So, you're sitting there, maybe wearing that slightly faded Walter Payton jersey, and you're wondering: when do the Chicago Bears play next? Well, take a breath, because the stakes honestly couldn't be much higher. We aren't talking about a random Week 4 matchup against a winless team in the middle of a swampy October.
We are deep in the postseason.
The Chicago Bears are scheduled to play the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. local Chicago time). This isn't just another game; it’s the NFC Divisional Round, and it’s happening right at home under the lakefront winds of Soldier Field.
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The Divisional Round Showdown: Bears vs. Rams
If you've been following this season, you know it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster. After a thrilling 31-27 Wild Card victory over the Green Bay Packers just a week ago, the city is basically buzzing. Caleb Williams—the "Iceman" himself—proved he could handle the postseason heat by finding Rome Odunze on that massive fourth-and-8 play. It was the kind of moment that makes you think this might actually be the year.
But now, the Rams are coming to town.
They bring the league's top-ranked offense, averaging nearly 395 yards per game. It’s going to be a classic "strength vs. strength" situation. Chicago’s defense, led by First-Team All-Pro safety Kevin Byard, has been playing lights-out in the second half of games, but they’ll have their hands full with an LA team that seems to score at will.
How to Watch the Game
You don't want to miss this. If you aren't one of the lucky ones freezing your tail off at Soldier Field, here is how you can catch the action:
- TV Channel: NBC
- Streaming: Peacock and the NFL+ app
- Radio: WBBM Newsradio 780 AM & 105.9 FM
Honestly, the atmosphere in Chicago right now is electric. The Merchandise Mart is lit up in orange and blue, and there’s even a Caleb Williams ice sculpture downtown. It feels like the early 2000s or 1985 all over again, though we shouldn't get ahead of ourselves just yet.
What Happens if the Bears Win?
Let’s say the Bears handle business against the Rams. What’s next?
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The winner of this game moves on to the NFC Championship Game on Sunday, January 25, 2026. Since the Seattle Seahawks are the No. 1 seed and already punched their ticket by beating the 49ers, the Bears would have to travel to Seattle if they advance.
The kickoff for that potential NFC Championship would be at 6:30 p.m. ET on FOX.
It’s a tough road. Seattle is a nightmare place to play in January. But considering the Bears finished the regular season 11-6 and won the NFC North for the first time in seven years, this team seems built for the grind. Coach Ben Johnson has really changed the culture in that locker room.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
Even while we're obsessed with the playoffs, the NFL never stops moving. We already know who the Bears will face in the 2026 regular season, regardless of how this playoff run ends.
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Because they finished first in the NFC North, the schedule is going to be a gauntlet. They’ll be playing the entire NFC South and the AFC East. That means matchups against the Bills, Dolphins, and Jets are on the horizon.
They also have three specific games based on their first-place finish:
- Philadelphia Eagles (Home)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (Home)
- Seattle Seahawks (Away)
The full schedule with specific dates and times won't actually be released until May 2026. That’s when the NFL does its big primetime schedule reveal. For now, we just know the "who" and the "where," not the "when."
Survival Tips for the Divisional Game
If you’re heading to the game on Sunday, January 18, remember that Soldier Field in January is no joke. The forecast is looking chilly.
Wear layers. Seriously.
The Bears are currently listed as slight underdogs (around +3.5) despite being at home. Most experts are pointing to the Rams' offensive firepower as the reason. But those same experts didn't think Caleb Williams would put up 441 points for the offense this year either.
The key to this game? Pressuring the Rams early. If the Bears' 4-3 defensive alignment can get into the backfield and disrupt the rhythm of that LA passing game, Soldier Field is going to be rocking.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the Injury Report: Keep a close eye on the final status of key players. As of January 15, the roster looked relatively healthy, but playoff football is physical.
- Secure Your Gear: If you need fresh playoff merch, local shops in Chicago are stocked, but things are selling out fast given the hype.
- Plan Your Commute: If you're going to the game, use the Metra or CTA. Parking near the stadium during a playoff game is basically a legendary struggle you don't want to participate in.
- Verify Tickets: If buying second-hand, use verified platforms like Ticketmaster or SeatGeek. Divisional round tickets are currently starting around $428, and scams are everywhere when the demand is this high.