It is finally here. If you’re asking where is the Bears game today, you probably already feel that nervous energy buzzing through Chicago. The Monsters of the Midway aren't just playing a regular-season game; they are deep in the hunt for a Super Bowl ring.
Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, the Chicago Bears are hosting the Los Angeles Rams. This isn't some neutral site or a warm-weather getaway. They are playing at home. Soldier Field is the place to be, and if you don’t have a seat in the stands, you’ve gotta find a screen fast.
The Venue and Kickoff Details
The game is happening right on the lakefront in Chicago. Specifically, 1410 Special Olympics Drive.
Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. CT. If you are on the East Coast, that’s 6:30 p.m. ET. For the folks out west wondering when to tune in, it’s 3:30 p.m. PT. Honestly, the atmosphere at Soldier Field is going to be electric. After the Bears took down the Packers 31-27 in the Wild Card round last week, the city is basically on fire with excitement.
How to Watch the Bears vs. Rams Today
You don’t have to hunt through obscure cable channels for this one. Since it’s a Divisional Round playoff game, it’s getting the primetime treatment.
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- TV Channel: NBC
- Streaming: Peacock
- Spanish Broadcast: Telemundo / Universo
If you’re stuck in the car or just prefer the old-school vibe of the radio, you can catch the action on WBBM Newsradio 780 AM or 105.9 FM. There’s something special about hearing Jeff Joniak shout "Touchdown, Bears!" that a TV broadcast just can't replicate.
Why This Game at Soldier Field Matters So Much
The Bears finished the regular season with an 11-6 record, clinching the NFC North under coach Ben Johnson. It hasn't been a perfect road—they ended the season with a couple of tough losses to the Lions and 49ers—but that Wild Card win against Green Bay changed the narrative completely.
Caleb Williams has been the real deal. 30 total touchdowns and only 7 interceptions? That’s elite. He’s found a rhythm with DJ Moore and the rising star tight end Colston Loveland that most defenses just can’t figure out.
But the Rams are coming in hot. They are 12-5 and possess one of the most explosive offenses in the league. Matthew Stafford is still slinging it at a high level, and Puka Nacua is a nightmare to cover in the open field. The Rams’ offense is actually ranked first in the league for yards per game, which is a scary thought for a Bears defense that has been a bit "bend-but-don't-break" lately.
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The Weather Factor
This is why home-field advantage is a thing. It’s mid-January in Chicago. It’s cold. It’s windy.
While the Rams are used to the climate-controlled comfort of SoFi Stadium, they have to deal with the "Lake Effect" today. The natural grass at Soldier Field in January is a different beast than the turf in LA. It’s slower, it’s slicker, and it favors the team that can run the ball effectively. Keep an eye on D’Andre Swift today; his ability to find holes in a cold-weather game could be the deciding factor.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
A lot of people look at the stats and assume the Rams will walk away with this because their offense is ranked higher.
That's a mistake.
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The Bears' defense, led by the veteran presence of Kevin Byard (who has a massive 7 interceptions this year), thrives on turnovers. They are ranked 1st in the league in turnover differential. They might give up yards, but they take the ball away when it matters most.
Also, don't sleep on the special teams. In games like this, a missed field goal or a big punt return often decides the outcome.
Key Stats to Watch
- Chicago's Home Record: They were 6-2 at Soldier Field this year.
- Rams' Defense: They allow over 327 yards per game, which leaves a lot of room for Caleb Williams to operate.
- Scoring: The Bears average about 26 points per game, while the Rams are slightly higher. This could turn into a shootout if the weather stays relatively calm.
Essential Game Day Checklist
If you are heading to the stadium or hosting a watch party, here is the breakdown of what you need to know:
- Gate Opening: Gates at Soldier Field typically open two hours before kickoff, so expect them to swing wide around 3:30 p.m. CT.
- Parking: It’s a nightmare. Use the CTA if you can. The Red, Orange, and Green lines all get you close enough to walk or catch a shuttle.
- Prohibited Items: Remember the NFL clear bag policy. Don't be the person stuck at the gate because your purse is three inches too wide.
- The Anthem and Flyover: Usually happens about 15 minutes before kickoff.
This game is a legacy-builder for Caleb Williams. If he can lead the Bears to an NFC Championship appearance in his second year, the city will probably start building the statue tomorrow. The winner of this game moves on to play either the Seahawks or the 49ers next Sunday for the NFC title.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Confirm your streaming login: If you’re using Peacock, log in now to make sure you don't have an expired password or a billing issue five minutes before kickoff.
- Check the injury report: Keep an eye on the final inactive list released 90 minutes before the game (around 4:00 p.m. CT) to see if any key offensive linemen are sitting out.
- Prep the gear: If you're going to the game, dress in layers. The wind coming off Lake Michigan at 6:00 p.m. is a lot colder than it feels at 2:00 p.m.
- Plan your route: If you are driving near the Museum Campus, expect heavy delays starting as early as 2:00 p.m.
The path to the Super Bowl goes through Chicago today. Bear Down.