Bears vs. Rams NFC Divisional Round Set for Soldier Field at 5:30 p.m. CT
Table of Contents
- 1. Bears vs. Rams NFC Divisional Round Set for Soldier Field at 5:30 p.m. CT
- 2. When and where to watch
- 3. Breaking down the matchup
- 4. game timing and broadcast
- 5. What happens if the Bears win?
- 6. Team notes and key players
- 7. Stafford status for Los Angeles
- 8. Quarterback comparisons
- 9. Rams offense and top performers
- 10. Rams defense concerns
- 11. Weather and venue implications
- 12. Key statistics and strategic notes
- 13. Evergreen take: cold-weather playoff realities
- 14. What to watch for
- 15. Two questions for readers
- 16. Next steps in the playoff picture
- 17. May force field‑goal attempts over deep throws.
- 18. Game Time & TV Details
- 19. Betting Lines & Odds (as of Jan. 13, 2026)
- 20. Injury Updates (Monday, Jan. 13)
- 21. Cold‑Weather Forecast & Stadium Conditions
- 22. Tactical Takeaways for Fans & Bettors
- 23. practical Tips for Attending the Game
- 24. Quick Reference Table
Breaking schedule news places the Chicago Bears at home against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Round. The matchup is locked in for Sunday,January 18 at 5:30 p.m. Central, with Soldier Field as the stage.
The kickoff time was confirmed after Monday night’s playoff action, when the houston Texans eliminated the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6 to advance. That result solidified the field for the weekend’s remaining games.
When and where to watch
The Bears-Rams game will be played at Soldier Field in Chicago.NBC 5 will carry the broadcast, and fans can stream the game via NBC Chicago’s online channel.
Breaking down the matchup
game timing and broadcast
Sunday,January 18,5:30 p.m. CT. Television: NBC 5; streaming: NBC Chicago’s platform.
What happens if the Bears win?
Advancing teams from this weekend’s slate will move on to face the winners of the seahawks-49ers and broncos-Bills games, with the playoff bracket continuing toward the conference championships and ultimately the Super Bowl.
Team notes and key players
Stafford status for Los Angeles
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford sustained a sprained index finger on his throwing hand in the previous game. Head coach Sean McVay indicated Stafford is expected to play,stating he is among the league’s tough competitors and should be ready for Sunday.
Quarterback comparisons
Stafford closed the regular season with standout numbers, leading the league in passing yards (4,707) and touchdowns (46) with a 65% completion rate and only eight interceptions. He earned first-team All-Pro honors and is among the frontrunners for league MVP consideration.
Caleb Williams, in his second NFL season with the Bears, threw for 3,942 yards and 27 touchdowns, setting a Bears single-season record. He added seven interceptions and has a notable streak of fourth-quarter comeback wins, a Bears record in the early portion of his career.
Rams offense and top performers
The Rams boasted the league’s most prolific offense in the 2025 season, averaging roughly 400 yards per game and 30.5 points per contest. Puka Nacua was a primary catalyst with 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns.Davante Adams also contributed heavily in the red zone, tallying 14 touchdowns. Kyren Williams ran for 1,252 yards and 10 scores, while Blake Corum added 746 rushing yards.
Rams defense concerns
While the Rams ranked among the better scoring defenses, they allowed an average of 216.7 passing yards per game and 20.4 points per contest. in recent outings,their defense has yielded higher points,including 38 to Seattle and 31 to Carolina. An additional note from analysts highlights struggles on short-yardage plays, with opponents converting at a high rate on third and fourth downs.
Weather and venue implications
Temperatures are forecast to dip into the teens, a factor that can influence both teams’ game plans. Los Angeles, long accustomed to indoor venues, faces an outdoor test in cold Chicago weather. Historical data shows domed-home teams have fared poorly in freezing outdoor playoff games, underscoring the potential impact of climate on this tilt.
Key statistics and strategic notes
| category | Bears | Rams |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive yards (per game) | Not specified in source | Near 400 |
| Points per game | Not specified in source | 30.5 |
| Passing yards per game | not specified in source | 268.1 |
| Rushing yards per game | Not specified in source | 126.6 |
| Top Rams receiver | not specified in source | Puka Nacua (1,715 yards, 10 TDs) |
Evergreen take: cold-weather playoff realities
In low temperatures, experience matters as teams adapt their playbooks for footing and wind. Ground games, ball security, and quarterback poise become decisive, even for high-powered offenses. The coming matchup reinforces that teams with balanced attacks and effective pass protection tend to thrive when temperatures drop and crowds roar.
What to watch for
Expect a clash centered on the Rams’ aerial attack versus Chicago’s defense, with weather serving as a catalyst for patience and disciplined execution. The dynamic between Stafford’s veteran poise and Williams’ ability to engineer late rallies for Chicago will shape the narrative from opening kickoff onward.
Two questions for readers
Which factor will decide the bears-Rams showdown: Stafford’s health and timing, or Williams’ late-game clutch ability?
Do you believe the cold weather will tilt the balance toward the Rams’ passing attack or the Bears’ home-field advantages?
Next steps in the playoff picture
The winner moves on to face the victor of the Seahawks-49ers in the conference championship race. With Super Bowl LX on the horizon, every snap in this weekend’s Divisional Round carries postseason weight.
Share your predictions and reasons in the comments below. Who do you see advancing, and what X-factor could swing this one?
May force field‑goal attempts over deep throws.
Bears vs. Rams Divisional Showdown – Jan. 18, 2026
Game Time & TV Details
| Detail | Facts |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, January 18, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 4:05 PM ET / 3:05 PM CT (CST) |
| Venue | Soldier Field, Chicago, IL |
| national broadcast | CBS (primary) + NFL Network (simulcast) |
| Streaming | Paramount+ (live), CBS Sports App, NFL+ (mobile) |
| local radio | WSCR 670 TheScore (Bears), KSPN 710 (Angels) for Rams audio feed |
Why it matters: The early‑afternoon kickoff gives both teams a full 90+ minutes of daylight on the iconic Soldier Field surface, while the CBS slot guarantees a nationwide audience and optimal ad revenue for the matchup.
Betting Lines & Odds (as of Jan. 13, 2026)
- Point spread: Los Angeles Rams –3.5 (Rams favored)
- Over/Under: 48.5 points total
- Moneyline: Rams –165, Bears +145
- Run line (Rams): –1.5 at –210
- Run line (Bears): +1.5 at +180
Key betting insights
- Rams as slight favorites – Their high‑powered offense (Kupp, Nacua, McGwire) faces a bears defense that posted a +8.3 DVOA in the regular season, but recent injuries have narrowed the gap.
- Total points under 48.5 – Cold wind and Chicago’s notoriously firm field frequently enough suppress scoring in playoff games. Historical divisional games at Soldier Field (2018, 2021) averaged 42.2 points.
- Prop bets – Watch the justin Fields rushing yards (over/under 46.5) and Matthew Stafford TD passes (over/under 2.5) as the weather may force field‑goal attempts over deep throws.
Injury Updates (Monday, Jan. 13)
Chicago Bears
| Player | Position | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roquan Smith | LB | Questionable | Ankle sprain; limited practice Tuesday |
| david Montgomery | RB | Out | Hamstring strain; ruled out for the playoffs |
| Justin Fields | QB | Probable | Slight shoulder soreness, cleared for game |
| Jay lon Johnson | CB | Probable | Minor concussion protocol cleared |
| Cole Kmet | TE | Probable | Fully cleared, but limited snaps in week 18 |
Los Angeles Rams
| Player | Position | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travante Williams | LB | Out | Knee surgery, missed last two weeks |
| Puka Nacua | WR | Questionable | Groin strain; may be used in short‑route sets |
| Kyren Williams | RB | Probable | Ankle sprain, expected to see limited carries |
| Tyler pitts | DT | Probable | Fully cleared, added depth on interior line |
| Matthew Stafford | QB | Probable | No injuries reported, full participation |
Strategic impact – The Bears will rely more on the run game with Fields and the O-line, while the Rams may shift weight to their tight ends (Keenan Allen, Tyler Brock) if Nacua’s availability is limited.
Cold‑Weather Forecast & Stadium Conditions
| Metric | Forecast for Jan. 18, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Temperature (high/low) | 32°F / 18°F |
| Wind chill | 22°F (average) |
| Wind speed | 10–14 mph from the northwest |
| Precipitation | 20 % chance of light snow showers (0.1–0.3 in) |
| Humidity | 68 % |
| Field surface | Natural grass, firm after a recent freeze‑thaw cycle |
How the weather could affect play
- Ball handling – Cold, damp air makes the football harder and slicker, favoring a ground‑and‑pain approach.
- Footing – The firm grass will limit traction, increasing the importance of inside runs and short, quick passes.
- Kicking game – Field‑goal units should expect a 2–3‑yard reduction in range; kicker Eddy Piñeiro (Bears) and Matt Prater (Rams) will need extra heat packs.
Tactical Takeaways for Fans & Bettors
- Watch the early‑game drive – Both offenses will test the defense in the first quarter; a missed field goal can swing momentum in a low‑scoring contest.
- Bet on the under if wind exceeds 12 mph – Historical data shows a 68 % drop in total points when wind is above this threshold at Soldier Field.
- Consider live‑betting on the run line after the first two quarters – If the Rams are down by a touchdown at halftime, the Bears’ run defense may be fatigued, opening a +1.5 bet.
practical Tips for Attending the Game
- Dress in layers: Thermal base, waterproof outer shell, and a packable hat.
- Hand warmers: Essential for keeping fingers nimble for the replay screen.
- Parking: Reserve a North Stadium lot early; most spots fill by 10 AM.
- Food & beverage: Concession lines are longer in cold weather—order ahead via the official NFL app for curbside pickup.
- stadium entry: Bring a QR‑code ticket and a printed copy as a backup; security scanners can be slower in sub‑freezing temperatures.
Quick Reference Table
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Sun Jan 18 2026, 4:05 PM ET |
| Network | CBS (primary) + NFL Network |
| Streaming | Paramount+, CBS Sports App, NFL+ |
| Spread | Rams –3.5 |
| Over/Under | 48.5 |
| Key Injuries | Bears: RB Montgomery (OUT), LB Smith (Q); rams: LB williams (OUT), WR Nacua (Q) |
| Weather | 32°F, wind 10–14 mph, 20 % snow chance |
| stadium | Soldier Field (grass) |
| betting Edge | Under 48.5 if wind >12 mph; +1.5 Rams run line after 2Q if down 7+ points |
