Soldier Field is going to be absolutely freezing. Honestly, that’s exactly how Chicago fans want it for the sunday night nfl game who's playing this weekend. We are looking at a massive NFC Divisional Round clash between the Los Angeles Rams and the Chicago Bears.
It’s a classic contrast. You have the high-flying, pass-heavy attack of Sean McVay’s Rams traveling from the sunny West Coast to the "Monsters of the Midway" territory. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. local Chicago time) on Sunday, January 18, 2026. This isn't just a regular season game; it's a win-or-go-home scenario with a trip to the NFC Championship on the line.
Sunday Night NFL Game Who's Playing: Matchup Breakdown
The Bears are coming off a gritty 31-27 Wild Card win over the Green Bay Packers. Caleb Williams, the face of the franchise, has been playing like a veteran despite the immense pressure of the Chicago market. He finished the regular season with 3,942 passing yards and 30 total touchdowns. He's got that "it" factor. You've seen it in the fourth quarter all year.
On the other side, the Rams are fresh off a nail-biter against the Carolina Panthers, winning 34-31. Matthew Stafford is still remarkably elite. Even with a sprained right index finger—which the team says he’ll play through—he’s a threat. Stafford threw for over 4,700 yards this season. He has Puka Nacua, who is basically a vacuum for footballs, catching everything in his vicinity. Nacua racked up 1,715 receiving yards this year. That is an absurd stat.
The Weather Factor
Let's talk about the wind. If you've ever stood on the lakefront in January, you know it’s a different kind of cold. The Rams play in a dome. The Bears live in the mud. While the Rams have the more explosive offense on paper, the "lake effect" can act as a twelfth man for Chicago.
Key Players to Watch
- Caleb Williams (QB, Bears): Can the rookie sensation handle the Rams' pass rush?
- Kyren Williams (RB, Rams): He’s the engine of that offense, with 13 total touchdowns.
- Montez Sweat (DE, Bears): He needs to get in Stafford's face early.
- Colston Loveland (TE, Bears): The emerging safety valve for Caleb Williams.
Why This Sunday Night NFL Game Matters
This isn't just about 2026. It’s about the shift in power in the NFC. The Rams are trying to prove their veteran core still has one more Super Bowl run in them. Meanwhile, the Bears are trying to signal to the rest of the league that their rebuild is officially over.
The last time these two met was Week 4 of the 2024 season. The Bears took that one 24-18. But the playoffs are a different beast. Mistakes are magnified. A single muffed punt or a missed assignment on a blitz can end a season in seconds.
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How to Watch and Listen
If you aren't among the lucky few with tickets at Soldier Field, you’re probably watching from your couch.
TV and Streaming:
The game will be broadcast nationally on NBC. If you’ve cut the cord, you can stream it live on Peacock. Mike Tirico will handle the play-by-play with Cris Collinsworth providing the color commentary.
Radio:
For those on the move, Westwood One will have the national radio call with Kevin Harlan—who is, quite frankly, the best in the business. Local Rams fans can tune into ESPN LA 710 AM, while Bears fans will have their local affiliates across the Midwest.
Tactical Insights for Bettors and Fans
The line has been moving slightly toward the Bears, likely due to the home-field advantage and the weather forecast. However, betting against Sean McVay in a big game is usually a risky proposition. The Rams' defense, led by Byron Young (12 sacks this season), will likely try to confuse Caleb Williams with late-rotating coverages.
Chicago’s defense is no slouch either. Kevin Byard has been a ball hawk with 7 interceptions this year. If Stafford's finger injury affects his velocity, Byard is exactly the kind of player who will make him pay.
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Final Thoughts on the Divisional Round
Earlier on Sunday, the Houston Texans will face the New England Patriots in the AFC side of the bracket at 3 p.m. ET. But the primetime slot belongs to the NFC. By the time the sun goes down in Chicago and the stadium lights are at full blast, we’ll know which team has the grit to move one step closer to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara.
Check your local listings to confirm the channel in your area, but generally, NBC is the home for this specific playoff window. Get the snacks ready; this one is going to be a classic.
To prepare for the game, make sure your streaming apps are updated to avoid any "spinning wheel of death" during a crucial third-down play. If you're heading to the stadium, the Bears have moved to mobile-only ticketing, so have your phone charged and your digital wallet ready.