The energy in Chicago right now is basically a controlled explosion. If you’ve stepped outside near Soldier Field this week, you’ve felt it. It’s that specific brand of "Bears weather" that usually feels like a punishment, but today, Friday, January 16, 2026, it feels like a secondary defensive player.
Honestly, the Chicago bears game now isn't just about a playoff schedule; it’s about a franchise that finally stopped hitting the "snooze" button on its own potential. After a decade of quarterback carousels and "maybe next year" mantras, the city is staring down an NFC Divisional Round matchup against the Los Angeles Rams this Sunday, January 18.
Kickoff is at 5:30 p.m. CT. If you don't have a ticket yet, good luck. They are currently the most expensive "get-in" price in the history of the stadium’s postseason runs. People are literally choosing between seeing Caleb Williams in person or paying their mortgage. It’s wild.
The Wild Card Hangover (That Never Happened)
Most teams have a "let-down" game after beating their biggest rival in the postseason. Not this group. Last Saturday’s 31-27 comeback victory over the Green Bay Packers should have left them exhausted. Instead, Ben Johnson—who, let’s be real, has been the best hire this team has made in thirty years—has them back at Halas Hall looking like they haven’t even played a snap yet.
The Packers game was stressful. Let’s not sugarcoat it. Jordan Love was moving the ball at will early on, and the Bears defense looked like they were stuck in the Chicago mud. But then something clicked.
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Caleb Williams happened.
He finished that game with 361 passing yards. As a rookie (well, technically second-year, but his first real playoff start), he looked calmer than most of us do in a drive-thru. That 29-yard strike to Colston Loveland in the fourth quarter? That wasn't just a play; it was a statement. The Chicago bears game now revolves entirely around the fact that for the first time in history, the guy under center is the most dangerous person on the field.
Rams at Bears: The Matchup Nobody Wanted
The Rams are coming to town with the league’s top-ranked offense. It's a clash of identities. You have the high-flying, turf-loving Los Angeles squad flying into a stadium that is currently a frozen tundra.
Why the Bears Might Actually Do This
- The Ben Johnson Factor: The guy knows the Rams. He spent years in the NFC North watching Sean McVay's tree. His "Erhardt-Perkins" scheme has evolved into this weird, beautiful monster that uses D’Andre Swift in ways we didn't think were legal. Swift had 1,087 rushing yards this season for a reason.
- Grady Jarrett’s Revival: Everyone thought Jarrett was just a veteran presence when Ryan Poles signed him. They were wrong. He has been the "glue." If he can collapse the pocket on Sunday, the Rams' timing-based offense falls apart.
- Home Field (and its Drama): There’s a lot of talk about the stadium's future. Indiana is trying to lure the team away with Senate Bill 27. Arlington Heights is still on the table. But right now? Soldier Field is loud, cramped, and terrifying for opposing quarterbacks.
The Caleb Williams Evolution
Let’s look at the numbers because they tell a story of a kid who learned how to be a pro. In 2024, his sack rate was a terrifying 10%. This year? It dropped to 3.8%. That is a massive jump. He isn't just running around like a headless chicken anymore. He’s stepping up, navigating the pocket, and finding Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III.
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Speaking of Burden, the rookie has been a cheat code. Taking him at pick 39 was a heist. He and Odunze have completely changed the spacing of this offense. You can't just double-team DJ Moore anymore. If you do, Burden is going to take a slant 60 yards to the house while you're still deciding which safety to drop back.
What to Expect for the Game Now
If you’re heading to the Chicago bears game now, dress for the 20s. It’s going to be cold, but not "Ice Bowl" cold. Just enough to make a California team wonder why they play this sport in the first place.
The keys to the game are pretty straightforward:
- Protect the ball: Williams had 7 interceptions this season. That’s great, but he had 2 in the Wild Card game. He has to be cleaner.
- The Red Zone: The Rams' defense is stingy. The Bears ranked 9th in points for this year, but they’ve had a habit of settling for field goals lately. Cairo Santos has been reliable, but 3 points won't beat McVay.
- The "Loveland" Effect: Colston Loveland has become the security blanket. Watch for him on third-and-short. The Rams don't have a linebacker who can run with him.
The Stadium Elephant in the Room
It’s weird to think this could be one of the last few "big" games at the lakefront. With the news this week about Indiana lawmakers proposing a stadium authority to lure the team to Northwest Indiana, the vibe is bittersweet.
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Bears president Kevin Warren has been playing a high-stakes game of poker with the Illinois legislature. He basically told them the stadium project isn't a priority for the state in 2026, so he’s looking elsewhere. It sucks for the purists, but it adds a layer of "win it now" to this playoff run. If they're going to leave, they might as well leave a trophy in the case on the way out.
Actionable Steps for Sunday
If you’re watching from home or heading to the South Loop, here is how you handle the Chicago bears game now:
- Check the secondary market: If you’re buying tickets last minute, use the official Ticketmaster marketplace. Scams are rampant right now because of the hype.
- Download the Official App: Verizon powers the in-stadium stats now. If you’re at the game, the "Live" feature is actually usable for once.
- Arrive early: Security at Soldier Field has been a nightmare this season. If you aren't in line 45 minutes before kickoff, you're missing the first quarter.
- Monitor the Injury Report: Keep an eye on the defensive secondary. We need everyone healthy to chase the Rams' receivers around.
This isn't the "same old Bears." The 11-6 record wasn't a fluke. The Wild Card win wasn't a lucky bounce. This is a team built for January. Whether they stay in Chicago or end up in Gary, Indiana, doesn't matter for the next 60 minutes of football. All that matters is Sunday night under the lights.