So, you're looking for the bears game in chicago today, Saturday, January 17. I get it. The city is buzzing. The lakefront is freezing. Everyone is wearing navy and orange at the grocery store. But here is the reality: if you head down to Soldier Field right now, you’re going to find a very quiet stadium and a lot of empty parking lots.
The Bears aren't playing today.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a tease. The NFL Divisional Round officially kicks off today, but the Chicago schedule-makers—or the TV gods at NBC—decided to make us wait. While the Buffalo Bills take on the Denver Broncos and the Niners head to Seattle for a Saturday night clash, Chicago stays dark. Our game, the one that actually matters for the local blood pressure, is set for tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, 2026.
The Sunday Night Showdown at Soldier Field
We’ve basically been riding a high since that wild comeback against the Packers last weekend. You remember it. Down 21-3 at the half, Caleb Williams looking like he’s finally seen it all, and then—boom. A 31-27 victory that felt like a fever dream. That win punched the ticket for this weekend's Divisional Round matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
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Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CT tomorrow. It’s a primetime slot on NBC and Peacock. If you’re a diehard, you already know the vibe. Soldier Field is going to be an ice box.
The Weather Is No Joke
Let’s talk about the literal "home field advantage." Today in Chicago, it’s 19°F, but it feels like 5°F. There are snow showers rolling through. Southwest winds are hitting about 18 mph.
Now, imagine that tomorrow night.
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Coach Ben Johnson is actually leaning into this. He reportedly banned sideline heaters during practice this week. It sounds cruel, but when you're facing a Rams team coming from sunny California, you want them to feel every single degree of that Chicago "hawk" wind. The Rams rank best in the NFL for scoring (30.5 points per game), but they do that in domes or under the Pacific sun. Can Matthew Stafford’s grip hold up when the "real feel" is hovering near zero? That’s the $100 million question.
What’s the Deal With the Roster?
The injury report is surprisingly clean for mid-January. We did lose starting left tackle Ozzy Trapilo to a knee injury—he's done for the playoffs. That’s a massive blow. However, Braxton Jones is back and expected to fill that gap.
On the defensive side, DB Nick McCloud is the only one officially ruled out with a groin issue. Everyone else? They’re playing. C.J. Gardner-Johnson cleared concussion protocol. Kyler Gordon is active. This is as healthy as a team gets after 18 weeks of car crashes disguised as football plays.
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- Quarterback: Caleb Williams (Coming off a Bears playoff-record 361 passing yards).
- Key Weapon: Colston Loveland (8 catches for 137 yards last week).
- The Matchup: Rams offense (1st) vs. Bears defense (22nd against the pass).
Why Sunday Is the Real Test
Look, the Bears have the best turnover margin in the league at +22. That is unsustainable luck for some, but for this defense, it’s a philosophy. They bait you. They wait for that one desperate throw across the middle.
The Rams are favorites by 3.5 points. Most analysts think the Rams' offensive firepower will eventually overwhelm a Bears secondary that has struggled at times this year. But they said that about the Packers, too. Chicago is 11-6, but they play like a team that’s 16-0 in their own heads.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Since there is no bears game in chicago today, you have exactly 24 hours to prep. Here is how you handle it:
- Check Your Gear: If you’re going to the game Sunday, the Bears released a safety update advising layers. Serious ones. Don't be the guy in a jersey and a light hoodie. You will regret it by the second quarter.
- Monitor the Kicking Game: Cairo Santos has been reliable, but with 20 mph wind gusts expected, every field goal is a coin flip. Keep an eye on the pre-game warmups tomorrow to see which way the wind is swirling in the south end zone.
- Secure Your Stream: If you aren't at the stadium, make sure your Peacock or NBC login is actually working tonight so you aren't scrambling at 5:29 p.m. tomorrow.
- Watch the Saturday Games: Use today to scout the potential NFC Championship opponents. If the Niners lose to the Seahawks tonight, the bracket opens up in a way that could actually lead to a home NFC Championship game at Soldier Field. Imagine that.
The wait is annoying, sure. But Sunday night under the lights in the freezing cold? That’s Chicago football. Get your rest today; you're going to need your voice tomorrow.