If you are frantically checking your phone to see who does Chicago Bears play tonight, you might want to take a breath and double-check the calendar. It is Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Here is the short version: The Bears aren't playing tonight.
Wait. Don't close the tab yet.
There is a very specific reason everyone is asking this right now, and it has everything to do with the absolute chaos that was Wild Card weekend. The Bears just pulled off a miracle 31-27 comeback win against the Green Bay Packers last Saturday. It was their first playoff win since 2010. Naturally, the city is buzzing, and the search for "tonight's game" is hitting a fever pitch. But the NFL playoffs don't work like the NBA or MLB. You've got to wait for the weekend.
The Chicago Bears are officially scheduled to host the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Round. That game kicks off this coming Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. CT at Soldier Field.
The Playoff Picture: Why the Bears are Resting Tonight
It's Wednesday. In the NFL, Wednesday is a "heavy" practice day, not a game day. Coach Ben Johnson (yes, the man who finally fixed this offense) has the team at Halas Hall right now breaking down film of Matthew Stafford and that high-flying Rams offense.
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If you're looking for football on TV tonight, you're out of luck. The league wrapped up the Wild Card round on Monday night with that Houston and Pittsburgh slugfest. Now, we are in the "quiet" period of the week where the Divisional Round matchups are set, but the pads aren't popping until Saturday.
Why the confusion about who does Chicago Bears play tonight?
Honestly, the schedule was a bit of a mess to track. The NFL waited until the very last second—literally after the Monday night game—to finalize the kickoff times. People knew the Bears were playing the Rams, but the "when" was a moving target.
Here is the finalized Divisional Round schedule so you can plan your life:
- Saturday, Jan. 17: Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos (3:30 p.m. CT)
- Saturday, Jan. 17: San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (7:00 p.m. CT)
- Sunday, Jan. 18: Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots (2:00 p.m. CT)
- Sunday, Jan. 18: Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears (5:30 p.m. CT)
The Bears got the "primetime" Sunday slot on NBC. It’s the biggest game of the weekend for Chicago fans, and honestly, probably the most stressful.
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Breaking Down the Matchup: Bears vs. Rams
So, you know they don't play tonight, but you should probably know what they’re walking into on Sunday. The Rams are the No. 5 seed, but don't let that fool you. They just handled the Carolina Panthers 34-31.
The Bears are the No. 2 seed after an 11-6 regular season that saw them clinch the NFC North for the first time in seven years. It’s been a wild ride. Caleb Williams has looked like the "Chosen One," throwing for 381 yards against the Packers last week. But the Rams have Puka Nacua and Davante Adams (remember that trade?). It’s going to be a shootout.
Key Factors for Sunday’s Game
- The Soldier Field Surface: It’s January in Chicago. The grass at Soldier Field is basically painted dirt and frozen tundra at this point. The Rams are a "fast" team that plays on turf in LA. This is a massive advantage for the Bears.
- Caleb Williams vs. The Blitz: The Rams like to bring heat. Last week, Williams was pressured on 40% of his dropbacks but didn't blink. He’s playing with a level of poise we haven't seen in this city since... well, maybe ever.
- The Return of Rome Odunze: He’s expected to be 100% after that minor scare in the regular-season finale. Having him and D.J. Moore on the field at the same time is a nightmare for LA's secondary.
What You Should Do Instead of Looking for a Game Tonight
Since there is no game tonight, use this time to prepare. If you’re trying to get tickets for Sunday, good luck. Prices on the secondary market are hovering around $450 for the "cheap" seats in the 400 level.
If you’re watching from home, the game is on NBC and streaming on Peacock.
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The city is currently lighting up the skyline in orange and blue. If you're in the Loop, Union Station has been blasting "Bear Down, Chicago Bears" on repeat. It’s a vibe.
Actionable Steps for Bears Fans
- Check the Weather: Sunday’s forecast is looking like 22 degrees with a chance of lake-effect snow. If you're going to the game, layer up. Seriously.
- Verify Your Streaming: If you cut the cord, make sure your Peacock subscription is active. Don't be the person trying to find a login five minutes before kickoff.
- Watch the Injury Reports: Keep an eye on T.J. Edwards. He was placed on Reserve/Injured earlier this week, which is a massive blow to the linebacker corps. The Bears signed Jalen Reeves-Maybin to fill the gap, but that’s a big "if" in the middle of the defense.
Basically, the Bears aren't playing tonight, but the biggest game of the decade for this franchise is less than four days away. Get your snacks ready. Sunday night is going to be a movie.
Your Next Move:
Mark your calendar for Sunday, January 18, at 5:30 p.m. CT. If you need to see the full injury report or the latest betting odds for the Rams game, check the official Chicago Bears app or the NFL's team portal.