If you're asking who do the chicago bears play this sunday, you're probably already feeling that specific brand of January anxiety that only hits when your team is actually still relevant in the postseason. This isn't a meaningless Week 17 wrap-up. This is the NFC Divisional Round.
On Sunday, January 18, 2026, the Chicago Bears (11-6) are hosting the Los Angeles Rams (12-5) at Soldier Field.
Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. CT. It’s going to be cold. It's going to be loud. And honestly, it’s a matchup that many didn't see coming back in September. After the Bears clawed their way through a wild 31-27 comeback win against the Packers in the Wild Card round, the city is basically vibrating.
The Rams are coming into town with the league's top-ranked offense, which feels like a classic "unstoppable force meets immovable object" scenario given how the Bears' defense has played at home lately.
Breaking Down the Rams vs. Bears Matchup
The Rams aren't your typical five-seed. They finished the regular season with 12 wins and a point differential that makes most coordinators lose sleep. Matthew Stafford is still slinging it, and Puka Nacua is... well, he’s Puka Nacua.
Chicago’s defense is the story here. They’ve been elite at home. In their last five games at Soldier Field, they are 4-1 straight up. But here is the kicker: the Rams have been monsters on the road. They are 6-4 away from SoFi Stadium this season, but more importantly, they are 7-0 this year on the road against conference opponents. That’s a terrifying stat for Bears fans.
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Caleb Williams and the Clutch Factor
Let’s talk about the kid. Caleb Williams has been remarkably calm for a rookie in the spotlight. In the Wild Card win against Green Bay, he didn't blink when the Bears were down 21 points in the first half. He’s finished the season playing his best football in high-leverage situations.
But the Rams' defense, ranked 17th overall, is opportunistic. They allow about 327 yards per game, which means there will be lanes for Caleb. The question is whether the Bears' offensive line—which has been hit by the injury bug—can hold up against that Rams front.
The Injury Report Situation
It wouldn't be January football without a massive list of "Questionable" and "Out" designations. Both teams are limping into this one.
Chicago Bears Key Injuries:
The Bears are hurting on the line and in the secondary.
- T.J. Edwards (LB): Out with a fractured fibula. That’s a massive hole in the middle of the defense.
- Kyler Gordon (CB): On IR with a groin injury.
- Braxton Jones (T): Still out with a knee injury.
Los Angeles Rams Key Injuries:
The Rams have their own issues, mostly on the defensive side and specialized positions.
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- Ahkello Witherspoon (CB): On IR (shoulder).
- Rob Havenstein (T): On IR (ankle).
- Tyler Higbee (TE): On IR (ankle).
Basically, both teams are playing with a "next man up" mentality that usually leads to some weird, unpredictable moments in the second half.
Betting Odds and What to Expect
The Vegas sharps are leaning toward the visitors. Currently, the Rams are 4.5-point favorites. The over/under is sitting at 48.5 points.
Interestingly, the "under" has hit in 6 of the 9 Bears home games this season. When the wind starts whipping off Lake Michigan in late January, scoring usually becomes a chore. If you're looking for a low-scoring defensive struggle, you might get your wish. However, the Rams are 10-3 this season in games against NFC opponents where the "over" hit. Something has to give.
How to Watch the Game
If you aren't one of the lucky ones with a ticket (which are currently starting around $488 on the secondary market), you’ve got plenty of ways to catch it.
- TV: NBC will carry the national broadcast.
- Streaming: Peacock and NFL+ are your go-to digital spots.
- Radio: Locally in Chicago, you'll want to tune into the Bears Radio Network. Locally in LA, it's ESPN LA 710 AM.
- Spanish Broadcast: Telemundo and Universo will have the game in Spanish.
Why This Game Matters Beyond the Score
For Chicago, this season has been a revelation. They weren't supposed to be here yet. The "rebuild" timeline got accelerated the moment the defense clicked in November. Beating Green Bay was the emotional peak, but beating the Rams would signal that the Bears are officially "back" as a perennial NFC powerhouse.
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For the Rams, it’s about the window. They have a veteran core that knows how to win these games. They aren't scared of the cold. Stafford has played in the NFC North; he knows exactly what a January night in Chicago feels like.
Key Matchup to Watch
Keep an eye on Montez Sweat vs. the Rams' backup tackles. With Havenstein out, the Rams are vulnerable on the edges. If Sweat can get home early and often, it disrupts the timing of the McVay offense. If Stafford has four seconds to throw? It’s going to be a long night for the Chicago secondary.
Practical Steps for Game Day
If you're heading to Soldier Field, the forecast is calling for about 6° F with mostly cloudy skies. It’s going to be brutal.
- Layering is key: Wear a base layer of moisture-wicking fabric, not cotton.
- Parking: Sold out at the stadium. Use the shuttle lots or the Metra.
- Arrival: Security lines at the North and South gates have been backed up all season; get there at least 90 minutes before the 5:30 p.m. kickoff.
- Digital Tickets: The Bears are 100% mobile-only for tickets. Make sure your phone is charged and the ticket is in your "Wallet" app before you hit the stadium, as cell service gets spotty in the crowds.
Check the final injury reports released on Saturday afternoon to see if any of the "Limited Participation" players like Luther Burden III get upgraded to full status, as that will drastically change the offensive game plan for Chicago.