You're probably pacing. It's the Divisional Round, the air in Chicago is biting, and the stakes for the Monsters of the Midway haven't been this high since 2006. If you're frantically clicking through your remote asking chicago bears what channel is the game on, take a breath. I've got the grid right here.
The Chicago Bears are set to host the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field for a massive playoff showdown. This isn't just another game; it’s the Ben Johnson era hitting its first real fever pitch. After Caleb Williams carved up the Packers in the Wild Card round with that ice-cold game-winning drive to DJ Moore, the city is buzzing.
Where to Catch the Bears vs. Rams Kickoff
Stop scrolling through those "maybe" channels. The game is on NBC.
If you are looking for the exact time, kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CT on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
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Since it’s an NBC broadcast, you’re getting the "A-Team." Mike Tirico will be on play-by-play, and Cris Collinsworth is handling the color commentary. Melissa Stark is down on the freezing sidelines. Honestly, expect a lot of shots of fans in bear suits shivering while Caleb Williams tries to navigate the lakefront winds.
Streaming Options for the Cord-Cutters
Not everyone has a digital antenna or a cable box anymore. If you’re a streamer, you’ve basically got two main paths:
- Peacock: Since it’s an NBC game, Peacock is the primary streaming home. You'll need a premium subscription, but it’s the most stable way to watch without a cable login.
- NFL+: This is great if you’re on the move, but remember, the NFL+ app usually restricts you to phone or tablet viewing for live local and primetime games.
Chicago Bears What Channel Is The Game On: The Local Details
For the folks living in the 312 or 773, you’ve got a few more bells and whistles than the national audience. FOX 32 Chicago is actually running a pregame special called Bears Gameday Live starting way early at 12:30 p.m. It’s a good way to kill time while you're waiting for the actual meat of the afternoon.
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Once the game ends (hopefully with a "Bear Down" celebration), the postgame coverage shifts. You’ll want to flip over to Marquee Sports Network for Bears Postgame Live. They usually go pretty deep into the film, which is helpful if you’re trying to figure out how Grady Jarrett—the "glue" of the defense—managed to disrupt the Rams' interior run game.
Radio for the Die-Hards
If you’re stuck in traffic on the Dan Ryan or just prefer the local flavor, the radio call is usually better anyway.
- English: ESPN Chicago (1000 AM or 100.3 FM HD2). Jeff Joniak and Tom Thayer. You know the vibe—lots of energy and Joniak’s signature "Touchdown, Bears!" scream.
- Spanish: Latino Mix 93.5 FM. Omar Ramos has the call there.
- National: Westwood One. If you’re outside of Chicago, Kevin Harlan and Ross Tucker are doing the national radio broadcast. Harlan calling a playoff game is basically art.
Why This Specific Matchup Is Driving Fans Crazy
There’s a lot of talk about the weather. The Rams are coming from sunny SoCal, and Soldier Field in January is... well, it's a frozen tundra lite. Puka Nacua and Jared Verse have been talking a big game about "embracing the cold," but catching a rocket from Matthew Stafford when it's 15 degrees feels a lot different than doing it in a dome.
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Caleb Williams is the real story, though. He’s been playing his best football in clutch situations lately. That 31-27 win over Green Bay last week proved he isn't scared of the postseason lights. The Bears finished 11-6 this year, winning the NFC North for the first time since 2018. They are currently the No. 2 seed, which is why the road to the NFC Championship has to go through Chicago.
What Most People Get Wrong About Watching the Playoffs
The biggest mistake? Assuming your local affiliate hasn't changed. While the Wild Card game against the Packers was tucked away on Amazon Prime Video, the Divisional Round moves back to "Big TV."
Don't look for the game on Prime today. You will be staring at a blank screen or a "The Boys" rerun.
Also, keep in mind that if the game runs long—which playoff games often do—the broadcast won't switch. NBC stays with it until the clock hits zero. If you're recording it on a DVR, give yourself at least a 60-minute buffer. There is nothing worse than the recording cutting off right as the Bears are lining up for a game-winning field goal.
Practical Steps for Game Day
- Check your Peacock login now: Don't wait until 5:25 p.m. to realize you forgot your password or your subscription expired.
- Sync your audio: If you like Joniak’s radio call but want the NBC picture, try using an app like Tunity or a delayed radio stream to get them in sync. It’s a game-changer.
- Watch the injury report: Keep an eye on the active/inactive list that drops about 90 minutes before kickoff. If the Bears' offensive line is missing a key piece, the Rams' pass rush could make it a long night for Caleb.
The winner of this game moves on to face either the Seahawks or the 49ers in the NFC Championship. It’s been a long road since that 0-2 start that had everyone doubting Ben Johnson and the new-look offense. Now, the city is ready. Just make sure you’re on the right channel when the ball kicks off.