Look, I get it. You woke up, it’s Wednesday, January 14, 2026, and you’re itching for some playoff football. The city of Chicago is vibrating. You’ve probably seen the orange and blue lights on the Willis Tower or heard some guy at the coffee shop arguing about Caleb Williams’ deep ball. But here is the short, cold truth: there is no Chicago Bears game today.
If you were hoping to crack a beer and settle in tonight, you're a few days early. The NFL schedule-makers aren't exactly known for mid-week playoff games. We’re currently in that weird, anxious limbo between the Wild Card round and the Divisional Round.
The Bears are coming off a massive, record-breaking win against the Green Bay Packers last Saturday. It was a thriller. 31-27. Caleb Williams threw for 381 yards. DJ Moore caught the game-winner with less than two minutes left. Honestly, my heart is still recovering from that fourth quarter. But because they took care of business, they’ve earned a spot in the next round.
When is the Chicago Bears game today and why the wait?
If you are asking when is the Chicago Bears game today, you really need to look toward the upcoming weekend. The NFL just finalized the Divisional Round schedule, and the Bears are the Sunday night headliners. Mark your calendar for Sunday, January 18, 2026.
The game kicks off at 5:30 p.m. CT (6:30 p.m. ET).
They’re hosting the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field. It’s going to be freezing. It’s going to be loud. The Rams just beat the Panthers 34-31, so they’re coming in hot, but they have to travel to the lakefront in January. That is never fun for a team from Southern California.
👉 See also: Meaning of Grand Slam: Why We Use It for Tennis, Baseball, and Breakfast
Broadcast and Streaming Details
Since it’s the Sunday night window, the game is a big-time NBC production. You can watch it on your local NBC affiliate or stream it on Peacock. If you’re looking for the Spanish broadcast, Telemundo and Universo have you covered.
- Date: Sunday, Jan 18
- Time: 5:30 p.m. CT
- Location: Soldier Field, Chicago
- Opponent: Los Angeles Rams
- TV: NBC
- Streaming: Peacock
The Road to the Super Bowl (and how we got here)
Ben Johnson’s first year as head coach has been a fever dream. Seriously, who expected an 11-6 record and an NFC North title right out of the gate? The culture at Halas Hall feels different. It’s not just "hope" anymore; it’s actual execution.
The Wild Card win over the Packers was the most-watched Saturday Wild Card game in six years. People are paying attention to this team. Prime Video actually broke its all-time streaming record for that game.
The defense under DC Eric Washington has been opportunistic, though they gave up some chunk plays to Jordan Love last week. The Rams’ Matthew Stafford is a different beast. He’s seen every look imaginable. The Bears' secondary, led by Jaylon Johnson, is going to have to be almost perfect to keep Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp from moving the chains.
The Matchup Dynamics
The Bears and Rams last played back in 2023, a 24-18 Bears win. But that was a lifetime ago in NFL years. This time, the stakes are for a trip to the NFC Championship game. If the Bears win on Sunday, they’ll face the winner of the Seahawks vs. 49ers matchup.
✨ Don't miss: NFL Week 5 2025 Point Spreads: What Most People Get Wrong
Tickets are already insane. On SeatGeek, the lowest price to get into Soldier Field for this Sunday is hovering around $528. If they make it to the NFC Championship? You're looking at over $1,000 just to stand in the building.
Things to Watch While You Wait
Since there’s no game today, you might as well catch up on the injury reports. The big news is Rome Odunze. He made it back for the Wild Card game and looked decent, but we’re watching his hamstring closely this week.
Also, keep an eye on rookie tight end Colston Loveland. His 137-yard performance against the Packers was historic. He’s become Caleb’s favorite safety valve when the pressure gets heavy.
Key Storylines for Sunday:
- The Weather Factor: The forecast is calling for typical Chicago January gloom. Windy, cold, and potentially some lake-effect flurries. Stafford has a big arm, but he's older now. Can he grip the ball in 20-degree weather?
- Ben Johnson vs. Sean McVay: This is a chess match between two of the brightest offensive minds in the game. Johnson’s play-calling has been aggressive and unpredictable.
- The Pass Rush: Montez Sweat needs a signature playoff game. If he can disrupt Stafford’s rhythm early, the Rams’ offense tends to stall.
Actionable Steps for the Fans
You’ve got a few days to get ready. Don't be the person scrambling for a jersey or a clear bag on Sunday afternoon.
First, check your streaming logins. If you’re using Peacock, make sure your subscription is active. There is nothing worse than the "Renew Now" screen appearing right as the opening kickoff happens.
🔗 Read more: Bethany Hamilton and the Shark: What Really Happened That Morning
Second, if you’re actually going to the game, dress in layers. Real layers. Not "I look cute in this hoodie" layers. Soldier Field in January is a wind tunnel.
Lastly, keep an eye on the Halas Hall press conferences. Ben Johnson usually speaks mid-week (that would be today or tomorrow) to give updates on the game plan and player health.
Even though you won't find a when is the Chicago Bears game today answer that results in a kickoff tonight, the anticipation is half the fun. This is the deepest playoff run the city has seen in years. Enjoy the tension. Sunday will be here before you know it.
Verify your TV provider login for NBC Sports or ensure your Peacock app is updated on your smart TV to avoid any technical glitches during the 5:30 p.m. kickoff on Sunday.