The energy in Chicago right now is basically a mix of pure adrenaline and frostbite. After that heart-pounding 31-27 comeback win against the Packers last week, the city is buzzing. Seriously, I haven't seen Soldier Field that loud in a decade. But if you’re planning your Sunday around the next big step in this playoff run, you need the hard facts on the schedule.
So, what time is the Chicago Bears game on Sunday? The Bears are set to kick off against the Los Angeles Rams at 5:30 p.m. CT on Sunday, January 18, 2026. This is the NFC Divisional Round, and since the Bears clinched the NFC North and the #2 seed, the game is happening right here at home under the lights of Soldier Field.
Kickoff and Broadcast Details for Sunday
You don't want to be the person still fumbling with the remote when Caleb Williams takes the first snap. If you're watching from home, NBC has the national broadcast. For the streamers out there, Peacock will be the main hub, though you can usually catch it on the NBC Sports app if you've got your cable login handy.
The weather forecast is looking... well, it’s January in Chicago. We’re talking a high of 18°F. By the time 5:30 p.m. rolls around, it’s going to be "football weather," which basically means "wear four layers and hope for the best."
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Here is the quick breakdown of the essentials:
- Matchup: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
- Date: Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026
- Kickoff Time: 5:30 p.m. CT (6:30 p.m. ET)
- Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
- TV Channel: NBC
- Live Stream: Peacock, NBC Sports App
Why This Game is Massive
Honestly, the fact that we're even asking what time the game is in the second round of the playoffs feels like a fever dream. The Bears finished the regular season 11-6, which is their first winning record since 2018. Head coach Ben Johnson—in his first year since coming over from Detroit—has completely flipped the script on this offense.
The Rams aren't going to be an easy out, though. They’re coming in as the #5 seed after narrowly beating the Panthers 34-31 in the Wild Card round. Matthew Stafford is still slinging it, and Puka Nacua is a problem for any secondary.
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The matchup to watch? It's gotta be Montez Sweat and the Bears' front four against that Rams offensive line. If the Bears can't get home to Stafford, it could be a long night. But with the way this defense stepped up in the second half against Green Bay—allowing only six points after halftime—there's a lot of belief in that locker room right now.
Surprising Stats You Should Know
A lot of people are looking at the Rams' 12-5 record and thinking they’re the favorites despite being the lower seed. In fact, some Vegas lines have the Rams as 3.5-point favorites on the road. That feels a bit disrespectful to a team that just won a home playoff game, but hey, that’s the narrative.
Here’s something most people are missing: the Bears are 4-1 straight up in their last five home games. Soldier Field has become a genuine fortress again. Also, rookie tight end Colston Loveland has been a safety valve for Caleb Williams in a way no one expected. He had a historic performance in his playoff debut last week, and he’ll likely be the primary target again if the Rams try to take DJ Moore out of the game.
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Navigating the Divisional Round
If you’re heading to the game, give yourself an extra hour. Between the playoff security and the lakefront wind, everything takes longer. The parking lots will be a sea of orange and blue, and the "4th Phase" (the fans) is expected to be out in full force.
Keep an eye on the injury report as we get closer to Sunday morning. The Bears are dealing with some depth issues on the offensive line, specifically with Kiran Amegadjie and Braxton Jones on IR. If the protection holds up for Williams, the Bears have a real shot at hosting the NFC Championship game next week if results elsewhere fall their way.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Sync your clocks: Verify your local time zone. It’s 5:30 p.m. for those in Chicago (Central), but 6:30 p.m. if you’re pulling for the Bears from the East Coast.
- Check your streaming login: If you’re using Peacock, make sure your subscription is active at least an hour before kickoff to avoid the "subscription expired" panic.
- Prepare for the cold: If you’re at Soldier Field, cardboard under your feet is an old-school trick to keep the concrete from sucking the heat out of your boots.
- Monitor the NFL scores: Keep an eye on the Saturday games (Bills/Broncos and 49ers/Seahawks). The outcome of the Seahawks game determines if the Bears could potentially host the NFC Championship.