The air in Chicago is going to be brutal. If you are looking for what time do rams play, you need to mark your calendar for Sunday, January 18, 2026. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. local time in Chicago).
This isn't just another game. We are talking about the NFC Divisional Round. The Los Angeles Rams, fresh off a nail-biting 34-31 Wild Card win against the Carolina Panthers, are heading into the frozen tundra of Soldier Field to face the No. 2 seeded Chicago Bears. It’s a classic "warm weather team vs. the elements" narrative that every sports pundit is going to milk for all it's worth this week.
Honestly, the Rams look dangerous right now. Matthew Stafford is playing like he's ten years younger, and Puka Nacua is basically a cheat code at this point. But going into Chicago in mid-January? That’s a different beast entirely.
What Time Do Rams Play and Where to Watch
The NFL doesn't mess around with the schedule for these high-stakes games. Since this is the Sunday night primetime slot, the broadcast is getting the full prestige treatment.
- Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
- Kickoff Time: 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT
- TV Channel: NBC
- Streaming: Peacock, NFL+, and Universo (for Spanish speakers)
If you're in LA, you've got it easy—the game starts right as you're thinking about an early dinner. If you're a Rams fan living on the East Coast, get the coffee ready because these playoff games have a way of stretching late into the night with all those commercial breaks and replay reviews.
🔗 Read more: NFL Week 5 2025 Point Spreads: What Most People Get Wrong
Why the 6:30 PM Kickoff Matters
The timing is actually a bit of a disadvantage for the Rams. By 5:30 p.m. in Chicago, the sun is long gone. The temperature is expected to plummet. We aren't just talking "chilly"—we are talking "frozen grass and visible breath" cold.
Sean McVay’s offense relies on timing and explosive speed. When the ball feels like a brick and the turf is slick, those quick slants and deep shots become a lot harder to execute. The Bears finished the season 11-6, and their defense thrived in low-scoring, physical games. If the Rams can't get their rhythm early, the late-night Chicago atmosphere could swallow them whole.
The Path to the Divisional Round
Let's talk about how we even got here. The Rams finished the regular season with a solid 12-5 record. Despite that impressive win count, they ended up as the No. 5 seed because the NFC was a total bloodbath this year.
Last week's game in Charlotte was way closer than it should have been. The Rams were double-digit favorites, but they let Bryce Young and the Panthers hang around until a last-minute touchdown saved their season. It was a wake-up call. You can't make those kinds of mistakes against a team like Chicago, especially on the road.
💡 You might also like: Bethany Hamilton and the Shark: What Really Happened That Morning
The Bears, meanwhile, had a bye week to get healthy. They’ve been waiting for this. Interestingly, the Rams and Bears didn't actually play each other during the 2025 regular season. This makes the matchup a bit of a wildcard. There's no recent tape of these specific units going head-to-head, so expect some "feeling out" in the first quarter.
Key Matchups to Watch at Kickoff
When the clock hits 6:30 p.m. ET, keep your eyes on the Rams' offensive line. They have to protect Stafford. If the Bears' pass rush gets home early, it’s going to be a long night for Los Angeles.
Also, watch the Rams' run defense. Chicago loves to control the clock. If the Rams can't stop the run, they won't get the ball back, and that high-powered offense will be stuck shivering on the sidelines.
Logistics for the Die-Hard Fans
If you are one of the brave souls actually traveling to Soldier Field, Godspeed. Tickets on the secondary market are currently hovering around $457 for the cheap seats, and prices are only going up as game day approaches.
📖 Related: Simona Halep and the Reality of Tennis Player Breast Reduction
- Parking: Lots at Soldier Field usually open four hours before kickoff. If you're driving, get there by 1:30 p.m. local time.
- Gate Entry: Gates typically open two hours before the 5:30 p.m. local kickoff.
- Apparel: Wear layers. Seriously. Even if you think you're tough, that wind off Lake Michigan is no joke.
For those staying home in SoCal, the vibe will be much better. Local bars in Santa Monica and the Valley will be packed. Just make sure you get your seat by 3:00 p.m. PT to avoid the rush.
Looking Ahead to the Championship
If the Rams manage to pull off the upset in Chicago, things get even more interesting. Depending on what happens in the 49ers vs. Seahawks game, the Rams could either be heading back home to SoFi Stadium or traveling to Seattle for the NFC Championship on January 25.
But nobody in the Rams locker room is thinking about that yet. They are focused on the 6:30 p.m. kickoff on Sunday. They know that in the playoffs, your season can end in a heartbeat.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your local weather app if you're attending the game, as wind speeds at Soldier Field significantly impact kicking and long-passing plays. Ensure your Peacock or NFL+ subscription is active at least an hour before the 6:30 p.m. ET kickoff to avoid login delays during peak traffic. If you're hosting a watch party, plan for the game to conclude around 9:45 p.m. ET, accounting for the typical three-hour-plus duration of NFL postseason broadcasts.