Chicago Bears TV Today: Why You Won't Find Them on the Schedule This Saturday

Chicago Bears TV Today: Why You Won't Find Them on the Schedule This Saturday

You’ve probably been scouring the guide for chicago bears tv today, maybe even double-checking your streaming apps to see if you missed an early kickoff. Here is the deal: if you are looking for Caleb Williams and the crew to take the field this Saturday, January 17, you’re actually a day early.

The NFL schedule-makers did things a bit differently for the Divisional Round this year. While there are games happening today, the Chicago Bears aren't one of them. They are slated for a massive Sunday night showdown against the Los Angeles Rams.

It is kind of a weird feeling, right? Usually, playoff Saturdays are a whole vibe in Chicago. But this time around, we have to wait. The Bears secured their spot in this round after a nail-biter against the Packers last week—a game that basically took five years off every fan's life—and now the spotlight shifts to a primetime slot at Soldier Field.

Where to Find the Chicago Bears on TV Tomorrow

Since there isn't a game for chicago bears tv today, you need to prep for the Sunday window. The NFL finalized the broadcast details earlier this week. The Bears-Rams matchup is officially an NBC production.

Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CT on Sunday, Jan. 18.

If you’re in the Chicago market, that’s Channel 5 (WMAQ). If you’ve cut the cord, Peacock is your primary destination for the live stream. It’s the same setup as those Sunday Night Football games we saw throughout the regular season.

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Honestly, the Sunday night slot is a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, you get that crisp, cold-weather atmosphere under the lights at Soldier Field. On the other hand, it means a lot of nervous pacing all day Saturday and Sunday morning.

Streaming and Local Blackouts

A lot of people get confused about the streaming rules during the postseason. Unlike the regular season where things can get messy with regional maps, the playoffs are national. You don't have to worry about a "coverage map" for this one. If you have NBC or Peacock, you have the game.

For the folks who prefer the mobile experience, the NFL+ app is still a thing. However, remember that for the playoffs, NFL+ usually only allows streaming on phones and tablets, not your big-screen TV unless you're using a specific provider login.

  • Broadcast Station: NBC (Channel 5 in Chicago)
  • Live Stream: Peacock
  • Spanish Language: Telemundo or Universo
  • Radio: ESPN 1000 (WMVP)

Jeff Joniak and Tom Thayer will be on the call for the radio side as usual. There’s something about Joniak’s "Touchdown, Bears!" call that just hits different during a playoff run. If you're stuck in the car or just want to sync the radio audio with your TV (a classic move to avoid national announcers), ESPN 1000 is where you'll find them.

The Matchup: What to Expect Sunday

The Rams are coming into Chicago after beating the Panthers in the Wild Card round. They look dangerous. Matthew Stafford is still Slingin' it, and that defense has found a second wind.

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But this Bears team is different. Ben Johnson has this offense humming in a way we haven't seen in decades. The win over Green Bay on Saturday was a statement. It wasn't just about the points; it was about the resilience.

Soldier Field is going to be loud. It’s going to be freezing. And that’s exactly how Chicago wants it. The weather reports are already hinting at some "Bear Weather," which usually means the turf will be a bit slick and the wind will be swirling off the lake.

Missing Out on Chicago Bears TV Today

If you really need your fix of chicago bears tv today, your best bet is catching the replay of the Wild Card win or tuning into the pre-game analysis shows that are already starting to cycle through. NBC Sports Chicago and the local news stations are basically running 24/7 Bears coverage at this point.

There's plenty of talk about the injury report too. Aside from Nick McCloud, the roster is looking surprisingly healthy for mid-January. That’s a massive win for a team that usually limps into the postseason.

The vibe in the city is electric. You see the flags on the cars, the jerseys at the grocery store—it’s that specific kind of Chicago energy that only happens when the team actually has a shot.

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Actionable Steps for Game Day

Don't wait until 5:29 p.m. tomorrow to figure out your setup.

First, if you're using Peacock, log in today. Seriously. Make sure your subscription didn't lapse and the app is updated on your smart TV. There is nothing worse than an "Update Required" screen when the ball is on the tee.

Second, check your antenna if you’re going the over-the-air route. Windy weather can sometimes mess with the signal, so a quick scan today might save you a headache tomorrow.

Lastly, get your snacks sorted. If you’re heading to the South Side or anywhere near the stadium, traffic is going to be a nightmare starting around noon on Sunday. Plan accordingly.

The wait for the Bears to return to the Divisional Round has been long enough. Another 24 hours won't kill us. Just keep the remote handy for tomorrow evening.