So, you’re looking for the Bears game. You’ve probably got the snacks ready, the jersey on, and you’re clicking through the guide only to find... nothing. Or maybe just a bunch of other teams you don't really care about.
Here is the deal: if you are asking what channel bears game today, the answer is actually a bit of a trick. The Chicago Bears aren't playing today, Saturday, January 17.
I know, it’s a bit of a letdown when you’re hyped for playoff football. But hold on. They aren't out. In fact, they are in the thick of the NFC Divisional Round. Because they’re the "it" team right now, the NFL moved them to the biggest slot of the weekend. You’ll have to wait until tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, to see them take on the Los Angeles Rams.
Where to Find the Bears vs. Rams Divisional Game
When tomorrow finally rolls around, you won't need to hunt through obscure cable channels. This is a national primetime broadcast.
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The game is on NBC. If you are a cord-cutter, you’re looking at Peacock for the live stream. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CT (that’s 6:30 p.m. for the East Coast folks). Honestly, it’s probably for the best. Saturday is for scouting the competition. Today, you get to watch the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos battle it out on CBS, followed by a heavy-hitter NFC West rivalry between the 49ers and Seahawks on FOX.
It’s weird seeing the Bears in this position, isn't it? For years, Chicago fans were used to the "maybe next year" mantra by mid-January. Not this time. After Caleb Williams led that gutsy 31-27 comeback win against the Packers in the Wild Card round, the vibe in the city has completely shifted.
Why the Bears Are Playing Sunday Instead of Today
The NFL schedule-makers aren't just throwing darts at a calendar. They want eyeballs.
Chicago is a massive TV market, and with the way the team finished the regular season at 11-6, they've become the league's newest darling. Putting them on Sunday Night Football—even though it's technically a playoff Divisional game—ensures the highest possible ratings.
The matchup against the Rams is particularly spicy. You've got the rookie sensation Williams going up against a veteran Rams squad that just barely scraped past Carolina. Most analysts (and basically every betting line in Vegas) have this as a toss-up.
How to Watch if You Don't Have Cable
If you’ve ditched the satellite dish, you’ve actually got quite a few options. Since the game is on NBC, any digital antenna should pick up your local affiliate for free. It’s the old-school way, but it still works perfectly for 4K-ish quality without the streaming lag.
For those who prefer the internet route:
- Peacock: This is the exclusive streaming home for NBC's NFL coverage. You’ll need a premium subscription.
- NFL+: You can watch on your phone or tablet, but keep in mind this usually restricts you to the small screen unless you have the higher-tier plan.
- Fubo or YouTube TV: If you have a live TV streaming service, just search for your local NBC station.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Postseason Schedule
There is a common misconception that the "better" teams play on Saturday to get extra rest. That’s not really a thing anymore.
The Divisional Round is split specifically to maximize "window" viewership. Today’s games feature the #1 seeds (Denver and Seattle) because they earned the right to host after their first-round byes. Chicago, being the #2 seed, gets the Sunday spotlight.
Don't be surprised if the bars in Wrigleyville are packed today anyway. People are restless. But if you see someone screaming at a TV today expecting to see D'Andre Swift breaking tackles, you can politely let them know they’re 24 hours early.
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The Matchup Details You Actually Need
Soldier Field is going to be freezing. The forecast is calling for classic lakefront wind, which usually favors the home team.
The Rams are coming in hot after a 34-31 win over the Panthers, but they’re traveling across time zones. That "West Coast team traveling East" narrative is a bit overplayed, but it matters when the sun goes down in Chicago and the temperature hits the teens.
Keep an eye on the injury report. The Bears are looking surprisingly healthy, with only depth players like Nick McCloud significantly limited recently. The real story is the Bears' defense under Dennis Allen. They’ve been opportunistic, and against a Rams offense that can be explosive but prone to mistakes, that’s the game-breaker.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Since you aren't watching the Bears this afternoon, use the time to get your setup right.
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- Check your Peacock login today. There is nothing worse than missing kickoff because you forgot your password or your subscription expired.
- Verify your local NBC affiliate. If you’re using an antenna, do a channel scan now. Lake effect weather can sometimes mess with digital signals.
- Watch the 49ers/Seahawks game tonight. The winner of that game is who the Bears would potentially face in the NFC Championship if they take care of business tomorrow. It's a scouting mission.
- Download the Bears official app. They usually stream the local radio broadcast (Jeff Joniak and Tom Thayer), which many fans prefer to the national TV announcers. You can sync the radio audio to your TV if you're feeling ambitious.
The wait is annoying, sure. But Sunday night at Soldier Field with the season on the line? That is as good as football gets. Get your rest today; you're going to need the energy for tomorrow night.