If you just woke up on this chilly Tuesday, January 13, 2026, and you’re frantically checking your phone to see what time and channel do the bears play today, I have some news that’s gonna make you either exhale or check your calendar twice.
The Chicago Bears aren’t playing today.
Seriously. Relax. You haven't missed kickoff, and you don’t need to rush to the sports bar just yet. Since it’s a Tuesday, the NFL is in that weird mid-week lull between the chaos of Wild Card weekend and the high-stakes drama of the Divisional Round.
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The Bears actually just finished taking years off our lives with a massive 31-27 win over the Green Bay Packers this past Saturday. It was a classic Soldier Field slugfest. Caleb Williams looked every bit the franchise savior, and Ben Johnson’s coaching is starting to make people in Chicago believe in miracles again. But because they took care of business early, the team is currently in recovery mode, watching film, and probably trying to stay warm while the rest of the league catches up.
When Do the Bears Actually Play Next?
Since they’re not on the field today, you’re looking ahead to the NFC Divisional Round. The NFL has officially slotted the Bears for a primetime showdown.
The Chicago Bears play the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
- Kickoff Time: 6:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. local Chicago time).
- The Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL.
- The Channel: NBC and streaming on Peacock.
Honestly, this matchup is kind of a movie. You’ve got Matthew Stafford—who knows Soldier Field like the back of his hand from his Detroit days—bringing the Rams into a stadium that’s going to be absolutely rocking. The "Monsters of the Midway" vibe is officially back, and having a home playoff game in the Divisional Round is something this city hasn't tasted in a long, long time.
Why Everyone Is Asking About Today
It’s easy to get confused. The NFL schedule has been a bit of a moving target lately. With Monday Night Football playoff games and the way the Wild Card round stretched across three days (ending just last night with the Texans/Steelers game), the "days of the week" lose all meaning for football fans.
Plus, the news cycle is moving fast. If you’ve been seeing Bears headlines today, it’s probably because of Coach Ben Johnson’s postgame comments about the Packers. He’s been a lightning rod for attention after that viral handshake with Matt LaFleur and his... let's call it "candid" language in the locker room. People are talking about the Bears today, but they aren't playing today.
What Channel Is the Game on Sunday?
When Sunday finally rolls around, you won't need to hunt through obscure cable tiers.
The game is the "nightcap" for the weekend. NBC has the broadcast, which means you can catch it with a standard antenna or through your cable provider. For the cord-cutters, Peacock is the exclusive streaming home. If you want the Spanish-language broadcast, head over to Telemundo or Universo.
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What to Watch for Against the Rams
The Rams are coming in hot after a narrow win over the Panthers. Stafford’s finger injury is the big talking point right now, but knowing him, he’ll be out there slinging it in 20-degree weather without a second thought.
Chicago’s defense, led by Montez Sweat, is going to have to be relentless. The weather forecast for Sunday is already calling for those signature Chicago winds—roughly 10 to 20 mph—which usually favors the team that can run the ball and play "bully ball" in the trenches.
Keep an eye on rookie Colston Loveland. His performance in the Wild Card round was historic for a tight end, and he’s clearly become Caleb Williams’ security blanket when things get messy.
Actionable Steps for Bears Fans
Since there’s no game today, here is how you should actually spend your Tuesday to prepare for the Divisional Round:
- Check Your Subscription: If you’re streaming, make sure your Peacock login actually works. There’s nothing worse than missing a kickoff because of a "password reset" loop.
- Monitor the Injury Report: Thursday and Friday are the big days. Watch for updates on the Bears' offensive line and Stafford’s throwing hand.
- Secure Gear Early: If you're heading to Soldier Field, the pro shops are going to be cleaned out by Friday. Get that playoff hoodie now.
The wait until Sunday is going to feel like an eternity, but at least now you can stop refreshing the TV guide for tonight. Grab a beef sandwich, stay warm, and get ready for the Rams on Sunday night.