The energy in Chicago right now is basically electric, and if you're wondering who does Chicago Bears play today, you’re looking at a heavyweight fight. It is Sunday, January 18, 2026. Tonight, the Chicago Bears host the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field.
This isn't just another game. It’s the NFC Divisional Round.
Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. CT (6:30 p.m. ET). You can catch the whole thing on NBC or stream it via Peacock. Honestly, after that heart-stopping 31-27 win over the Green Bay Packers last week, most fans are still catching their breath. Caleb Williams showed he’s the real deal with that clutch touchdown pass to D.J. Moore, and now the stakes are even higher.
Why the Bears vs. Rams Game is a Must-Watch
The Rams are coming into town after beating the Carolina Panthers. They’ve got a 13-5 record, while the Bears sit at 12-6. People are calling this the "Iceman vs. the Vet" because you’ve got the rookie phenom Caleb Williams going up against a seasoned pro like Matthew Stafford.
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Weather is going to be a huge factor tonight.
It’s going to be freezing. We’re talking classic "Bear Weather." The Rams are a dome team, mostly. Even though they play in the NFC West, coming to a lakeside stadium in the middle of January is a different beast entirely. Chicago even put up a massive "Iceman" ice sculpture of Caleb Williams at the Merchandise Mart to lean into the vibe.
Game Day Essentials
- Opponent: Los Angeles Rams
- Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
- Time: 5:30 p.m. local time (CT)
- TV Channel: NBC
- Live Stream: Peacock, NFL+
If you're looking for the broadcast crew, it’s the A-team: Mike Tirico on play-by-play and Cris Collinsworth in the booth.
The Caleb Williams Factor
Basically, the city has fallen in love. Williams has been rising to the occasion in clutch situations all season. His 27-yard pass to Rome Odunze on fourth-and-8 last week is already being called one of the greatest plays in franchise history.
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But the Rams defense is no joke.
They finished the regular season strong, and they have a way of disguising pressures that can rattle younger quarterbacks. The Bears' offensive line, led by the veteran presence they brought in this past off-season, has to hold up. If Williams has time, he’s shown he can pick apart even the best secondaries.
Historical Context of the Matchup
The Bears and Rams have a long history—97 games total before today. Chicago actually leads the all-time series 55-39-2. Most older fans will immediately point back to the 1985 NFC Championship game where the Bears shut out the Rams 24-0 on their way to the Super Bowl.
Will history repeat itself?
Lately, it’s been closer. In the 2024 season, the Bears took a narrow 24-18 win. But playoffs are a different animal. The pressure is suffocating. One mistake, one muffed punt, or one missed block can end a season that took months of sweat to build.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Jaylon Johnson vs. Puka Nacua: This is going to be a physical battle. Nacua is a target monster, but Johnson has been playing at an All-Pro level.
- The Bears Pass Rush vs. Matthew Stafford: If the Bears can’t get home with four, Stafford will sit back there and carve them up.
- Ben Johnson’s Play Calling: The first-year head coach has been a revelation. His ability to adapt in the second half of games has been the "X-factor" for Chicago all year.
The Road to the NFC Championship
The winner of tonight's game doesn't get much time to celebrate. They’ll be moving on to the NFC Championship game next Sunday, January 25. Since the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos both won their games on Saturday, we already know the bracket is tightening up.
If the Bears win today, they have a chance to keep this magical run going.
Practical Steps for Fans Today
- Dress in Layers: If you are heading to Soldier Field, the "feels like" temperature is expected to be well below zero. Hand warmers are not optional; they are mandatory.
- Check Transportation: The Metra and CTA are running extra service, but expect delays due to the playoff crowds.
- Watch Parties: If you aren't at the game, plenty of spots in the South Loop are hosting events, and there's even a sanctioned watch party happening in London for the international fans.
Basically, the question of who does Chicago Bears play today is answered by a massive showdown against Los Angeles. It’s the biggest game in Chicago in over a decade. Tune in early, stay warm, and get ready for a battle that will likely go down to the final whistle.
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Actionable Next Steps:
To stay updated on the live score and drive-by-drive analysis, keep the NFL+ app open or tune your radio to WBBM Newsradio 780 AM for the local Chicago call. If the Bears win, tickets for the next round usually go on sale within 24 hours via the official team website, so keep your alerts on.