No, the Chicago Bears didn't hit the turf today. If you're checking the calendar and seeing Friday, January 16, 2026, you can take a breather. But don't get too comfortable. They are right in the thick of a massive playoff run.
The city is basically holding its breath. After that heart-stopping 31-27 Wild Card win over the Green Bay Packers last Saturday, the Bears have earned a spot in the NFC Divisional Round. It’s been a wild ride under head coach Ben Johnson. Honestly, if you told a Bears fan two years ago they’d be hosting a playoff game in mid-January with an 11-6 record, they would’ve asked what you were drinking.
Did Chicago Bears Play Today? The Short Answer
The short answer is a hard no. NFL games almost never happen on Fridays, unless it's a special holiday broadcast like Black Friday.
The real action is happening this weekend. The Chicago Bears are scheduled to host the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Kickoff is locked in for 5:30 p.m. CT. It’s going to be a primetime showdown on NBC.
If you were hoping for a game today, you'll have to settle for the "practice snaps" and injury reports coming out of Halas Hall. The team was back on the field yesterday (Thursday) getting their legs under them. Today is mostly about film study and final adjustments.
Why the Sunday Game is Such a Big Deal
This isn't just another game. It’s the Divisional Round.
The stakes? A ticket to the NFC Championship.
The last time the Bears won a playoff game before this season was back in 2010. That's a long, cold drought. Caleb Williams has completely changed the vibe in the locker room. People keep calling him "clutch," and after that 27-yard strike to Rome Odunze on fourth-and-8 against Green Bay, it's hard to argue.
What the Weather Looks Like for Sunday
You’ve seen the forecasts, right? It’s going to be brutal.
Chicago OEMC is already putting out alerts. We are talking temperatures in the teens. Wind gusts could hit 20 miles per hour. There's even a 45% chance of snow.
Coach Ben Johnson seems to love it. He mentioned earlier this week that this will be the coldest game the Rams have played all year. Los Angeles is a dome team. They practice in the sun. Coming to a frozen Soldier Field is a "rude awakening," even if Matthew Stafford spent years playing in the NFC North with Detroit.
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- Kickoff Temp: Approx 19°F
- Conditions: Possible snow flurries
- Wind: Blustery, coming off the lake
Facing the Rams: The Matchup Nobody Talks About
Everyone is focusing on Caleb Williams versus Matthew Stafford. That makes sense. It’s the young gun against the grizzled vet. But the real headache for the Bears is the Rams' receiving duo.
Puka Nacua and Davante Adams are a nightmare.
Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen was pretty blunt about it today. He said it’s going to take an "exceptional effort" to slow them down. Nacua led the league with 129 catches this season. Adams, even at this stage of his career, is still a red-zone monster. The Bears' secondary, led by All-Pro Kevin Byard, has its work cut out for it.
The Bears' defense ranked 29th in total yards allowed this year. That’s a scary stat when you're facing an offense that just dropped 34 points in their Wild Card game.
Key Players to Watch
- Caleb Williams (QB): Can he handle the pressure of the second round? He looked calm as a cucumber against the Packers, but the Rams' pass rush is a different beast.
- Grady Jarrett (DT): The veteran "glue" of the defense. He needs to collapse the pocket so Stafford can't just sit back and pick the secondary apart.
- Colston Loveland (TE): The rookie had a historic playoff debut. Keep an eye on how the Rams try to take him away in the middle of the field.
How to Watch the Next Game
Since they didn't play today, you have time to get your setup ready.
The game is on NBC and Peacock. If you’re in the UK, you can catch it on Sky Sports. For those in the Chicago area, you can stream it via NFL+.
If you're actually going to the game, dress in layers. Seriously. Wear the thermal gear. The pole markers in Grant Park and Museum Campus are there for safety, so pay attention to where you are if you're navigating the crowds.
What’s Next After the Divisional Round?
If the Bears win on Sunday, they move to the NFC Championship on January 25. If the Seattle Seahawks (the #1 seed) win their game, the Bears will have to travel to Seattle. If Seattle loses, there’s a chance the road to Super Bowl LX runs through Chicago.
That would be historic.
Actionable Steps for Bears Fans
- Check the Injury Report: Monitor the status of the secondary tonight and tomorrow to see if everyone is cleared for Sunday.
- Verify TV Coverage: Confirm your NBC or Peacock login is working before the 5:30 p.m. CT kickoff on Sunday.
- Prepare for the Cold: If you have tickets, ensure you have wind-resistant outer layers; the wind off Lake Michigan at Soldier Field is significantly colder than the city's ambient temperature.
- Monitor Roster Moves: Look for any last-minute practice squad elevations, especially at the defensive tackle position to help the rotation against the Rams' run game.
The Chicago Bears are in a position nobody expected at the start of the 2025 season. They have a rookie quarterback playing like a ten-year pro and a defense that, while statistically leaky, finds a way to make the big play when it counts. Friday is for resting; Sunday is for making history.