The wait is finally over. If you’re staring at your watch and wondering what time does rams game start today, you aren't alone. It’s a massive Sunday for the Los Angeles Rams as they head into a frozen Soldier Field to face the Chicago Bears. This isn't just another game; it’s the NFC Divisional Round, and the stakes are about as high as they get.
What Time Does Rams Game Start Today?
The official kickoff for the Rams vs. Bears game is set for 6:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. PT) today, Sunday, January 18, 2026.
For the folks local to Chicago, that’s a 5:30 p.m. CT start. You’ll want to be settled in on the couch well before then because playoff intros at Soldier Field are usually something special.
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NBC is handling the national broadcast. If you’ve cut the cord, you can catch the live stream on Peacock. Honestly, having it on Peacock is a lifesaver if you're stuck away from a big screen, but make sure your subscription is active before the coin toss.
Quick Game Day Details
- Matchup: Los Angeles Rams (5th seed) at Chicago Bears (2nd seed)
- Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
- Weather Forecast: Frigid. We’re talking classic "Bear Weather" with temperatures expected to hover in the teens.
- Radio: ESPN LA 710 AM or 93.1 JACK FM for the L.A. feed.
Why Today’s Matchup Is a Massive Deal
This isn't your standard regular-season meeting. The Rams are coming off a gritty 34-31 Wild Card win against the Carolina Panthers. They look battle-hardened. Matthew Stafford has been playing like a man who knows his window for another ring is wide open.
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On the other side, Caleb Williams and the Bears are coming off a bye week. They’ve had time to rest, but sometimes that rest leads to rust.
The oddsmakers actually have the Rams as 3.5-point road favorites. That’s wild when you consider they’re the lower seed playing in a stadium that’s notoriously difficult for warm-weather teams. But that's the Stafford effect. He’s seen it all.
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Key Factors to Watch
- The Puka Nacua Factor: He’s been a nightmare for defensive coordinators all year. If the Bears can't bracket him, it’s going to be a long night for their secondary.
- The Cold: Keep an eye on the ball security. In Chicago, the pigskin feels like a frozen brick. Fumbles usually decide these January games.
- Pressure: Can the Rams' front seven get to Caleb Williams? The rookie has been stellar, but the playoffs are a different beast.
How to Make Sure You Don't Miss Kickoff
If you're still asking what time does rams game start today, just remember the "6:30 East, 3:30 West" rule.
If you are planning to watch via a streaming service like Fubo or YouTube TV, log in about 15 minutes early. There’s nothing worse than a surprise app update or a password reset when the teams are already lining up for the kickoff.
Honestly, the Rams have been one of the most exciting teams to watch this season. Their offense is explosive, and even though they finished 12-5, many experts feel they’re better than their record suggests.
The Bears are no slouch, though. They won the NFC North for a reason. Soldier Field will be shaking. It’s going to be loud, it’s going to be cold, and it’s going to be one of those games we talk about for the rest of the year.
Actionable Steps for Fans
- Check Your Local Listings: While NBC is the primary home, some local affiliates might have pre-game specials starting as early as 5:00 p.m. ET.
- Sync Your Fantasy Apps: If you're playing in playoff challenges, double-check your lineups by 6:00 p.m. ET to ensure no last-minute scratches affect your score.
- Prepare Your Tech: If you're using Peacock, ensure your app is updated to the latest version to avoid lag during the high-traffic playoff stream.
- Monitor Weather Updates: If the wind picks up in Chicago beyond the current 15 mph forecast, expect a heavy dose of the run game from both Kyren Williams and the Bears' backfield.