If you’re scrambling to find the remote or hovering over your streaming apps, here is the short version: The Chicago Bears play on NBC tonight.
Honestly, the energy in Chicago right now is basically a fever dream. After that heart-stopping Wild Card win against the Packers last week—31-27, for those who forgot—the Bears have clawed their way into the NFC Divisional Round. Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, they are hosting the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field.
What Channel Do The Bears Play On Today?
The game is a primetime national broadcast. You don't need to hunt through regional sports networks or worry about weird blackouts if you're out of state.
- TV Channel: NBC
- Spanish TV: Telemundo / Universo
- Kickoff Time: 5:30 p.m. CT (6:30 p.m. ET)
- Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
If you've got a pair of old-school rabbit ears (an OTA antenna), you can catch this for free on your local NBC affiliate. In the Chicago market, that’s Channel 5 (WMAQ).
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Streaming Options for Today’s Game
If you’ve cut the cord, you aren't out of luck. Peacock is the primary streaming home for this matchup because it’s an NBC production. It’s usually pretty reliable, though the 30-second delay can be a killer if your friends are texting you about touchdowns before you see them.
You can also find the game on:
- NFL+ (Mostly for mobile/tablet users)
- YouTube TV (Includes NBC)
- Fubo (Includes NBC)
- Hulu + Live TV
The Matchup: Why This Game is Massive
The Rams are coming in as the #5 seed with a 13-5 record. The Bears, the #2 seed at 12-6, have been a different animal at home this season. Most experts, including the folks over at Covers and Fox Sports, are zeroing in on the matchup between the Bears' secondary and Rams receiver Davante Adams.
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It’s kinda poetic, isn't it? Adams spent years torching the Bears in a Green Bay jersey. Now he’s coming back to Soldier Field in a Rams uniform trying to ruin the best playoff run Chicago has seen in years. The "Ghost of NFC North Past" is a real thing, and the Bears' coaching staff has been vocal about not letting one guy beat them over the top.
Key Storylines to Watch
The Bears' defense has been opportunistic, but the Rams' offense is a machine when they find a rhythm. Soldier Field is expected to be loud—like, "shake the stadium" loud.
There's also the weather factor. It’s mid-January in Chicago. While it's not a "Fog Bowl" situation, the wind coming off the lake always changes how quarterbacks like Caleb Williams have to zip the ball. The Rams are a dome team. They aren't used to the January chill, and the Bears are counting on that.
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Watching Outside the U.S.
If you’re a fan watching from abroad, the NFL Game Pass (via DAZN) is your go-to. It carries the full US broadcast, including the NBC commentary team of Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth. Melissa Stark will be on the sidelines, likely bundled up in a heavy coat.
Radio Broadcasts
If you’re stuck in the car or prefer the local flavor, you’ve got options:
- English: ESPN 1000 (WMVP-AM) – Jeff Joniak and Tom Thayer are the legends on the call.
- Spanish: Latino Mix 93.5 FM.
- National: Westwood One Sports.
What Happens Next?
If the Bears win today, they move on to the NFC Championship Game next Sunday, January 25. Since the Seattle Seahawks (the #1 seed) won their game yesterday against the 49ers, a Bears victory today would mean a trip to Seattle. If the Bears lose, the season ends here.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check your Peacock login now to avoid last-minute password resets.
- If you're using an antenna, do a channel scan at least an hour before the 5:30 p.m. CT kickoff to ensure a clear signal.
- Sync your social media feeds to "mute" if you’re trailing on a digital stream to avoid spoilers.