6 most must-see games to circle on the Panthers' 2026 schedule

Panthers and Bears fans have been at each other's throats (or fingers) on social media ever since their squads struck the deal that ultimately landed Bryce Young in Carolina and Caleb Williams in Chicago. Despite their meeting from 2024, this'll be the first contest in which these two No. 1 overall picks start against one another.

Week 4 vs. Detroit Lions (Sunday, Oct. 4 at 8:20 p.m. ET)

The Panthers' last Sunday nighter came way back in 2016, when a tieless reigning MVP and his reigning NFC champions flew into Seattle. Well, the drought will stop a decade later—with an early opportunity to prove, on a national stage, that they've arrived.

Oh, and it won't be easy—as they'll have to slow down the high-powered Lions offense.

Week 6 at Philadelphia Eagles (Sunday, Oct. 18 at 1:00 p.m. ET)

During their last trip to Philly in 2024, Young and the Panthers were a mere step away from pulling off an upset that would've made Rocky Balboa blush. But their valiant fight came up short, as wide receiver Xavier Legette dropped a go-ahead touchdown pass in the game's final moments.

Carolina will get another chance to deliver a knockout punch to the Eagles, who will be coming into this game off an overseas journey to London the week prior.

Week 8 at Green Bay Packers (Thursday, Oct. 29 at 8:15 p.m. ET)

2025 displayed real signs of progress for the Panthers. Instead of teasing the potential of those upsets, they actually completed them—on multiple occasions.

One of their victims was the Packers, through a hard-fought 16-13 victory at Lambeau Field in early November. They'll get to run it back almost exactly a year on a Thursday night.

Week 12 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Monday, Nov. 3 at 8:15 p.m. ET)

This'll be the third and final (at least as it's currently scheduled) prime-time showcase for the Panthers, and it comes against the foe they battled off for the NFC South crown.

Carolina and Tampa Bay split their season series in 2025, with the home team taking the wins.

Week 17 vs. Seattle Seahawks (Sunday, Jan. 3 at 1:00 p.m. ET)

For the second time in as many seasons, the Panthers will welcome in the Seahawks for a Week 17 clash. And hopefully for our hosts, this go-round will be a little more complete.

Carolina stuck tight with Seattle for much of their 2025 battle before the bottom fell out over the game's final 11 minutes. They'll have to come ready to defend their turf from the defending Super Bowl champs for a full 60 minutes, especially if this penultimate regular-season game has an effect on their playoff lives.

Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.

This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 2026 NFL schedule: 6 most must-see games for the Panthers