So, you’re looking for the kickoff time to catch Matthew Stafford and the crew. If you’re asking what time is the los angeles rams game today, I have some news that might make you put the chips back in the pantry for a second. The Rams are actually not playing today, Saturday, January 17, 2026.
I know, it’s a bit of a bummer when you've got that playoff energy brewing. But hold on. They aren't out of it; they’re just scheduled for the primetime slot tomorrow.
The Los Angeles Rams are set to face off against the Chicago Bears in the NFC Divisional Round on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. PT). Since they’re heading to the freezing winds of Soldier Field, they’ve got an extra day to prep for that "Bear weather" everyone talks about.
Why The Rams Aren’t Playing Right Now
The NFL Divisional Round is split across two days. Today, Saturday, belongs to other heavy hitters. While you’re waiting for the Rams, you’ve got the Buffalo Bills taking on the Denver Broncos at 4:30 p.m. ET, followed by a massive NFC West rivalry between the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Honestly, it’s probably better for your heart rate to just scout the competition today. If the Rams pull off a win in Chicago, they’ll be looking at the winner of that Niners-Seahawks game. Watching your potential NFC Championship opponents beat each other up today is basically a scouting mission from your couch.
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Game Day Details: Sunday, Jan 18
When tomorrow finally rolls around, you won't want to be scrambling for the remote. Here is the fast breakdown of how to watch the Rams vs. Bears:
- Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
- Kickoff Time: 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT
- Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
- TV Channel: NBC
- Streaming: Peacock (live), NFL+ (mobile)
Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth are expected to be on the call. If you’re a local in LA, you can also catch the radio broadcast on ESPN LA 710 AM or 93.1 JACK FM.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
A lot of fans think the Bears are just a "defense-first" team because of their history. That’s old news. In 2026, this Chicago squad has been putting up massive numbers, ranking third in the league for rushing yards.
The Rams, on the other hand, are the top-ranked passing offense in the NFL right now. We’re talking over 268 yards per game through the air. It’s a classic "strength vs. strength" scenario. Los Angeles has been a scoring machine, averaging 30.5 points per game.
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The real question is the weather. Soldier Field in mid-January is basically an ice box. The Rams are a dome team, mostly. Yes, they play in the "open-air" SoFi, but Southern California's 65 degrees isn't exactly the 20-degree wind chill they'll face in Illinois. Stafford has played plenty of cold games from his Detroit days, but the rest of the roster is going to have to toughen up fast.
The Road To This Game
It wasn't an easy path. The Rams just narrowly escaped the Wild Card round last weekend with a 34-31 win over the Carolina Panthers. It was a nail-biter. Stafford had to orchestrate a late-game drive just to keep the season alive.
The Bears are coming off a win against their eternal rivals, the Green Bay Packers. They’re the No. 2 seed for a reason. They’ve been incredibly efficient, leading the league in turnover margin (+22). If the Rams start throwing interceptions or fumbling in the cold, it’s going to be a very long flight back to LA.
Actionable Tips For Game Day
Since you’ve got an extra 24 hours before the los angeles rams game, here is how to get ready:
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1. Check Your Tech
If you’re streaming on Peacock, make sure your app is updated today. There is nothing worse than a "Mandatory Update" screen while the opening kickoff is happening.
2. Watch the Saturday Games
Keep a close eye on the 49ers vs. Seahawks tonight. If the Rams win tomorrow, they will face the winner of that game in the NFC Championship. Knowing how those teams look physically today will tell you a lot about the Rams' potential Super Bowl path.
3. Prep for the Afternoon Slot
Remember, if you’re on the West Coast, the game starts at 3:30 p.m. It’s that awkward time where it’s too late for lunch and a bit early for a full dinner. Get your snack game sorted now so you aren't in the kitchen during the second quarter.
The Rams are currently 3.5-point favorites according to most sportsbooks, which is wild considering they are the away team in a playoff game at Soldier Field. The experts clearly trust McVay’s scheme over the Chicago elements. We’ll see if that trust is well-placed tomorrow night.