It is playoff time in the Windy City. If you've been living under a rock, the Divisional Round is finally here, and the atmosphere around Soldier Field is basically electric. Honestly, it feels like the entire city of Chicago has been holding its breath since the clock hit zero against the Packers last week.
So, let's get right to it. If you are wondering who's playing the sunday night football tonight, January 18, 2026, it is the (5) Los Angeles Rams taking on the (2) Chicago Bears. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. local time in Chicago).
This isn't just another game. It is a massive NFC clash with a trip to the Conference Championship on the line. The NFL has placed this game in the premier primetime slot on NBC and Peacock for a reason. You have the veteran savvy of Matthew Stafford going up against the new king of Chicago, Caleb Williams.
The Matchup: Rams vs. Bears at Soldier Field
The Rams are coming into this one after a gritty 34-31 win over the Panthers. They’ve been playing like a team that knows their window is wide open. Meanwhile, the Bears are riding high. They managed to survive a nail-biter against Green Bay, winning 31-27, which I’m sure made every Bears fan’s heart skip about ten beats.
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Caleb Williams has been spectacular. People keep waiting for the rookie (well, second-year star now) to hit a wall, but he just keeps finding ways to win in the clutch. His performance in the fourth quarter last Saturday was nothing short of legendary. On the other side, Matthew Stafford is dealing with a sprained index finger, but Sean McVay says he’s "good to go." Stafford with a chip on his shoulder in January is a dangerous human being.
Chicago's defense has been the real "glue" lately. Grady Jarrett, who they picked up in March, has been a beast in the middle. He’s exactly what that defensive front needed. They’ll have their hands full with Kyren Williams and Puka Nacua, though. The Rams’ offense can put up points in bunches if you let them get into a rhythm.
Game Details and How to Watch
If you aren't at the stadium, here is how you can catch the action:
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- Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
- Time: 6:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. CT
- Channel: NBC (National), Telemundo (Spanish)
- Streaming: Peacock, NFL+
- Radio: Westwood One (National), ESPN LA 710 AM (Rams), 100.3 WBBM (Bears)
Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth will be on the call. Melissa Stark is handling the sidelines. It’s the "A-Team" for a reason.
Why This Sunday Night Game is Different
Most people think the Bears are just "happy to be here." That is a mistake. This team finished 11-6 and won the NFC North for a reason. They aren't just a "feel-good" story anymore. They have a legitimate defense and a quarterback who doesn't blink.
The Rams are the "road warriors" of this postseason. They went into Charlotte and took care of business. They have the experience edge. Cooper Kupp is still doing Cooper Kupp things, and their offensive line has gelled at just the right time. But playing at Soldier Field in mid-January is a different beast. The grass is usually a bit chewed up, the wind coming off the lake is biting, and the crowd is relentlessly loud.
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Earlier today, the New England Patriots hosted the Houston Texans in the afternoon slot. That game was a slugfest, but the nightcap in Chicago is where the real fireworks are expected. The winner of Rams-Bears will move on to face either the Seattle Seahawks or the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship.
Key Storylines to Watch
- The Stafford Finger: Keep an eye on how Matthew Stafford grips the ball early. A sprained index finger on your throwing hand is no joke when the temperature is dropping.
- Caleb Williams vs. The Blitz: The Rams like to bring pressure. Can Caleb stay cool and find his outlets, or will the LA pass rush force him into those rare "rookie" mistakes?
- The Ground Game: If it’s windy, both teams will lean on the run. The Bears need a big game from their backfield to keep the pressure off Williams.
- Special Teams: In close playoff games, a missed field goal or a big return usually decides it. Chicago's Richard Hightower has that unit playing disciplined football.
Final Thoughts for Game Night
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just someone tuning in for the commercials and the hype, who's playing the sunday night football tonight represents the best of the NFL. It’s a transition of power versus a proven legacy.
If you're planning on watching, make sure your Peacock app is updated or your cable box hasn't decided to reboot at the worst possible time.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the local weather in Chicago before kickoff; if the wind gusts are over 15 mph, expect a heavy dose of the run game and lower-than-expected scoring.
- Sync your fantasy or betting apps early, as high-traffic playoff games often cause lag on major platforms.
- If you're streaming on Peacock, start the feed 10 minutes early to ensure your connection is stable for the opening drive.
- Monitor the late-afternoon injury reports to see if any key defensive starters for either side are surprise scratches, which could swing the over/under significantly.