CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — The Carolina Panthers will receive increased national exposure in 2026, highlighted by three prime-time appearances and a schedule that begins and ends at Bank of America Stadium.
The NFL released the full schedule Thursday night, revealing a slate that includes the team’s most night games since 2016. Carolina is set to host the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football in Week 4, visit the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football in Week 8, and travel to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football in Week 12.
The Panthers had just one prime-time game in 2025 and none in 2024.
Carolina opens the regular season Sept. 13 against the Chicago Bears at home and closes with a Week 18 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, also in Charlotte. Four of the team’s final five games will be played at home.
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The schedule includes an early bye in Week 5, marking a departure from recent seasons when Carolina’s break came later in the year. The Panthers will not play more than two consecutive games at home or on the road at any point.
Carolina’s 2026 slate reflects its status as reigning NFC South champion, with matchups against several playoff teams, including Denver, Seattle and Philadelphia. The Panthers are scheduled to face six opponents that reached the postseason last year.
The team will also participate in the Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 6 against Arizona in Canton, Ohio, coinciding with former linebacker Luke Kuechly’s induction. That appearance gives Carolina an extra preseason game before opening the regular season.
Other notable matchups include a Week 7 home game against Tampa Bay, a Week 11 visit from Baltimore and a Week 15 contest against Cincinnati. Dates and times for Week 16 at Pittsburgh and the regular-season finale could be flexed and remain to be determined.
The 2026 schedule marks Carolina’s first Sunday Night Football appearance since 2016.
