If you’re scrambling to find your remote because you need to know what channel is the bear game on tonight, you’ve come to the right place. It is Sunday, January 18, 2026. This isn't just another regular-season matchup. This is the NFC Divisional Round. The Chicago Bears are hosting the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field, and the stakes couldn't be higher.
Basically, the winner goes to the NFC Championship. The loser goes home to start their offseason early.
Where to Watch the Bears vs. Rams Tonight
You can catch the game on NBC.
If you're wondering about the timing, kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. CT (6:30 p.m. ET). But honestly, you probably want to tune in a bit earlier. NBC is starting their Football Night in America coverage at 6:00 p.m. ET to get everyone hyped up.
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Since it's an NBC broadcast, the "A-Team" will be in the booth. You’ve got Mike Tirico on play-by-play and Cris Collinsworth providing the color analysis. Melissa Stark will be down on the sidelines at a likely freezing Soldier Field.
Streaming Options
Don't have a TV? Or maybe your kids have taken over the big screen? No worries.
- Peacock: This is the primary streaming home for the game. If you have a subscription, you can stream the NBC broadcast live.
- NFL+: If you are in the Chicago local market, you can watch on your phone or tablet via the NFL+ app.
- International Fans: If you’re outside the U.S., Canada, or China, the game is usually available on DAZN via NFL Game Pass.
Why This Game is a Massive Deal
The Bears are coming off a wild 31-27 victory over the Green Bay Packers last week. That game was an absolute roller coaster. Caleb Williams proved why he was the top pick, making clutch plays late in the fourth quarter to seal the deal. Now, he faces a Rams defense that has been surprisingly stout, even if their secondary is a bit of a question mark.
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The Rams, led by their powerhouse offense that currently ranks #1 in the league with 30.5 points per game, are actually 3.5-point favorites despite playing on the road.
It’s weird seeing the Bears as home underdogs in a playoff game, but the Rams' offense is just that scary.
The Weather Factor
It’s January in Chicago. It’s going to be cold.
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The latest reports from Soldier Field suggest temperatures will be hovering in the low 20s. While that’s "football weather" for Bears fans, it’s a different story for a dome team like the Rams coming from Southern California. Keep an eye on the wind coming off Lake Michigan; it often plays havoc with the kicking game and deep passes.
Radio Broadcasts
If you're stuck in the car or just prefer the local flavor, you’ve got options:
- Local (Chicago): Tune into ESPN Chicago (1000 AM). Jeff Joniak and Tom Thayer are the voices of the Bears, and they bring a ton of energy.
- National: Westwood One will have the national call with Kevin Harlan, which is always a treat if you like high-octane play-by-play.
- Spanish: Latino Mix 93.5 FM will carry the game in Spanish with Omar Ramos.
Key Storylines to Watch
Keep an eye on rookie Colston Loveland. He had a historic performance in the Wild Card round and has quickly become Williams' favorite safety valve. If the Rams try to take away the deep ball to Rome Odunze, Loveland is going to have a busy night.
On the other side, the Bears' defense, led by veteran Grady Jarrett, has to find a way to slow down the Rams' rushing attack. If Los Angeles establishes the run early, it’s going to be a long night for the Windy City faithful.
Actionable Steps for Tonight
- Check your local NBC affiliate: Make sure your signal is clear before 5:30 p.m. CT.
- Update your apps: If you’re streaming on Peacock or NFL+, make sure the apps are updated to avoid any "critical update" prompts right at kickoff.
- Sync your audio: If you like listening to Joniak on the radio while watching the TV, remember there’s usually a delay. Some fans use apps to pause the radio stream to match the TV broadcast.
- Dress in layers: If you’re one of the lucky ones with tickets to Soldier Field, seriously, overdress. The wind off the lake is no joke during the Divisional Round.
The road to the Super Bowl goes through Chicago tonight. Whether you're watching on NBC or streaming on Peacock, make sure you're settled in by 5:30 p.m. local time.