You’re staring at the clock, the snacks are prepped, and you're ready to see if the Chicago Bears can actually pull this off against the Rams. But wait. You hit the guide button on your remote and suddenly everything feels different. Playoff football isn't like the regular season. The times shift, the networks overlap, and if you're looking for the typical 8:20 p.m. kickoff, you’re already too late.
If you are wondering what channel is the sunday night football game on tonight, January 18, 2026, the answer is NBC.
Specifically, we are looking at the NFC Divisional Round matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and the Chicago Bears. This isn't just another game; it’s a primetime clash at Soldier Field with a ticket to the NFC Championship on the line. But here is the kicker: the game starts earlier than your standard Sunday night routine.
Where to Find the Rams vs. Bears Tonight
NBC has the broadcast rights for this Sunday night primetime slot. If you have a set of rabbit ears (an antenna), a cable box, or a satellite dish, just find your local NBC affiliate.
For the cord-cutters out there, you aren't left in the dark. Peacock is the exclusive streaming home for NBC’s NFL coverage. If you have a subscription, you can stream the game live there. Also, if you’re on the move, the NFL+ app carries primetime playoff games on mobile devices.
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Kickoff Time and Broadcast Crew
- Kickoff Time: 6:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. local Chicago time).
- TV Channel: NBC.
- Streaming: Peacock, NFL+, Fubo.
- Spanish Broadcast: Telemundo and Universo.
The "A-Team" is on the call for this one. You’ve got Mike Tirico handling the play-by-play, Cris Collinsworth providing the color commentary (and probably some "Now here's a guy..." moments), and Melissa Stark reporting from the sidelines.
Why the Sunday Night Schedule Feels Weird
Regular season games usually start at 8:20 p.m. ET. It’s a late night for the East Coast. During the Divisional Round, the NFL compresses the schedule to make sure games don't bleed into Monday morning.
Earlier today, the AFC was in the spotlight. The Houston Texans took on the New England Patriots at 3:00 p.m. ET. That game was on ESPN and ABC. If you're flipping through channels looking for the "Sunday Night" game and you see a movie or news on ABC, don't panic—you just need to switch over to NBC.
Watching Without Cable: Your Best Options
Honestly, paying for a massive cable bundle just for football feels like a relic of the past. If you’re trying to catch the game without a contract, you have a few solid paths.
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Peacock is the cheapest direct way. Since NBC owns it, they put the game there simultaneously. Just make sure your internet can handle a live sports stream; nobody wants to see the "spinning wheel of death" right as Matthew Stafford is uncorking a deep ball to Puka Nacua.
Fubo and YouTube TV are the heavy hitters. They essentially replace your cable box. They carry NBC, so you’ll get the game exactly as it appears on TV. The upside here is the DVR—if you’re late getting home, you can start the game from the beginning.
NFL+ is great, but remember the "mobile-only" catch. You can watch the Rams vs. Bears on your phone or tablet, but don't expect to cast it to your 75-inch TV. The NFL is pretty strict about those licensing boundaries.
The Stakes at Soldier Field
The Bears hosting a divisional game in 2026 is a massive storyline. This team has undergone a complete transformation. Caleb Williams and that offense are facing a Rams defense that has proven to be surprisingly resilient.
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The weather in Chicago in mid-January is always a factor. We're looking at a "Bear Weather" situation where the wind off Lake Michigan can turn a standard 40-yard field goal into a total guessing game. If you're a betting person, keep an eye on those flags atop the uprights.
What About the Rest of the Playoffs?
Once the clock hits zero tonight, the field for the Conference Championships will be set.
Next Sunday, January 25, 2026, the winners from this weekend will head to the AFC and NFC Championship games. Those games are split between CBS (AFC) and FOX (NFC).
And of course, it all leads to Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026. That game returns to NBC. So, if you figure out where NBC is on your dial tonight, you’re basically set for the biggest game of the year in a few weeks.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Check your local NBC signal: If using an antenna, do a quick scan now to ensure you aren't dealing with interference before kickoff.
- Update your Peacock app: If you haven't used it in a while, it might need a mandatory update. Do it now so you don't miss the opening drive.
- Sync your audio: If you prefer the local radio call (like J.B. Long for the Rams or the Bears' home crew), you can try to sync the radio broadcast with the TV images, though the delay is usually a pain.
- Order food early: Delivery times in major cities usually spike about 30 minutes before the 6:30 p.m. ET kickoff.