If you’re scrambling to figure out what time the bears play today, January 18, 2026, take a breath. You haven't missed it. But you do need to get the grill moving or find your spot at the bar soon.
The Chicago Bears are hosting the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field for the NFC Divisional Round. Kickoff is officially set for 5:30 p.m. CT (6:30 p.m. ET). This isn't just another game. It is the biggest night in Chicago football in over a decade. Soldier Field is going to be loud, cold, and probably a little chaotic.
Where to Watch the Bears vs. Rams
The game is being broadcast nationally on NBC. If you’ve cut the cord, you aren't out of luck. You can stream the entire thing live on Peacock.
For the folks who prefer the local flavor of the radio, Jeff Joniak and Tom Thayer will be on the call over at ESPN 1000 (WMVP). Honestly, there is something about hearing Joniak scream "Touchdown, Bears!" that makes the experience feel more authentic, even if you're watching the TV on mute.
If you are looking for the Spanish broadcast, you can find it on Telemundo or Universo.
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Why This Specific Game Matters
The Bears finished the regular season with an 11-6 record, clinching the NFC North for the first time since 2018. It’s been a wild ride under head coach Ben Johnson.
Just last week, they knocked off the Green Bay Packers in a 31-27 thriller during the Wild Card round. That win broke a long drought and basically turned the city upside down. Now, they face a Rams team that finished 12-5 and looks dangerous.
The Rams offense is averaging over 30 points a game. The Bears defense, led by All-Pro safety Kevin Byard, has been a takeaway machine, leading the league in interceptions this year. It's the classic "immovable object meets irresistible force" scenario.
Knowing the Soldier Field Conditions
It’s January in Chicago. It’s going to be chilly.
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The forecast is calling for temperatures in the high 20s by kickoff, dropping into the teens as the sun goes down. Wind off the lake is always a factor. If you're heading to the stadium, layer up. The "Bear Weather" narrative is real, and the Rams—coming from sunny Southern California—might find that lake breeze a bit jarring.
The grass at Soldier Field has been a talking point all season. It’s notoriously tricky late in the year. Watch for players slipping on those quick out-routes; it could literally change the outcome of a drive.
Key Storylines to Watch
Everyone is talking about the quarterback matchup, but the real battle is in the trenches.
- Darnell Wright vs. the Rams Pass Rush: The Bears' young tackle has been a stud, but the Rams move their front around constantly.
- The Ben Johnson Factor: Chicago’s head coach has brought a modern, aggressive scheme that finally utilized the speed on this roster.
- The Turnover Margin: Chicago lives and dies by the takeaway. If they don't get at least two tonight, it's going to be a long evening.
Most experts, including the folks over at ESPN and The Athletic, are calling this a one-possession game. The Bears are slight favorites because of the home-field advantage, but nobody is overlooking Matthew Stafford’s ability to move the ball in crunch time.
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Quick Reference for Today
If you just need the raw details to text a friend, here they are:
- Matchup: Los Angeles Rams (5) at Chicago Bears (2)
- Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
- Kickoff Time: 5:30 p.m. Central Time
- Channel: NBC / Peacock
- Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
What Happens if They Win?
If the Bears pull this off, they move on to the NFC Championship Game on Sunday, January 25.
Depending on what happened in the other Divisional games, they’ll either be traveling to face the #1 seed Seattle Seahawks or hosting the winner of the 49ers/Panthers matchup. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. You have to win the game in front of you first.
Basically, clear your schedule for the next four hours.
Check your TV signal now. Make sure your Peacock login actually works before the kickoff. If you're heading to a watch party, leave twenty minutes earlier than you planned because traffic near the lakefront is going to be a nightmare.
Next Steps for the Fan:
- Verify your streaming access: Log into Peacock now to avoid "incorrect password" stress at 5:29 p.m.
- Prep the snacks: If you're making wings or chili, get them in the oven or slow cooker by 3:00 p.m. to ensure they're ready for the second quarter.
- Check the injury report: Keep an eye on the final inactive list released 90 minutes before kickoff to see if any last-minute changes affect the secondary.