It is that time of year when the sun goes down early, the air gets a nasty bite to it, and the stakes for a game of football finally reach the breaking point. If you’ve been looking for the nfl football schedule for sunday night, you’re likely staring down the barrel of a Divisional Round classic. On Sunday, January 18, 2026, the Chicago Bears are playing host to the Los Angeles Rams in a game that basically feels like a collision of two different eras.
The Bears are back in the limelight. Honestly, seeing Soldier Field host a Divisional Round game again feels right, even if the "Windy City" weather is currently threatening to be absolutely brutal for anyone sitting in the stands. This isn't just a regular season flex; it's the final stop of the weekend before we head into the Conference Championships.
Why Sunday Night Matters This Week
Most people think "Sunday Night Football" and their minds immediately go to the regular season grind. But the playoff nfl football schedule for sunday night is a different beast entirely. We are down to the final eight teams. By the time this game kicks off at 6:30 PM ET (that's 5:30 PM for the folks actually in Chicago), we’ll already know three of the four teams heading to the title games.
The Rams are coming in as the No. 5 seed, while the Bears have held onto that No. 2 spot with a grip that surprised half the league this year. It’s Caleb Williams versus the veteran savvy of Matthew Stafford. A rookie sensation against a guy who has seen every defensive look known to man. It’s kinda poetic, isn't it?
How to Watch and What Time
If you're trying to plan your wings and dip situation, here's the deal. The game is on NBC. If you’ve cut the cord, you’re looking at Peacock for the stream.
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- Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
- Kickoff: 6:30 PM ET / 5:30 PM CT
- Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago
- TV: NBC / Peacock / Telemundo
Earlier in the day, the AFC gets its turn with the Houston Texans visiting the New England Patriots at 3:00 PM ET on ABC and ESPN. But let’s be real—the nightcap at Soldier Field is where the drama is going to peak.
The Caleb Williams Factor vs. Stafford’s Experience
There’s a lot of talk about how Caleb Williams is "as good as advertised." You hear that a lot with first-overall picks, but seeing him navigate the Wild Card round against Green Bay proved he isn't shaking in his cleats. On the other side, Matthew Stafford is basically the "final boss" for a young defense. He’s 37, he’s banged up, and he still throws sidearm lasers that make your head spin.
The Rams have this weird knack for winning road playoff games lately. They’re looking to win multiple road games in a single postseason for only the third time in their entire franchise history. The last times they did that? 1979 and 1989. That is a long time to wait for a repeat performance.
Injuries to Watch
You can't talk about the Sunday night schedule without checking the trainer's room. Football in January is basically a war of attrition.
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- Kevin Dotson (Rams): Their right guard is dealing with an ankle issue. If he can't go, the Bears' interior rush is going to have a field day.
- Rob Havenstein (Rams): He’s eligible to return from IR. That would be a massive boost for Stafford’s blindside.
- Bears Defense: They’ve been relatively healthy, which is a miracle this late in the season.
Betting Odds and What to Expect
The oddsmakers are leaning toward the road team, which might hurt some feelings in Chicago. Currently, the Rams are -3.5 favorites. It’s a bit disrespectful to a No. 2 seed playing at home, but that’s the Stafford "tax" for you. People trust the veteran in the cold.
The point total is sitting around 48.5. That feels high for a game in Chicago in January, but both of these offenses can move the ball. If the wind stays down, we could see a shootout. If the lake effect snow starts kicking in? Take the under and don't look back.
A History 40 Years in the Making
This is the third time these two have met in the playoffs, but the first time in four decades. The last time they played a postseason game? 1985. The Bears won that one en route to their only Super Bowl title. History has a funny way of repeating itself, or at least making the old-timers in the 100-level seats get real misty-eyed.
The home team has won every playoff matchup between these two. The Rams beat the Bears in 1950, and the Bears returned the favor in '85. If you believe in trends that span half a century, the Bears are in a good spot.
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Actionable Insights for Sunday
If you’re watching this game, keep an eye on the Rams' pass rush versus the Bears' offensive line. Williams is great when he’s scrambling, but if the Rams can keep him in the pocket, things get dicey.
- Check the Weather: Look at the wind speeds 30 minutes before kickoff. Soldier Field is notorious for "dead zones" where the ball just drops out of the air.
- Streaming Buffer: If you're using Peacock, start the stream ten minutes early. There is nothing worse than a lag spike during a game-winning drive.
- The Early Game: Watch how the Texans/Patriots game plays out. If the Patriots win, they host the AFC Championship. If the Texans win, the winner of the Saturday Bills/Broncos game gets home field. It changes the whole vibe of the evening.
The road to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara is getting narrow. Whether you’re a die-hard Bears fan or just someone who loves the chaos of a playoff night, this game is the anchor of the weekend.
Make sure your Peacock subscription is active and your snacks are ready by 6:00 PM ET to catch the pre-game analysis.