Looking for the next Panthers game, kickoff time, TV channel, latest score, or complete Carolina Panthers schedule? This guide brings together essential information about the team’s 2026 NFL season, including upcoming matchups, verified results, player statistics, and game-day details.
The Carolina Panthers travel to face the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time, with FOX providing television coverage in eligible U.S. markets.
Both teams enter Week 2 with 0–1 records. Carolina lost its season opener 59–37 against the Chicago Bears, while Atlanta suffered a 20–13 defeat against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
This guide also examines Carolina’s Week 1performanc, the upcoming Falcons matchup, divisional games, prime-time appearances, and important information for fans watching or attending games.
Panthers Game Quick Answer
Next game · Week 2
| Detail | Current information |
| Next opponent | Atlanta Falcons |
| Date | Sunday, September 20, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| Venue | Mercedes-Benz Stadium |
| Location | Atlanta, Georgia |
| TV channel | FOX |
| Panthers record | 0–1 |
| Falcons record | 0–1 |
| Latest result | Lost 37–59 to Chicago |
| Bye week | Week 5 |
Verified using official Panthers and Falcons game listings as of September 19, 2026.
When Is the Next Panthers Game?
The next Carolina Panthers game takes place on Sunday, September 20, 2026, against the Atlanta Falcons.
Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET, and the matchup will be televised on FOX in eligible markets.
This will be Carolina’s first road game of the season and its first NFC South divisional contest.
The matchup comes after both teams lost their opening games, creating an opportunity for either franchise to earn its first regular-season victory.
Is there a Panthers game today?
As of Saturday, September 19, 2026, the Carolina Panthers do not play today.
Their next game is Sunday, September 20, against Atlanta.
Readers accessing this article after that date should check the official team schedule for updated game results and upcoming opponents.
Where is the next Panthers game?
The Carolina Panthers will face the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 20, 2026.
Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET.
Carolina’s next home game is against the Detroit Lions on October 4 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Panthers Next Three Games
Fans who only need immediate schedule information can use the table below.
| Week | Matchup | Date | Time (ET) | TV |
| 2 | Panthers at Falcons | Sept. 20 | 1:00 p.m. | FOX |
| 3 | Panthers at Browns | Sept. 27 | 1:00 p.m. | FOX |
| 4 | Lions at Panthers | Oct. 4 | 8:20 p.m. | NBC |
These matchups and broadcast assignments appear in Carolina’s official 2026 schedule.
The Panthers begin with consecutive road trips to Atlanta and Cleveland before returning home to host Detroit on Sunday Night Football.
Complete Carolina Panthers 2026 Schedule
The Panthers play 17 regular-season games over 18 weeks, including a Week 5 bye.
Carolina has nine home games and eight away games during the 2026 season.
The following schedule includes completed results and upcoming games. All kickoff times are listed in Eastern Time.
| Week | Opponent | Home/Away | Date | Time / Result | TV |
| 1 | Chicago Bears | Home | Sept. 13 | L 37–59 | FOX |
| 2 | Atlanta Falcons | Away | Sept. 20 | 1:00 p.m. | FOX |
| 3 | Cleveland Browns | Away | Sept. 27 | 1:00 p.m. | FOX |
| 4 | Detroit Lions | Home | Oct. 4 | 8:20 p.m. | NBC |
| 5 | Bye week | — | — | — | — |
| 6 | Philadelphia Eagles | Away | Oct. 18 | 1:00 p.m. | CBS |
| 7 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Home | Oct. 25 | 1:00 p.m. | FOX |
| 8 | Green Bay Packers | Away | Oct. 29 | 8:15 p.m. | Prime Video |
| 9 | Denver Broncos | Home | Nov. 8 | 1:00 p.m. | CBS |
| 10 | New Orleans Saints | Away | Nov. 15 | 1:00 p.m. | FOX |
| 11 | Baltimore Ravens | Home | Nov. 22 | 1:00 p.m. | FOX |
| 12 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Away | Nov. 30 | 8:15 p.m. | ESPN |
| 13 | Minnesota Vikings | Away | Dec. 6 | 4:25 p.m. | CBS |
| 14 | New Orleans Saints | Home | Dec. 13 | 1:00 p.m. | CBS |
| 15 | Cincinnati Bengals | Home | Dec. 20 | 1:00 p.m. | FOX |
| 16 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Away | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 17 | Seattle Seahawks | Home | Jan. 3, 2027 | 1:00 p.m. | FOX |
| 18 | Atlanta Falcons | Home | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Source: Official Carolina Panthers 2026 Schedule .
Important schedule notes
The NFL may change eligible kickoff times and television assignments during the season.
Carolina’s Week 16 game against Pittsburgh and Week 18 matchup against Atlanta do not have finalized dates and kickoff times in the official schedule.
The Week 17 matchup against Seattle takes place on January 3, 2027, but remains part of the 2026 NFL season.
Fans should verify schedule information before traveling or purchasing television and streaming access.
Latest Panthers Game Score: Chicago Bears vs. Carolina Panthers
Week 1 · Final
September 13, 2026
| Team | Final score |
| Chicago Bears | 59 |
| Carolina Panthers | 37 |
Carolina loss
Final result confirmed by the official NFL and Panthers game records.
Carolina opened its season against Chicago at Bank of America Stadium on September 13.
The matchup featured 96 combined points, the highest total ever recorded in an NFL Week 1 game.
Chicago pulled away during the second half after the teams were tied at 31–31 in the third quarter.
Panthers Week 1 statistical breakdown
| Statistic | Carolina |
| Points scored | 37 |
| Total offense | 478 yards |
| Net passing offense | 353 yards |
| Rushing offense | 125 yards |
| Points allowed | 59 |
| Total yards allowed | 552 |
| Rushing yards allowed | 291 |
Source: Carolina Panthers’ official Week 1 statistical report.
Bryce Young’s performance
Quarterback Bryce Young threw for 361 yards and three touchdowns while adding a rushing touchdown.
His passing total was the second-highest in a season opener in Panthers franchise history.
Only Cam Newton’s 422-yard performance against Arizona in 2011 ranks ahead of Young’s Week 1 figure.
Jalen Coker’s contribution
Wide receiver Jalen Coker caught eight passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns.
He became the first Panthers player since Steve Smith in 2011 to record at least 135 receiving yards and two touchdown receptions in a game.
What went wrong defensively?
Chicago rushed for 291 yards and scored six rushing touchdowns.
The Bears finished with 552 total offensive yards.
Their 59 points also set a franchise record for the most points Carolina has allowed in a single game.
These numbers provide important context for the Panthers’ preparation ahead of their first divisional matchup.
Original Analysis: What Carolina’s Week 1 Statistics Reveal
The Week 1 final score tells only part of the story.
Carolina’s offense produced substantial yardage and scoring, but its defensive performance allowed Chicago to maintain and eventually extend its lead.
A comparison of verified team statistics identifies several areas worth monitoring in Week 2.
1. Carolina produced franchise-record opening-game offense
The Panthers scored 37 points and gained 478 total net yards.
Both figures represent Carolina franchise records for a season-opening game.
The offensive production included 353 net passing yards and 125 rushing yards.
These figures show that the Panthers were able to move the ball effectively against Chicago, even though the team ultimately lost.
However, one game is not enough to determine whether the offense will sustain that production throughout the season.
2. The Panthers finished with a negative yardage differential
The following table compares Carolina’s offensive production with the yardage Chicago gained.
| Week 1 statistic | Yards |
| Panthers total offense | 478 |
| Bears total offense | 552 |
| Panthers yardage differential | −74 |
Source: Official Panthers Week 1 game statistics.
Chicago gained 74 more total net yards than Carolina.
That difference is useful context, although yardage alone does not explain an NFL result. Turnovers, penalties, field position, possession and scoring efficiency can also affect the final score.
3. Carolina’s run defense is a major Week 2 storyline
Chicago gained 291 rushing yards against Carolina.
That figure represents more than half of Chicago’s total offensive yardage.
The Panthers’ coaching staff subsequently discussed the need to address run-defense mistakes ahead of their Atlanta matchup.
Atlanta features running back Bijan Robinson, making this a relevant issue for the upcoming divisional game.
4. The next game provides another point of comparison
One game cannot establish a reliable season-long trend.
For a more meaningful evaluation, fans should compare Carolina’s performances against multiple opponents.
Useful indicators include rushing yards allowed, offensive efficiency, points conceded, passing production, turnovers and third-down performance.
These measurements can show whether the issues identified against Chicago continue or change in subsequent games.
Panthers vs. Falcons: Week 2 Matchup Preview
The September 20 meeting between Carolina and Atlanta is the Panthers’ first NFC South divisional game of the season.
Both teams enter with identical 0–1 records.
Their opening results, however, involved different scoring patterns.
Week 1 performance comparison
| Category | Carolina Panthers | Atlanta Falcons |
| Opponent | Chicago Bears | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Points scored | 37 | 13 |
| Points allowed | 59 | 20 |
| Final result | Loss | Loss |
| Season record | 0–1 | 0–1 |
These results are confirmed in the official team schedules.
Carolina’s opener involved considerably more scoring than Atlanta’s.
That contrast gives fans useful context but does not establish how the teams will perform against each other.
Key matchup 1: Panthers run defense vs. Bijan Robinson
Bijan Robinson is a prominent part of Atlanta’s offensive game plan.
Carolina’s official Week 2 coverage identifies Robinson as a particular focus following the Panthers’ difficulties defending the run against Chicago.
The matchup raises several questions.
Can Carolina prevent large rushing gains on early downs? Will its defenders maintain their tackling assignments? Can the Panthers force Atlanta into longer third-down situations?
These areas are worth monitoring because Chicago’s ground attack was responsible for a substantial share of the yardage Carolina allowed in Week 1.
Key matchup 2: Bryce Young and the Panthers passing attack
Young enters Week 2 following a 361-yard, three-touchdown passing performance.
His connection with Jalen Coker produced 138 receiving yards and two scores against Chicago.
Carolina’s passing performance against Atlanta will provide another opportunity to evaluate its offensive consistency.
Fans should monitor completion percentage, third-down efficiency, explosive passes and turnovers alongside total passing yards.
Key matchup 3: Atlanta’s starting quarterback
Atlanta confirmed that Cooper Rush will start against Carolina.
Rush completed 12 of 22 passes for 143 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in the Falcons’ Week 1 defeat against Pittsburgh.
Rookie Jack Strand is scheduled to serve as Rush’s backup.
The announcement resolves the immediate question of Atlanta’s planned starting quarterback, although final active-player information should still be checked before kickoff.
Key matchup 4: Carolina’s injury report
The Panthers’ official September 18 injury report contains several important player updates.
| Player | Injury or designation | Friday game status |
| Bobby Brown III | Back | Out |
| Patrick Jones II | Back | Questionable |
| Jalen Coker | Ankle | No game-status designation |
| Darren Waller | Rest-related participation | No game-status designation |
Source: Carolina Panthers’ official Week 2 Friday injury report.
Brown’s absence affects Carolina’s available defensive-line personnel.
Jones remains questionable after limited practice participation.
Coker participated fully on Friday and did not receive a game-status designation. Waller also had no game-status designation.
The Panthers’ final inactive-player list will provide the most definitive information about who is available on game day.
Key matchup 5: Panthers vs. Falcons head-to-head history
According to Carolina’s official Week 2 opponent guide, the Panthers enter the game having won their three most recent meetings against Atlanta.
The same guide records Carolina’s all-time series record against the Falcons at 25–37.
Carolina’s road record against Atlanta stands at 10–22 entering this meeting.
These historical figures provide context for the rivalry, although previous results cannot determine the outcome of the upcoming contest.
What Time Is the Panthers Game?
The September 20 Panthers game begins at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
The kickoff time differs depending on the viewer’s location.
| Location | Local kickoff |
| New York | 1:00 p.m. |
| Chicago | 12:00 p.m. |
| Denver | 11:00 a.m. |
| Los Angeles | 10:00 a.m. |
| India | 10:30 p.m. |
These time conversions apply specifically to the September 20 game against Atlanta.
Other Carolina games have different kickoff times, including Thursday night, Sunday night and Monday night matchups.
What Channel Is the Panthers Game On?
The Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons game is scheduled to air on FOX on September 20, 2026.
Carolina’s full schedule includes games assigned to several broadcast partners.
| Network | Scheduled coverage |
| FOX | Selected Sunday games |
| CBS | Selected Sunday games |
| NBC | Sunday Night Football against Detroit |
| ESPN | Monday Night Football against Tampa Bay |
| Prime Video | Thursday Night Football against Green Bay |
The television assignments are listed in Carolina’s official schedule.
Regional broadcast availability can vary.
Fans should verify the assigned network for each matchup before purchasing streaming access or making viewing arrangements.
How to Watch Carolina Panthers Games
There are several authorized ways to follow Carolina Panthers games throughout the NFL season.
Watch on television
FOX and CBS carry selected Sunday games.
NBC will broadcast Carolina’s scheduled Sunday Night Football game against Detroit, while ESPN is assigned the Monday night matchup against Tampa Bay.
Prime Video carries the scheduled Thursday night game against Green Bay.
Watch through authorized streaming services
Streaming availability depends on the network, viewer’s location, subscription and broadcasting rights.
Potential options include a qualifying live-TV subscription, the broadcaster’s authorized streaming service, NFL+ or NFL Sunday Ticket for eligible games.
NFL Sunday Ticket provides access to qualifying out-of-market Sunday afternoon games in the United States.
Before subscribing, viewers should confirm that the service carries their particular matchup.
Listen to Panthers radio coverage
The Panthers Radio Network provides game coverage.
Carolina’s official schedule lists WRFX 99.7 FM The Fox among its radio outlets.
Availability may vary depending on the listener’s region.
Follow scores and statistics online
The official Carolina Panthers NFL page provides information about team records, schedules, scores and statistics.
During games, fans should distinguish between live scores, halftime scores and confirmed final results.
Panthers Prime-Time Games in 2026
Carolina has three prominently scheduled night games during the 2026 regular season.
| Week | Matchup | Date | Kickoff (ET) | Network |
| 4 | Lions at Panthers | Oct. 4 | 8:20 p.m. | NBC |
| 8 | Panthers at Packers | Oct. 29 | 8:15 p.m. | Prime Video |
| 12 | Panthers at Buccaneers | Nov. 30 | 8:15 p.m. | ESPN |
These dates are confirmed in the official team schedule.
Detroit Lions: Sunday Night Football
Carolina hosts Detroit at Bank of America Stadium on October 4.
The matchup marks the Panthers’ first scheduled Sunday Night Football appearance since 2016.
Green Bay Packers: Thursday Night Football
The Panthers visit Lambeau Field on October 29.
This game comes four days after Carolina’s scheduled October 25 meeting with Tampa Bay, creating a shorter preparation period than a typical Sunday-to-Sunday schedule.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Monday Night Football
Carolina travels to Tampa Bay on November 30 for an NFC South matchup scheduled for ESPN.
The result will contribute to both teams’ overall records and divisional records.
Panthers NFC South Games
The Carolina Panthers compete in the NFC South alongside the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Carolina plays each divisional opponent twice during the regular season.
| Opponent | First meeting | Second meeting |
| Atlanta Falcons | Week 2, away | Week 18, home |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Week 7, home | Week 12, away |
| New Orleans Saints | Week 10, away | Week 14, home |
That creates six divisional matchups during the 2026 NFL season.
Why divisional games matter
Divisional results can influence playoff qualification and tiebreaking procedures.
When teams finish with identical overall records, the NFL may use head-to-head performance and divisional records to determine their positions.
Carolina’s final regular-season matchup against Atlanta could become relevant to the NFC South standings, depending on results throughout the season.
Panthers Home Games in 2026
The Carolina Panthers play their home games at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Carolina has nine regular-season home games in 2026.
| Week | Opponent | Status |
| 1 | Chicago Bears | Completed |
| 4 | Detroit Lions | Upcoming |
| 7 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Upcoming |
| 9 | Denver Broncos | Upcoming |
| 11 | Baltimore Ravens | Upcoming |
| 14 | New Orleans Saints | Upcoming |
| 15 | Cincinnati Bengals | Upcoming |
| 17 | Seattle Seahawks | Upcoming |
| 18 | Atlanta Falcons | Upcoming |
Source: Carolina Panthers Official Schedule .
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When is the next Panthers home game?
Carolina’s next scheduled home game is against the Detroit Lions on October 4, 2026.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC.
What fans should check before attending
Before traveling to Bank of America Stadium, confirm your mobile tickets, parking arrangements, gate information, permitted bags, entry procedures, weather conditions and kickoff time.
Stadium policies may change, so the latest official guidance should take priority over older information.
Panthers Away Games in 2026
Carolina plays eight regular-season road games.
| Week | Opponent | Venue |
| 2 | Atlanta Falcons | Mercedes-Benz Stadium |
| 3 | Cleveland Browns | Huntington Bank Field |
| 6 | Philadelphia Eagles | Lincoln Financial Field |
| 8 | Green Bay Packers | Lambeau Field |
| 10 | New Orleans Saints | Caesars Superdome |
| 12 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Raymond James Stadium |
| 13 | Minnesota Vikings | U.S. Bank Stadium |
| 16 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Acrisure Stadium |
The venues and matchups appear in the official Panthers schedule.
Carolina’s first two away games come in consecutive weeks against Atlanta and Cleveland.
Later in the season, the Panthers have another consecutive road stretch against Tampa Bay and Minnesota.
When Is the Panthers Bye Week?
The Panthers have their bye in Week 5 of the 2026 NFL season.
Carolina plays Detroit on October 4 and returns to action against Philadelphia on October 18.
A bye week is a scheduled break during which an NFL team does not play a regular-season game.
Carolina’s Week 5 bye separates its opening four games from the remaining 13 regular-season matchups.
Panthers Game-Day Checklist: What Fans Should Track
The information fans need changes before, during and after a game.
| Stage | What to check |
| Before kickoff | Opponent, date, kickoff, venue, TV, injury reports |
| During the game | Score, quarter, possession, turnovers and statistics |
| After the game | Final score, team record, standings and next opponent |
Before kickoff
Review the latest injury report and inactive-player list.
A player listed as questionable on Friday may ultimately be active or inactive on Sunday.
Carolina outside linebacker Patrick Jones II is one player whose final availability should be checked before the Atlanta matchup.
During the game
For the Panthers–Falcons matchup, three measurable areas are particularly relevant following Carolina’s season opener: rushing yards allowed, passing efficiency and scoring efficiency.
These indicators provide useful context beyond the scoreboard.
After the game
Once the result is marked Final, verify the final score, updated team record, player statistics, division standings and next opponent.
A continuously maintained schedule guide should present this information near the beginning of the article rather than leaving outdated game details at the top.
Carolina Panthers vs. Florida Panthers: Which Team Do You Mean?
The search term “panthers game” may refer to two different professional sports franchises.
| Team | Sport | League |
| Carolina Panthers | American football | NFL |
| Florida Panthers | Ice hockey | NHL |
Searches mentioning Charlotte, Bryce Young, the Atlanta Falcons or NFC South generally indicate the Carolina Panthers.
Searches mentioning hockey, NHL or Stanley Cup may refer to the Florida Panthers.
Including the team location, sport or league helps identify the intended franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions About Panthers Games
1. When is the next Panthers game?
The Carolina Panthers face the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET. The game will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
2. Is there a Panthers game today?
No. As of Saturday, September 19, 2026, Carolina does not have a game today. Its next game is scheduled for September 20 against Atlanta.
3. What channel is the Panthers game on?
The September 20 Panthers–Falcons matchup is scheduled to air on FOX in eligible U.S. markets. Broadcast networks change throughout the season.
4. What was the latest Panthers game score?
The Chicago Bears defeated the Carolina Panthers 59–37 on September 13, 2026, in Week 1 of the NFL regular season.
5. What is the Carolina Panthers’ current record?
As of September 19, 2026, the Panthers have a 0–1 regular-season record following their opening defeat against Chicago.
6. Where is the next Panthers game?
The next Panthers game takes place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, against the Atlanta Falcons.
7. When is Carolina’s next home game?
Carolina hosts the Detroit Lions on October 4, 2026, at Bank of America Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET.
8. When is the Panthers bye week?
Carolina’s bye is Week 5. The team plays Detroit on October 4 and returns against Philadelphia on October 18.
9. How many home games do the Panthers have in 2026?
The Panthers have nine regular-season home games and eight road games in 2026.
10. Can Panthers game times change?
Yes. The NFL can adjust eligible dates, kickoff times and television assignments. Carolina’s Week 16 and Week 18 scheduling details remain unfinalized as of September 19, 2026.
