So, it's finally happening. Chicago is buzzing. Honestly, if you step outside anywhere near the Loop today, you can practically feel the electricity—and the biting wind—coming off the lake. Everyone is asking the same thing: what time is the chicago bears football game today?
If you're looking for the short answer so you can start prepping the wings, here it is. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. CT (that’s 6:30 p.m. for you folks on the East Coast). It’s Sunday, January 18, 2026, and the stakes couldn't be higher. We aren't talking about a mid-October sleeper against a winless team. This is the NFC Divisional Round. The Los Angeles Rams are coming to Soldier Field, and the winner moves one step closer to the Super Bowl.
The Schedule for Today's Bears vs. Rams Clash
Getting the timing right is half the battle on playoff Sunday. You don't want to be the person still standing in the checkout line at the grocery store when the national anthem starts.
The NFL finalized this slot earlier in the week. Being the "night" game of the Sunday doubleheader means the lights will be on and the Chicago cold will be in full effect. Here is the breakdown of the timing:
- Kickoff Time: 5:30 p.m. local Chicago time (CT).
- Gate Opening: Typically, Soldier Field gates open two hours before kickoff, so expect fans to start pouring in around 3:30 p.m.
- TV Coverage: The game is being broadcast nationally on NBC.
- Streaming: You can catch it on Peacock if you've cut the cord, or through the NFL+ mobile app.
It’s kind of wild to think about how far this team has come. Just a few seasons ago, we were arguing about draft picks in January. Now? We're hosting a playoff game. Ben Johnson has this offense humming, and Caleb Williams has lived up to every ounce of the hype. But the Rams aren't exactly a "get-right" game. Matthew Stafford is still a wizard in the pocket, even if he’s seen more than a few Chicago winters in his time.
✨ Don't miss: Why Cumberland Valley Boys Basketball Dominates the Mid-Penn (and What’s Next)
Why the 5:30 p.m. Kickoff Matters
Timing is everything in football, especially in January in the Midwest. By 5:30 p.m., the sun will be long gone. The temperature is expected to drop significantly once the second half starts.
For the Rams, coming from sunny Los Angeles, that late-day kickoff is a brutal draw. There’s a psychological edge to playing at Soldier Field when the turf is hard as a rock and the wind is whipping off the water. If the game had been at noon, it might have been a bit more bearable. But a night game? That’s Bears weather.
Watching the Game: TV and Stream Info
If you aren't one of the lucky ones with a ticket—and let's be real, those Ticketmaster prices are basically a second mortgage right now—you’re watching from the couch.
NBC has the primary broadcast. That means you get the full Sunday Night Football production treatment. If you’re stuck at work or away from a TV, Peacock is your best friend. Just make sure your subscription is active before the 5:30 p.m. kickoff. There is nothing worse than seeing a "re-enter password" screen while the Bears are driving into the red zone.
🔗 Read more: What Channel is Champions League on: Where to Watch Every Game in 2026
A few things to keep in mind for the viewers:
- Radio: If you're driving, tune into WBBM 780 AM or 105.9 FM. Jeff Joniak’s "Touchdown, Bears!" is the only way to listen to a game.
- Spanish Broadcast: Check your local listings for the Spanish-language feed, usually available via SAP or on specific Spanish-language sports networks.
- London Watch Party: The team is actually hosting a massive watch party in London for the international fans. It’s pretty cool to see the "Monsters of the Midway" going global.
What to Watch For When the Clock Hits 5:30
Once you know what time is the chicago bears football game today, the next question is: what’s going to happen?
The Rams are coming in as slight favorites in some books, which feels like a slap in the face to a home team with an 11-6 record. But look at their roster. Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua are still a nightmare to cover. The Bears' secondary, led by Kevin Byard, is going to have their hands full.
However, the real story is the Bears' defense. They’ve been "the glue" lately. Even with some injuries—we really miss T.J. Edwards out there—they've found ways to stifle high-powered offenses. They held the Packers to 27 points last week in that wild comeback win. If they can keep Stafford under 24, the Bears have a real shot.
💡 You might also like: Eastern Conference Finals 2024: What Most People Get Wrong
The Caleb Williams Factor
Let's talk about the kid. Williams has been special.
He doesn’t look like a rookie or even a second-year player anymore. He looks like he belongs. His ability to extend plays is going to be vital because the Rams' pass rush is still no joke. If he can avoid the "hero ball" mistakes and just take what the defense gives him, the Bears' offense is diverse enough to score on anyone.
Preparing for the Long Haul
Playoff games rarely end on time. Between the commercial breaks, the potential for reviews, and the inevitable drama, don't expect to be doing anything else until at least 9:00 p.m.
If the game goes into overtime—like that heart-stopper against the Packers earlier this season—you might be looking at a late night. Plan accordingly. Drink your coffee. Set your alarm for Monday morning with a bit of a buffer.
Honestly, this feels like one of those "where were you" games. The city is ready. The team is ready. All that's left is for the clock to hit 5:30 p.m.
Next Steps for Today:
- Check the weather: If you are heading to the stadium, the wind chill is going to be a factor. Layers are non-negotiable.
- Verify your stream: Open the Peacock or NFL+ app now to ensure you aren't logged out.
- Sync your food delivery: If you're ordering pizza or wings, do it by 4:00 p.m. Every delivery driver in Cook County is going to be slammed right around kickoff.
- Monitor the injury report: Keep an eye on the final active/inactive list that drops about 90 minutes before the game to see if any late-week questionable players are a go.