After an absolute rollercoaster of a Wild Card finish that had half of Chicago holding its breath, the air at Halas Hall is finally starting to clear. It’s playoff season, and the stakes just got astronomical. If you've been asking who do the Chicago Bears play next, the answer is officially locked in: it's a heavyweight showdown against the Los Angeles Rams.
This isn't just another game. We’re talking about the NFC Divisional Round. The matchup is set for Sunday, January 18, 2026, right in the heart of the Windy City at Soldier Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CT, and it’s going to be broadcast nationally on NBC and Peacock. Honestly, the atmosphere is going to be electric, especially with how the Bears clawed their way here.
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The Path to the Divisional Round
Let's be real for a second—last week was stressful. The Bears took down the Green Bay Packers 31-27 in a game that felt like it aged the entire city by ten years. Caleb Williams basically cemented his "clutch" status with that 27-yard strike to Rome Odunze on fourth-and-8. That drive saved the season. It wasn't just a win; it was the franchise's first playoff victory in 15 years.
Meanwhile, the Rams didn't have a walk in the park either. They traveled to Carolina and escaped with a 34-31 win over the Panthers. That victory sent them straight to Chicago. Because the San Francisco 49ers knocked off the Eagles, the seeding fell perfectly for a #2 vs. #5 matchup.
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The regular season was a grind for this Bears squad. Finishing 11-6 and winning the NFC North under Ben Johnson was huge, but the playoffs are a different beast. People keep looking back at Week 4 of the regular season when the Bears beat the Rams 24-18. It’s a nice memory, sure, but Matthew Stafford is playing out of his mind right now, and the Rams are a completely different team than they were in September.
Why This Rams Game Is Different
You’ve gotta look at the stats to see why the "who do the Chicago Bears play next" question is met with some nervous excitement. Matthew Stafford threw for over 4,700 yards this season. He’s got 46 touchdowns. Those are MVP-caliber numbers. He isn't just throwing the ball; he's dissecting defenses.
On the other side, the Bears' defense has been their backbone. Montez Sweat and the crew have to get home. If Stafford has time to sit back and find Puka Nacua, it’s going to be a long night for the secondary. Kevin Byard is going to have his hands full, though his seven interceptions this year suggest he’s ready for the challenge.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Caleb Williams vs. The Rams' Pass Rush: Byron Young has 12 sacks this year. He's fast. Caleb needs to use his legs, not just to scramble, but to buy that extra second for DJ Moore to get open.
- D'Andre Swift vs. The Rams' Front Seven: The Bears' run game has been a little sluggish lately, only hitting 93 yards against Green Bay. They need more. If Swift can't get past the line of scrimmage, the offense becomes one-dimensional.
- The Soldier Field Weather: It's mid-January in Chicago. The forecast is looking cold—around 20 degrees. The Rams are used to that California sun or the dome at SoFi. The "frozen tundra" vibe of Soldier Field is a real advantage for the home team.
The Health Factor
Injuries are always the great equalizer. The Bears’ latest report has been a bit of a grocery list. Nick McCloud is dealing with a groin issue, which isn't ideal for a nickel back facing this Rams receiving corps. There’s also some lingering stuff with DJ Moore (knee) and Rome Odunze (foot), though both were limited in practice and are expected to suit up.
The Rams, surprisingly, are looking pretty healthy. Stafford had a finger issue, but he was a full participant in their walkthrough. Having a veteran QB at 100% is a scary prospect for any defense.
How to Catch the Game
If you aren't one of the lucky 60,000 heading to the lakefront, here is how you follow along:
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- TV: NBC / Peacock
- National Radio: Westwood One (Kevin Harlan on the call, which is always a win)
- Local Radio: WBBM Newsradio 780 AM / 105.9 FM
- Kickoff: 5:30 p.m. CT
The winner of this game moves on to the NFC Championship to face either the Seattle Seahawks or the San Francisco 49ers. The road to the Super Bowl goes through some tough territory, but for now, all eyes are on the Rams.
Preparing for Game Day
If you're planning on watching, make sure your Peacock subscription is active or your antenna is positioned right. For those going to the game, the wind off the lake is no joke—layer up more than you think you need to. Keep an eye on the final injury reports that come out Friday afternoon, as those will give the final word on the status of the Bears' receiving core. This is the biggest game in Chicago in over a decade. Enjoy it.