The energy in Chicago right now is basically electric, and it’s not just the wind coming off the lake. If you’re trying to figure out what team is playing sunday night football, look no further than the frozen turf of Soldier Field. Tonight, January 18, 2026, the Chicago Bears are hosting the Los Angeles Rams in a massive NFC Divisional Round matchup.
Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. local Chicago time).
This isn't some random mid-season game. It’s the playoffs. The stakes are everything. NBC has the broadcast, and honestly, the storyline of Caleb Williams facing off against Matthew Stafford in the postseason is the kind of stuff scriptwriters dream about.
Why the Rams vs. Bears Matchup is a Big Deal
Most people expected the Rams to be good, but the Bears? They’ve turned into a powerhouse much faster than the national media predicted. Chicago clinched the NFC North and earned the #2 seed, while the Rams are coming in as the #5 seed after a gritty Wild Card win against the Carolina Panthers.
The contrast in styles is wild. You’ve got Matthew Stafford, the grizzled vet who has seen every defensive look known to man, leading a Rams offense that still features the terrifying duo of Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. On the other side, Caleb Williams has been playing like a seasoned pro, showing a level of late-game poise that has Chicago fans actually believing in a Super Bowl run.
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It’s going to be cold. Really cold.
Current forecasts for tonight at Soldier Field suggest temperatures will be hovering around the freezing mark, which is a far cry from the sunny SoFi Stadium environment the Rams are used to.
Key Details for Tonight
- Matchup: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
- Round: NFC Divisional Playoffs
- Time: 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT
- TV Channel: NBC
- Streaming: Peacock
The Battle of the Quarterbacks
When you ask what team is playing sunday night football, the real subtext is often "which quarterbacks are we watching?"
Caleb Williams has been the story of the year. He’s already proven he can handle the pressure, having led the Bears to a narrow 31-27 victory over the Packers in the Wild Card round just last week. His ability to extend plays is, quite frankly, ridiculous.
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But Stafford is a different beast. Even at this stage of his career, he can still thread a needle from 40 yards out. He’s 13-5 this season and seems to thrive in these "win or go home" scenarios. The Rams defense, led by Jared Verse, knows they have to contain Williams inside the pocket, or it’s going to be a long night for the secondary.
Defensive Strategies and "The Cold Factor"
Chicago’s defensive coordinator, Dennis Allen, hasn't been shy about the challenge. He mentioned earlier this week that slowing down Nacua and Adams will require an "exceptional effort." The Bears' secondary has been solid, but the Rams' scheme often finds ways to create mismatches that are hard to cover for four full quarters.
One thing to watch is the run game. In cold weather games like this, the team that can effectively run the ball usually controls the clock. D’Andre Swift has been a workhorse for the Bears, and if he can get five or six yards on first down consistently, it takes a massive amount of pressure off Williams.
How to Watch and What to Expect
If you aren't sitting in the stands at Soldier Field tonight, you’ve got plenty of ways to catch the action.
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- NBC: The traditional broadcast with the big-game feel.
- Peacock: For those who have cut the cord and want to stream it in 4K.
- Telemundo/Universo: If you prefer the Spanish-language broadcast.
The winner of this game moves on to the NFC Championship next Sunday, January 25. They’ll face either the Seattle Seahawks or the San Francisco 49ers, depending on how their Saturday night clash ended.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're gearing up for the game, here is how to make the most of the Sunday Night Football experience:
- Check the Final Inactives: NFL teams release their list of inactive players 90 minutes before kickoff. Keep an eye on any last-minute changes to the Bears' offensive line or the Rams' secondary.
- Sync Your Audio: If you prefer your local radio announcers, use an app to delay the broadcast so it matches the TV feed.
- Monitor the Weather: High winds at Soldier Field can drastically change a coach's willingness to kick long field goals or throw deep. If the wind picks up past 15 mph, expect a lot more "ground and pound" football.
Tonight is about legacy for Stafford and the start of a new era for Williams. Grab your snacks, settle in, and get ready for a classic Chicago playoff atmosphere.