The Los Angeles Rams are still alive. After a gritty Wild Card win against the Panthers, Sean McVay’s squad is headed to the Windy City. If you’re asking what time are the rams playing, you need to clear your schedule for Sunday evening.
The NFL has officially slotted the Rams against the Chicago Bears for the NFC Divisional Round. This isn't just another game. It’s a heavyweight battle at Soldier Field with a ticket to the NFC Championship on the line.
What Time Are the Rams Playing This Weekend?
The Los Angeles Rams take on the Chicago Bears this Sunday, January 18, 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. PT).
If you are in Chicago, that’s a 5:30 p.m. local start. It’s the "nightcap" of the Divisional Weekend. Basically, it’s the game everyone will be watching to see who moves one step closer to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara.
NBC is handling the national broadcast. You can also stream it on Peacock if you’ve ditched traditional cable. For those who prefer Spanish-language coverage, Telemundo and Universo have you covered.
Honestly, the atmosphere is going to be intense. Soldier Field in mid-January? It’s going to be freezing. The latest forecasts are calling for temperatures in the teens. That’s a huge shift from the sunny SoFi Stadium vibes the Rams are used to.
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Game Day Quick Reference
- Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
- Matchup: Los Angeles Rams (5) at Chicago Bears (2)
- Kickoff Time: 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT / 5:30 p.m. CT
- TV Channel: NBC
- Streaming: Peacock, NFL+
- Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
Why This Matchup Matters
This isn’t just about the clock. It’s about the matchup. Matthew Stafford is playing some of his best football lately, despite being one of the older gunslingers left in the bracket. He just threw for four touchdowns in the regular-season finale against Arizona. He's locked in.
On the other side, you’ve got Caleb Williams. The Bears’ young star has been phenomenal in clutch situations. He just led a thrilling comeback against the Packers in the Wild Card round. Seeing the veteran Stafford go up against the rising star Williams is the kind of narrative the NFL dreams about.
The Rams are coming in as the 5-seed, while the Bears held onto the 2-seed after a strong regular season. Don't let the seeding fool you. The Rams have championship DNA. They know how to win on the road.
Logistics for Fans Heading to Chicago
If you’re actually traveling to the game, the City of Chicago just released a massive safety and traffic advisory. It’s going to be a mess around the Museum Campus.
The parking lots at Soldier Field open at 1:30 p.m. CT. Stadium gates open at 3:30 p.m. CT. If you’re taking an Uber or Lyft, be careful. There are standard rideshare restrictions that start four hours before kickoff. You’ll likely have to walk a bit to get to the designated pickup zones after the game.
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Also, dress in layers. Seriously. I can't stress this enough. The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is literally telling people to be vigilant about the cold. It’s not just "chilly"—it’s "your-beer-might-freeze" cold.
How the Rams Got Here
It’s been a wild ride. Just a couple of weeks ago, the Rams capped off their regular season with a 37-20 win over the Arizona Cardinals on January 4th. Stafford was surgical in that game, finding Puka Nacua and Tyler Higbee for scores.
Then came the Wild Card round. The Rams narrowly escaped with a 34-31 victory over the Carolina Panthers on January 10th. It wasn't pretty, but in the playoffs, a win is a win.
Now, they face a Bears defense that has been playing lights out. Grady Jarrett has been the "glue" for that Chicago front, and they’ve been forcing turnovers at a high rate.
What to Expect on Sunday
The Rams' offense relies heavily on the connection between Stafford and Nacua. Puka has been a target monster. If the Bears can't bracket him, it’s going to be a long night for their secondary.
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However, the x-factor might be the Rams' running game. Kyren Williams and Blake Corum have been a solid one-two punch. In the freezing Chicago air, being able to run the ball is usually the difference between winning and going home.
If the Rams win, they’ll face the winner of the 49ers vs. Seahawks game in the NFC Championship on January 25th. That would be another massive divisional rivalry game.
Final Thoughts for Game Day
If you’re looking for what time are the rams playing, make sure you account for the pre-game hype. Coverage on NBC usually starts an hour or two before the 6:30 p.m. ET kickoff.
Check your local listings if you're using an antenna. If you're streaming, make sure your Peacock app is updated. Nothing is worse than a "forced update" screen right as the ball is being kicked off.
Keep an eye on the injury report leading up to Sunday. Both teams are banged up after a long 18-week season and a Wild Card battle.
Next Steps for Rams Fans:
- Verify your streaming login now to avoid last-minute technical issues on Sunday night.
- Monitor the Chicago weather if you're betting on the over/under; extreme cold often leads to a more conservative, run-heavy game plan.
- Sync your calendar for 3:30 p.m. PT so you don't miss the opening drive, which is where Sean McVay usually scripts his most creative plays.