If you’re staring at your TV remote wondering exactly who's playing nfl game tonight, you’ve probably already realized we are deep into the high-stakes chaos of the Divisional Round. It’s Sunday, January 18, 2026. The AFC side of the bracket just wrapped up a bruising afternoon in Foxborough where the Patriots managed to outlast the Texans, but the nightcap is where the real drama is brewing.
Tonight, we get a primetime NFC collision between the Los Angeles Rams and the Chicago Bears.
This isn't just another game. It’s a matchup between the league’s most explosive offense and a Chicago team that has completely reinvented its identity under Ben Johnson. The game is happening at Soldier Field, and if you’ve checked the Chicago weather lately, you know it’s basically a frozen tundra out there right now. We’re talking 18 degrees with snow showers—the kind of weather that makes Southern California teams very, very uncomfortable.
🔗 Read more: Colorado Football Score Today: Why the Buffs Aren't Playing and What Happens Next
Kickoff Time and Where to Watch Tonight’s Game
The Rams and Bears are set to kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET. If you’re on the West Coast, you’ll want to be settled on the couch by 3:30 p.m. PT.
NBC has the national broadcast tonight. If you’ve cut the cord, you aren't out of luck; the game is streaming live on Peacock. They usually start the pre-game hype around 6:00 p.m. ET with Football Night in America, which is honestly worth watching just to see the analysts try to predict how Caleb Williams handles his first true "frozen" playoff game.
The Matchup: Stafford vs. Williams
The storyline tonight is impossible to ignore. On one side, you’ve got Matthew Stafford. The guy is a veteran, a Super Bowl champ, and a legitimate MVP frontrunner this season. Even with a sprained finger on his throwing hand, he’s been carving up defenses with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Yes, the Rams actually landed Adams, and that duo has been a nightmare for secondary coaches all year.
Then you have Caleb Williams.
📖 Related: Tennessee Titans Stadium Tours: What Most People Get Wrong About Nissan Stadium
The kid has been under a microscope since the day he was drafted, but he’s led the Bears to an 11-6 record and the #2 seed. Most people thought the Bears would need a few years to find their footing. Instead, they’ve turned Soldier Field into a place where opposing teams' dreams go to die.
The Rams are actually 3.5-point favorites according to most Vegas books, which is kind of wild considering they are the lower seed playing on the road in a snowstorm. But that just tells you how much respect the sharps have for Sean McVay’s offense. The Rams averaged nearly 30 points a game this season. Chicago’s defense, while gritty, has struggled at times to keep up with high-tempo attacks. If the Bears can’t get pressure on Stafford early, it could be a long, cold night for the home fans.
Key Injuries to Watch
Both teams are limping into this one, which is par for the course in mid-January.
- Chicago Bears: Wide receiver DJ Moore has been the big "if" all week. He cleared the final injury report, so he’s expected to play, but you have to wonder if he’s 100%. They also lost linebacker T.J. Edwards to a fractured fibula earlier this week—a massive blow to their run defense.
- LA Rams: They are missing some depth on the offensive line with Rob Havenstein on IR. Stafford’s finger is the big talking point, but he’s played through worse.
Why This Game Matters for the NFC Bracket
The winner of tonight’s game isn't just moving on; they are punching a ticket to the NFC Championship.
Earlier this weekend, the Seattle Seahawks took care of business against the 49ers. That means the winner of tonight’s Rams-Bears clash will head to Seattle next Sunday to play for a spot in the Super Bowl. The Seahawks secured the #1 seed and that terrifying home-field advantage at Lumen Field, so tonight’s victor has a massive mountain to climb regardless.
Actionable Tips for Fans Tonight
If you’re planning on watching or betting, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Check the Winds: Soldier Field is notorious for "The Lake Effect." High winds can turn a prolific passing game into a ground-and-pound slog. If the gusts top 20 mph, don’t expect Stafford to be hucking 50-yard bombs to Nacua all night.
- Stream Setup: If you’re using Peacock, log in at least 15 minutes early. There’s nothing worse than the app crashing or needing an update right as the opening kickoff happens.
- The Underdog Factor: Chicago is 4-1 straight up in their last five home games. They play differently at Soldier Field. Even if the Rams look better on paper, don't count out the "Monster of the Midway" energy in a playoff atmosphere.
The Patriots already booked their flight to Denver for the AFC Championship after beating the Texans 28-16 today. Now, we wait to see who represents the NFC side of the bracket. Grab your snacks and get settled—this one's going to be a battle.
Make sure your streaming apps are updated and your TV is tuned to NBC before 6:30 p.m. ET to catch every snap of this Divisional showdown.