If you’re looking for who’s playing Sunday Night Football in the NFL this weekend, get ready for a cold one in the Windy City. The divisional round is finally here. We just finished a Wild Card weekend that, honestly, was a bit of a rollercoaster. Now, the stakes are higher. The lights are brighter.
The Los Angeles Rams are heading to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears.
This isn't just another game. It’s a rematch of a historic rivalry, but with a high-stakes modern twist. It’s Caleb Williams versus Matthew Stafford. The rookie phenom against the grizzled veteran who already has a ring. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. local Chicago time) this Sunday, January 18, 2026.
The Matchup: Why Everyone is Talking About Rams vs. Bears
When people ask who’s playing Sunday Night Football in the NFL, they usually want to know if it’s worth staying up for. This one is. The Chicago Bears are coming off a wild 31-27 victory over the Green Bay Packers. That game was intense. Caleb Williams led an 18-point comeback, proving he’s not just a "regular season" star.
On the other side, the Rams are rolling. They went into Carolina and took care of business with a 34-31 win. Sean McVay has this offense humming. Kyren Williams is running like a man possessed, and Cooper Kupp—well, he’s still doing Cooper Kupp things.
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Breaking Down the Offenses
The Bears offense has evolved. Early in the season, it felt a bit disjointed. Now? It’s dangerous. Rookie tight end Colston Loveland just had a historic playoff debut with 137 receiving yards. That’s unheard of for a kid in his first postseason game. If the Rams can't figure out how to cover him over the middle, it’s going to be a long night for Los Angeles.
The Rams are more of a surgical unit. Stafford doesn't need to run around. He just stands there and picks you apart. If the Bears' pass rush, led by Montez Sweat, can’t get home, Stafford will find Puka Nacua all day long.
- Bears Key Stat: They’ve had seven comeback victories this season. They are never out of it.
- Rams Key Stat: Matthew Stafford is 5-1 in his last six playoff starts. Experience matters.
The Soldier Field Factor
January in Chicago. It’s not for the faint of heart. The forecast is looking chilly, and that grass at Soldier Field is notorious for being "slow." For a dome-based team like the Rams, this is a massive hurdle.
Basically, the Rams are a "fast" team. They love turf. They love controlled environments. Putting them in 20-degree weather with Lake Michigan winds is the ultimate equalizer for Chicago. The Bears' defense thrives in this chaos. They play a physical, punch-you-in-the-mouth style that wears teams down by the fourth quarter.
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Honestly, the atmosphere is going to be electric. This is the first time the Bears have hosted a divisional game in ages. The city is buzzing.
Who's Playing Sunday Night Football in the NFL: TV and Streaming
If you aren't at the game, you're probably watching on your couch. NBC has the broadcast rights for this primetime slot. Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth will be on the call.
- TV Channel: NBC
- Streaming: Peacock (Live)
- Spanish Broadcast: Telemundo and Universo
- Radio: Westwood One Sports
The "Sunday Night Football" branding usually applies to the regular season, but during the playoffs, the Sunday night primetime slot is the crown jewel of the weekend. It’s the final game of the divisional round, meaning by the time it ends, we’ll know exactly who is heading to the NFC Championship game.
Tactical Battles to Watch
Keep an eye on the Rams' offensive line. They’ve been solid, but the Bears' interior pressure has been a nightmare for quarterbacks lately. If Stafford gets moved off his spot early, he can get a little "throw-happy" with the interceptions.
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Also, watch Caleb Williams’ legs. The Rams’ defense, coached by Chris Shula, has struggled with mobile quarterbacks who can extend plays. Caleb is basically a magician when the pocket breaks down. He flips the ball out to D'Andre Swift or takes off for 15 yards just when you think you have him sacked.
It’s a chess match. McVay vs. Ben Johnson (the Bears' offensive mastermind). Both are considered some of the brightest play-callers in the league.
What Happens Next?
The winner of this Rams-Bears clash will move on to the NFC Championship on January 25. If the Seattle Seahawks (the No. 1 seed) win their game against the 49ers on Saturday, the winner of the Chicago game will likely head to Seattle.
The path to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara is getting narrow.
If you're planning your Sunday, make sure the wings are ready by 6:00 p.m. ET. The pregame coverage on NBC starts early, and with the way these two teams play, we might be looking at another game that comes down to a last-second field goal.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Check the Weather: If the wind kicks up over 15 mph, expect a heavy dose of the run game from both sides. This favors Chicago's defensive style.
- Monitor Injuries: Keep an eye on the final injury reports for the Rams' secondary; they’ve been banged up, and Caleb Williams will look to exploit any backup cornerbacks.
- Streaming Tip: If you're using Peacock, log in 15 minutes early. Playoff traffic can sometimes cause lag or login delays on high-volume game nights.
- Betting Note: The Bears are currently slight home favorites, mostly due to the "Soldier Field in January" advantage.
The Divisional Round is often the best weekend of football in the entire year. Better than the Super Bowl, sometimes. The matchups are more balanced, and the desperation is palpable. Now that you know who's playing Sunday Night Football in the NFL, you're all set for the weekend.