If you're waking up on this Friday, January 16, 2026, and frantically checking your phone to see did the Chicago Bears win today, the short answer is: they haven't played yet. But don't close the tab just yet. There is a massive amount of context you're probably missing if you haven't been glued to the injury reports or the weather channel over the last 48 hours.
The Bears are currently in the eye of a postseason storm. Literally.
Right now, the team is deep in the "lab" at Halas Hall, prepping for a monster NFC Divisional Round matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. That game is set for Sunday, January 18, at Soldier Field. So, while there wasn't a game on the schedule for today, Friday, the stakes for the franchise haven't been this high since the 2010 season. This is the "calm" before a very cold, very loud storm in Chicago.
Why Everyone is Asking Did the Chicago Bears Win Today
The confusion usually stems from the absolute adrenaline high of last Saturday. If you missed it, the Bears pulled off what people are already calling the "Miracle on Museum Campus." They took down the Green Bay Packers 31-27 in the Wild Card round.
It wasn't just a win; it was a statement.
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Chicago trailed 21-6 going into the fourth quarter. Usually, that's when Bears fans start looking at mock drafts. Not this time. Caleb Williams went nuclear, throwing for 361 yards—a franchise playoff record—and leading a 25-point fourth-quarter explosion. It was the kind of performance that makes you realize why the front office went all-in on him. When people search for whether the Bears won today, they’re often looking for the ripple effects of that historic Saturday night.
Honestly, the city is still vibrating. You can't walk into a Portillo's without hearing someone break down Colston Loveland’s 137-yard receiving day. The rookie tight end has become the safety blanket Caleb needed, and seeing them dismantle the Packers’ secondary was cathartic for a fan base that has spent decades on the wrong side of that rivalry.
The Brutal Reality of the Injury Report
Winning comes at a price. If you want to know how the Bears "won" the week so far, you have to look at the training room. It’s a mixed bag.
Yesterday, the team officially moved linebacker T.J. Edwards to Injured Reserve. That is a massive blow. Edwards is the heart of the second level, and losing him before facing a Matthew Stafford-led offense is terrifying. However, it’s not all bad news. Braxton Jones is back. The big left tackle was activated from IR earlier this week, and his presence is going to be vital for keeping Caleb Williams upright against the Rams' front.
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- OUT: LB T.J. Edwards (Reserve/Injured)
- OUT: OL Ozzy Trapilo (Reserve/Injured)
- OUT: DB Nick McCloud (Groin)
- RETURNED: OL Braxton Jones (Activated from IR)
- QUESTIONABLE: Rome Odunze (Still managing snaps after a 5-game absence)
Ben Johnson, the Bears' head coach who has completely transformed this offense in his first year, told reporters on Wednesday that the team hasn't missed a beat. He’s trying to keep them grounded. But with the first playoff win in 15 years in their back pocket, the "Bear Down" energy is reaching a fever pitch.
Sunday’s Forecast: The "Bear Weather" Factor
When we talk about whether the Bears will win their next game, we have to talk about the thermostat. Sunday’s forecast for Chicago is looking grim—or perfect, depending on who you ask. We’re talking "frozen tundra" territory.
The Bears issued a safety warning today, January 16, advising fans to prepare for frigid conditions.
This is where the home-field advantage actually matters. The Rams are coming from sunny California. Matthew Stafford is a veteran who played in Detroit, so he knows the cold, but his roster is built for speed on turf. The Bears? They’ve spent the week practicing in the biting wind off Lake Michigan.
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Key Matchups to Watch
- Caleb Williams vs. The Rams Secondary: Can the kid wonder handle the pressure of a Divisional game? He looked like a 10-year vet against Green Bay, but the Rams' defense is a different animal.
- Montez Sweat vs. The Rams O-Line: With T.J. Edwards out, the pass rush has to be elite. Sweat needs to live in Stafford’s face to prevent those deep shots to Puka Nacua.
- The Run Game: D'Andre Swift had a solid regular season with 1,087 yards. In sub-zero temps, the game plan usually gets simplified. If Swift can't find holes, the pressure on Caleb's arm becomes immense.
The Long Road to 12-6
It’s easy to forget how we got here. The 2025 season was a rollercoaster. The Bears started 0-2, and social media was calling for everyone to be fired. Then something clicked. They went on a tear, winning six straight games during one stretch, including a huge road win against the Eagles in late November.
They finished the regular season 11-6, clinching the NFC North. It wasn't always pretty—the Week 18 loss to Detroit stung—but this team has a grit we haven't seen in Chicago for a long time.
The defense, led by Montez Sweat and Kevin Byard III (who both earned All-Pro nods), finished in the top 10 for several categories, though the interior defensive line remains a bit of a question mark. Some analysts are already looking at the 2026 NFL Draft, suggesting the Bears might target someone like Ohio State's Kayden McDonald to plug those holes. But that's a conversation for February.
What You Should Do Now
Since there is no game today, use this time to get your setup ready for Sunday. If you're heading to Soldier Field, the team is literally telling you to over-dress. If you're staying home, the game kicks off at 5:30 PM CT on NBC and Peacock.
Next Steps for the Die-Hard Fan:
- Check the final injury report: This usually drops Saturday afternoon. Keep an eye on Rome Odunze's status; his chemistry with Caleb is the X-factor.
- Set your DVR: Or make sure your Peacock subscription hasn't expired. This game is going to be a legacy-builder for this young core.
- Monitor the wind speeds: If the gusts off the lake hit 30 mph, expect a heavy dose of D'Andre Swift and a lot of short, quick passes to the flats.
The Bears didn't win a game "today," but they are winning the preparation battle. In the NFL playoffs, that's usually where the trophy is actually earned. Stay warm, keep the faith, and get ready for a Sunday night that could change Chicago sports history forever.