You’re probably pacing your living room right now, maybe checking the fridge for leftovers, trying to figure out exactly when Caleb Williams and the crew take the field again. It’s been a wild ride. Honestly, that comeback win against the Packers last Saturday? Absolute cinema. If you’re looking for what channel is the Bears game on tonight, I’ve got to give it to you straight: there isn't a game tonight, Wednesday, January 14.
NFL teams don't play on Wednesday nights. That’s just not a thing unless a blizzard moves a game or the scheduling gods get really weird.
But don't go throwing your remote just yet. The Bears are very much alive in the postseason. After that heart-stopping 31-27 victory over Green Bay in the Wild Card round, Chicago is moving on to the NFC Divisional Round. You've got a few days to get your snacks in order because the next kickoff is set for Sunday.
What Channel Bears Game On Tonight (And This Weekend)
Since there’s no game on a Wednesday, you’re looking ahead to the massive showdown at Soldier Field. The Chicago Bears are hosting the Los Angeles Rams. It’s a battle of the young guns, and the broadcast details are already locked in.
The game is happening Sunday, January 18, 2026.
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Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 PM CT.
You can catch the action on NBC.
If you’re a cord-cutter, Peacock will be streaming it live. For the radio crowd, you can find the English broadcast on ESPN Chicago and the Spanish call on WVIV. It’s going to be loud. The city is already lighting up the skyline in orange and blue.
Why You Might Be Confused About Tonight
There is actually some Chicago sports action tonight if you just need to watch something while you wait for Sunday. The Chicago Blackhawks are taking on the Utah Hockey Club at the United Center. That game is on the Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) at 8:00 PM.
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Sometimes the schedules get jumbled in our heads, especially during the playoffs when every day feels like a "game day." But for the NFL, it’s all about the Sunday prep right now. Coach Ben Johnson is likely at Halas Hall as we speak, probably obsessing over how to stop the Rams' offense.
The Playoff Picture: How We Got Here
It’s been a minute since Chicago felt this kind of buzz. The Bears finished the regular season 11-6. They clinched the NFC North, even though they dropped that final game to the Lions.
The Wild Card game was the real test. Caleb Williams put up 381 yards. Two touchdowns. He looked like the veteran everyone hoped he’d be. Colston Loveland was a monster too, racking up 137 yards through the air. Seeing them come back from 18 points down? That’s the kind of stuff that changes a franchise's DNA.
Now, the Rams are coming to town. They’re 12-5 and coming off their own momentum. Los Angeles is a dangerous 5-seed, but they have to travel into the "Bears Weather" of mid-January Chicago.
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Watching From Home: The Best Setup
If you aren't one of the lucky ones with tickets—and let’s be real, the cheapest seats are hovering around $500 on SeatGeek—you’ll want the best setup.
- NBC (Channel 5 in Chicago): This is your primary home for the game.
- Peacock: If your antenna is acting up or you don't have cable, this is the official stream.
- NFL+: Good for mobile viewing if you’re stuck on a train or at a family dinner you can’t get out of.
- YouTube TV / Hulu + Live TV: These carry NBC, so you're covered there too.
Real Talk on the Matchup
A lot of people are worried about the Rams' pass rush. It’s valid. But the Bears' offensive line has been surprisingly sturdy lately. Joe Thuney has been a rock at left guard. His veteran presence is basically a security blanket for a second-year quarterback.
The defense is the real story, though. They had Soldier Field literally shaking last week. If the "4th Phase"—the fans—brings that same energy on Sunday, the Rams are going to have a hard time communicating at the line of scrimmage.
Preparation Steps for Sunday
Since you don't have to worry about a game tonight, use this time to get ready for the Divisional Round.
- Check your signal: If you use a digital antenna, rescan your channels now so you aren't fiddling with it at 5:29 PM on Sunday.
- Update your apps: If you're using Peacock, make sure the app is updated on your smart TV. There is nothing worse than an "Update Required" screen during a kickoff.
- Plan the menu: It’s a 5:30 PM start. That’s prime dinner time. If you're ordering wings, call them in early. Every pizza place in Cook County is going to be slammed.
- Gear up: The skyline is already blue and orange. You might as well join in.
The road to the NFC Championship goes through Chicago. If the Bears win this Sunday, they’ll face either the 49ers or the winner of the other NFC matchups. If things go our way, we could be hosting the NFC Championship right back at Soldier Field on January 25. But first, we’ve got to handle business against LA.