The energy in Chicago right now is basically electric. Honestly, after that heart-stopping comeback against Green Bay last Saturday, everyone is asking the same thing: what time is Bears game today? If you’re looking to catch Caleb Williams and this red-hot offense in action right this second, you actually have a tiny bit of breathing room.
The Bears aren't playing today, Tuesday, January 13. They just finished dismantling the Packers 31-27 in one of the wildest Wild Card games we've seen in a decade. But the schedule for the next round is officially locked in. You’ll want to clear your calendar for this Sunday.
When Do the Bears Play Next?
The Chicago Bears are set to host the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Round on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CT.
It’s going to be a primetime showdown under the lights at Soldier Field. For those watching from different time zones, that’s 6:30 p.m. ET or 3:30 p.m. PT. NBC has the broadcast, so you can catch it on your local affiliate or stream it via Peacock if you’ve ditched the cable box.
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What Time Is Bears Game Today: The Playoff Push
Since there's no game today, it’s the perfect time to look at how we got here. Ben Johnson has this team playing inspired football. Most experts thought a rookie-heavy roster would crumble under playoff pressure. Instead, we saw Caleb Williams throw for 361 yards and two touchdowns against the Pack.
The connection with tight end Colston Loveland is becoming something special. Loveland put up 137 yards last week. It’s kinda reminiscent of how Johnson used Sam LaPorta back in Detroit.
Key Details for Sunday's Matchup
- Opponent: Los Angeles Rams (No. 5 seed)
- Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago
- Date: Sunday, Jan 18
- Kickoff: 5:30 p.m. Central Time
- TV Channel: NBC / Peacock
The Rams are coming off a 34-31 win over the Panthers, so they aren't exactly pushovers. Matthew Stafford still has that arm, and Sean McVay is still a wizard with the playbook.
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Why This Game Matters So Much
This isn't just another playoff game. It’s the first time the Bears have reached the Divisional Round in 15 years. The city is desperate for this. If they win on Sunday, they’ll move on to the NFC Championship Game on January 25.
If you're heading to the stadium, dress warm. It’s January in Chicago. The forecast is looking typical—cold and windy. That lakefront breeze usually acts like a 12th man for the defense, and Lord knows Austin Booker and the pass rush will need it against Stafford.
Watching the Game
If you aren't one of the lucky ones with tickets, NBC is the place to be. You've also got the radio broadcast on 780 AM and 105.9 FM with Jeff Joniak and Tom Thayer. There's really nothing like hearing Joniak yell "Touchdown, Bears!" when the game is on the line.
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Actionable Next Steps:
- Confirm Your Streaming: If you’re using Peacock, make sure your subscription is active before Sunday afternoon to avoid the "last-minute login" panic.
- Check the Jersey: If you’re superstitious like most of us, get that lucky Caleb Williams or D.J. Moore jersey washed and ready by Friday.
- Plan the Menu: Since it’s a 5:30 p.m. start, you’re looking at a dinner-time game. Get the slow cooker ready for some chili or order the deep dish early—delivery times in the city during a Bears playoff game are notoriously slow.
- Follow the Injury Report: Keep an eye on the mid-week practice reports coming out of Halas Hall to see if Rome Odunze is 100% after that minor tweak last weekend.
The road to the Super Bowl goes through Chicago this Sunday. Bear Down.