You're probably scrolling through your guide or frantically hitting the search button because you need to know what station is the bears game on today, especially after that nail-biter against the Packers. Honestly, the buzz around Chicago right now is electric. Caleb Williams and D.J. Moore have turned the Windy City into a playoff hub again.
But here is the quick reality check: If you are looking for the game today, Friday, January 16, 2026, you can actually put the remote down for a second.
The Bears aren't playing today.
Because the NFL saves the Divisional Round fireworks for the weekend, the Bears are currently in final walkthroughs. They don't take the field at Soldier Field until Sunday. I know, the wait is kind of brutal when the stakes are this high, but at least you have time to stock up on wings.
Where to Watch the Bears vs. Rams Divisional Matchup
When Sunday finally rolls around, you won't have to hunt through obscure cable channels. The Chicago Bears are set to host the Los Angeles Rams in a massive NFC Divisional Round showdown.
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The game is on NBC.
If you're in the Chicago market, that’s WMAQ-TV Channel 5. For the rest of the country, it's the standard national NBC broadcast. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CT (6:30 p.m. ET) on Sunday, January 18.
Streaming has become a bit of a maze lately, but for this one, it’s pretty straightforward. Since it’s an NBC game, Peacock is your primary streaming home. If you have a login for YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or FuboTV, you’re also good to go as long as they carry your local NBC affiliate.
The Bears Playoff Vibe in 2026
This isn't just another game. The Bears finished the regular season 11-6, snagging the NFC North title under Ben Johnson. That Wild Card win over Green Bay (31-27) was the kind of game that takes years off your life. Seeing Caleb Williams find Moore with less than two minutes left? Pure magic.
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The Rams are coming into Soldier Field as the No. 5 seed with a 12-5 record. Matthew Stafford is still slinging it, and they’ve got Davante Adams now, which makes their offense a nightmare to scheme against. It’s a classic "unstoppable force meets immovable object" scenario, especially with the Chicago January weather potentially playing a massive factor.
Why the Schedule Matters for Your Watch Party
Since there are no games today, Friday, the NFL schedule for the rest of the weekend looks like this:
Saturday, Jan 17:
- 49ers at Seahawks – 7:00 p.m. CT on FOX.
- Broncos at Bills – 3:30 p.m. CT on CBS.
Sunday, Jan 18:
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- Texans at Patriots – 2:00 p.m. CT on ESPN/ABC.
- Rams at Bears – 5:30 p.m. CT on NBC.
Basically, Sunday evening is the main event for Chicago. If you're planning on using an antenna, make sure it's positioned well. Soldier Field is going to be rocking, but the broadcast quality on a 4K NBC feed is usually top-tier for these playoff windows.
Catching the Action on Radio
Sometimes you're stuck in the car or just prefer the local call. If you can’t get to a TV to see what station is the bears game on today, you can flip to the radio.
The Bears Radio Network is legendary. You’ll want 780 AM (WBBM) or 105.9 FM (WCFS). Jeff Joniak and Tom Thayer bring a level of hype that a TV broadcast just can't match. Seriously, hearing Joniak scream "Touchdown, Bears!" is a rite of passage for any fan in Illinois.
Key Storylines to Watch on Sunday
Keep an eye on the injury report. Rams lineman Kevin Dotson has been limited in practice, and his status could change how the Bears' front four attacks Stafford. On the Chicago side, the focus is entirely on the offensive line protecting Caleb Williams. If they give him three seconds in the pocket, the Rams' secondary is going to have a very long afternoon.
If the Bears win this, they move on to the NFC Championship on January 25. They’d face the winner of the Seahawks/49ers game.
What you should do next:
- Check your Peacock subscription today to ensure your login still works so you aren't troubleshooting during kickoff.
- Verify your local NBC signal if you are using an "over-the-air" antenna; playoff weather can sometimes mess with reception.
- Set your DVR for 5:30 p.m. CT Sunday just in case you get delayed, though watching this one live is highly recommended for the stress levels.