult to defend. Carolina had to respect Williams as both a passer and runner, while Swift and Monangai repeatedly found room on the ground.
Bears First-Half Highlights
Chicago entered halftime with a 31-24 lead, having already generated 315 yards of total offense. Williams accounted for several important plays, including a rushing touchdown, while the Bears repeatedly attacked Carolina’s defense with both the passing game and rushing attack.
The Panthers, however, remained within striking distance.
Bryce Young produced an impressive statistical performance of his own. He finished with 361 passing yards and three passing touchdowns, while also rushing for a score.
The problem for Carolina was that its offense could not overcome defensive breakdowns and turnovers.
The Third Quarter Changed the Game
The Panthers tied the game at 31-31 on a Chuba Hubbard two-yard touchdown run with 9:02 remaining in the third quarter. At that moment, the game looked like it could go either way.
Chicago responded immediately.
The Bears scored three consecutive touchdowns, including another Swift rushing touchdown, Monangai’s 61-yard touchdown run and a touchdown pass from Williams to Jahdae Walker. That sequence turned a tied game into a comfortable Chicago advantage.
The Bears added another Swift touchdown in the fourth quarter to push the final margin to 22 points.
Key Players and Statistics
| Player | Performance |
|---|---|
| Caleb Williams | 21/29, 269 pass yards, 2 pass TDs; 65 rush yards, 2 rush TDs |
| D’Andre Swift | 18 carries, 124 yards, 3 TDs |
| Kyle Monangai | 10 carries, 100 yards, 1 TD |
| Bryce Young | 23/37, 361 pass yards, 3 pass TDs, 1 INT |
| Jalen Coker | 8 receptions, 138 yards, 2 TDs |
| Chuba Hubbard | Rushing and receiving touchdowns |
Carolina’s Jalen Coker was particularly effective, catching eight passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns. Hubbard also scored twice, showing that the Panthers offense had enough firepower to stay competitive for much of the afternoon.
Bears Offense vs. Panthers Defense
The clearest takeaway from the game was Chicago’s offensive efficiency.
The Bears recorded:
- 552 total yards
- 291 rushing yards
- 261 net passing yards
- 26 first downs
- 8 touchdowns
- 10-of-14 on third down
They also averaged 7.9 yards per play.
This was more than a quarterback-driven performance. Williams played efficiently, but the Bears rushing attack consistently created favorable situations.
For new head coach Ben Johnson, it was an encouraging debut. His offense showed the ability to attack vertically through the air while also controlling the game on the ground.
Panthers Offense vs. Bears Defense
The Panthers deserve credit for producing 37 points and 478 total yards. Bryce Young threw for 361 yards and three touchdowns, while Carolina found ways to exploit Chicago’s defense through the passing game.
However, the Bears defense also forced important mistakes.
Carolina committed three turnovers, compared with one for Chicago. The Panthers had a muffed punt, a lost fumble and an interception, while Chicago’s lone turnover came on a lost fumble.
That turnover difference became increasingly important once the Bears offense began pulling away.
So, while Chicago’s defense allowed 37 points, its ability to create takeaways and produce stops at key moments helped preserve the win.
Bears vs. Panthers Highlights: What Stood Out?
Three themes defined the game.
1. Caleb Williams’ Dual-Threat Ability
Williams did not simply win with his arm. His four-touchdown performance included two rushing scores, forcing Carolina to account for him on every play.
2. Chicago’s Rushing Attack
Swift and Monangai combined for 224 rushing yards and four touchdowns, giving the Bears a powerful foundation for their passing game.
3. Carolina Could Move the Ball—but Not Stop Chicago
The Panthers generated 478 yards and 37 points, but allowing 552 yards and 59 points made it almost impossible to win.
That contrast is perhaps the most useful lesson from the game: Carolina’s offense looked capable of producing points, but the defense must improve quickly.
NFL Week 1 Grades
These are editorial grades based on Week 1 performance, not official NFL ratings.
Chicago Bears: A
A 59-point road victory, 552 total yards and a four-touchdown performance from Williams make this an outstanding opening statement. The defensive performance prevents a perfect grade.
Carolina Panthers: C+
The offense deserves credit for 37 points and a strong passing day from Young. However, three turnovers and 59 points allowed were major problems.
Caleb Williams: A+
Four total touchdowns, 269 passing yards, 65 rushing yards and no interceptions made this one of the strongest individual Week 1 performances.
Bryce Young: B+
Young produced 361 passing yards and three passing touchdowns despite the loss. The final result was more about Carolina’s defensive problems and turnovers than an ineffective quarterback performance.
What Does the Bears’ 1-0 Start Mean?
The Bears are now 1-0 and have immediately generated optimism around their 2026 season.
The biggest reason is not simply the 59 points. It is the way those points were produced. Chicago demonstrated a balanced offense capable of winning through Williams’ passing and rushing ability as well as a strong ground game.
Still, one game should not erase the defensive concerns. Giving up 37 points and 478 yards is something Chicago will need to address as the schedule becomes more difficult.
For Carolina, the 0-1 start is disappointing, but there were legitimate positives. Young showed accuracy and big-play potential, while Coker and Hubbard gave the passing and running games useful production.
The Panthers’ biggest priority is fixing the defensive issues that allowed Chicago to convert 10 of 14 third downs.
NFL Scores for Today on TV
As of Monday, September 14, 2026, the final Week 1 game is:
Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs
Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. ET
TV: ABC and ESPN
Location: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
The game is scheduled as Monday Night Football and has not yet been played at the time of this update.
For fans looking for live NFL scores today, this is the matchup to follow after Sunday’s full slate of games.
NFL Recap: Biggest Week 1 Takeaways
Week 1 immediately produced several major storylines.
- Chicago’s 59 points created the highest-scoring season opener in NFL history.
- Caleb Williams accounted for four touchdowns in his season debut.
- D’Andre Swift rushed for 124 yards and three touchdowns.
- Buffalo defeated Houston 36-31, with Josh Allen accounting for four touchdowns and throwing the late winning score to Joshua Palmer.
- Detroit defeated New Orleans 31-30 in overtime after the Saints’ comeback and failed two-point attempt.
- Baltimore beat Indianapolis 41-23, while Derrick Henry scored three touchdowns.
- Pittsburgh defeated Atlanta 20-13, with T.J. Watt returning an interception for a touchdown.
- Minnesota beat Green Bay 39-22, while the Giants defeated Dallas 28-20.
The early Week 1 picture is therefore unusually clear in one respect: explosive offense is already dominating the headlines, but several teams will need to correct defensive and turnover problems before Week 2.
source: ESPN.com
Final Takeaway
If you’re searching for live NFL scores, the biggest completed result from Week 1 is the Chicago Bears’ 59-37 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Chicago’s offense produced 552 yards, Caleb Williams accounted for four touchdowns, and D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai combined for 224 rushing yards.
Carolina’s 37 points show that Bryce Young and the Panthers offense can generate production, but the defense and turnover margin ultimately decided the game.
With Monday Night Football still remaining on September 14, the 2026 NFL season has already delivered record scoring, dramatic comebacks and several standout individual performances. The Bears’ road win in Carolina, however, remains the defining result of Week 1 so far.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the live NFL scores today?
As of September 14, 2026, all Sunday Week 1 games are complete. The remaining Week 1 matchup is Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs, scheduled for Monday Night Football at 8:15 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN.
What was the Bears vs Panthers final score?
The Chicago Bears defeated the Carolina Panthers 59-37 on September 13, 2026. The 96 combined points made it the highest-scoring season opener in NFL history.
Who won the Bears vs Panthers game?
The Chicago Bears won, improving to 1-0 in the 2026 season. The Panthers dropped to 0-1.
What were Caleb Williams’ Week 1 stats?
Caleb Williams completed 21 of 29 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 65 yards and two touchdowns, giving him four total scores.
How many points did the Chicago Bears score?
The Bears scored 59 points, their highest total ever in a season opener. It was also the fourth-highest scoring performance in franchise history.
How many points did the Panthers score?
The Carolina Panthers scored 37 points in their Week 1 loss to Chicago. Bryce Young threw three touchdown passes and also rushed for a score.
Where can I follow NFL game updates and scores?
The official NFL scores page provides Week 1 scores, game information and links to individual game centers.
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