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The Sun-Times’ Bears experts make their picks for the season opener in Charlotte, N.C.: Patrick Finley Panthers, 27-26: Winning on the road is hard. Particularly when the forecast at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday is for 89 degrees — and a 101-degree real feel. The Bears defense will have too much trouble with an offense the kids call “mid.” Last season: 10-9. Jason Lieser Bears, 30- 24: The Bears can’t start slowly in any regard this season. They’re on the road, sure, but the Panthers were 8-9 last season, and even with some defensive concerns, the Bears should be able to handle them. Last season: 11-8. Scoop Jackson Panthers, 23-20: Despite personal belief (and what’s written in a column) this Week 1 might mean more to Carolina than the Bears. The Panthers new revamped defense will take the Bears offense by surprise. An early wake-up call. Last season: 10-9. Steve Greenberg Bears, 30-27: The Bears flip the script from last season by starting fast, building a nice lead and then hanging on for dear life. What, you thought this was going to be easy? Never. Last season: 13-6. Jeff Agrest Panthers, 27-23: I believe in ghosts more than I believe in the Bears’ defense, which could be scary bad (see what I did there?). That’s why I’m taking the home underdog. Plus, Panthers quarterback Bryce Young’s ascent will continue. Last season: N/A. Patrick Finley Chicago Sun-TimesChicago Bears reporter Jason Lieser Chicago Sun-TimesChicago Bears reporter Jeff Agrest Chicago Sun-TimesDeputy sports editor Scoop Jackson Chicago Sun-TimesColumnist Steve Greenberg Chicago Sun-TimesReporter/columnist, sports