TIME UPDATE 🚨 Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears — NFC Divisional Round, NFL Playoffs 👇

As the NFL playoffs heat up in the 2025-26 season, all eyes turn to Soldier Field in Chicago for a thrilling NFC Divisional Round matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and the Chicago Bears. Scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. CT (6:30 p.m.

ET), this game promises high-stakes drama, star-studded performances, and the potential for a classic postseason upset. Broadcast on NBC and available for streaming on Peacock, fans across the nation will tune in to see if the veteran-led Rams can overcome the surging Bears on their home turf.

This clash marks a pivotal step toward the NFC Championship, with both teams hungry for Super Bowl glory.

The Rams, seeded fifth in the NFC with a 12-5 regular-season record, earned their spot in the Divisional Round after a nail-biting 34-31 Wild Card victory over the Carolina Panthers.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford, the 37-year-old veteran, was instrumental in that win, throwing for over 300 yards and connecting on a crucial 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Colby Parkinson in the fourth quarter.

Stafford’s experience in high-pressure situations has been a cornerstone for Los Angeles, especially after overcoming early-season injuries to key players like wide receiver Cooper Kupp and running back Kyren Williams.

The Rams’ offense, ranked among the league’s top 10 in scoring, relies on a balanced attack that mixes Stafford’s precise passing with a resurgent ground game. Defensively, young stars like edge rusher Byron Young and cornerback Darious Williams have stepped up, providing the grit needed to stifle opposing attacks.

On the other side, the second-seeded Bears enter the game with an 11-6 record and the advantage of a first-round bye, allowing them extra time to rest and prepare.

This marks Chicago’s first division title and winning season in seven years, a remarkable turnaround fueled by rookie sensation quarterback Caleb Williams. The No.

1 overall pick in the 2025 draft has lived up to the hype, throwing for 3,800 yards and 28 touchdowns while showcasing his dual-threat ability with over 500 rushing yards.

Williams’ poise under pressure has transformed the Bears’ offense, complemented by a dynamic receiving corps featuring DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and tight end Cole Kmet. Running back D’Andre Swift adds another layer of explosiveness, averaging 5.2 yards per carry.

Defensively, the Bears boast one of the NFL’s stingiest units, led by linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and safety Jaquan Brisker, who have helped limit opponents to under 20 points per game in the latter half of the season.

Historically, the Rams and Bears have a storied rivalry dating back to the early days of the NFL, with Chicago holding a slight edge in the all-time series at 54-39-3.

Their most recent encounter came in Week 3 of the 2025 regular season, where the Bears edged out a 24-21 victory at SoFi Stadium, thanks to a late field goal. That game highlighted the contrasting styles: Los Angeles’ methodical, pass-heavy approach versus Chicago’s opportunistic, turnover-forcing defense.

In playoff history, the teams have met twice, with the Bears winning both times—in the 1950 NFC Championship and the 1985 Divisional Round.

However, the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI championship experience from 2022 gives them an intangible edge, as several players from that roster, including Stafford and defensive tackle Aaron Donald (now retired but whose influence lingers), know what it takes to win in January.

Key matchups will define this game. First, the battle in the trenches: The Rams’ offensive line, anchored by center Steve Avila, must protect Stafford from Chicago’s ferocious pass rush, which recorded 48 sacks during the regular season. Montez Sweat and Gervon Dexter Sr.

have been disruptive forces for the Bears, and if they can pressure Stafford early, it could force turnovers. Conversely, Los Angeles’ defense will aim to contain Williams’ mobility.

Edge rushers like Jared Verse, a rising star with 10 sacks this year, will need to keep the young quarterback in the pocket and limit his scrambling lanes.

Offensively, watch for the Rams’ wideouts Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp to exploit mismatches against Chicago’s secondary. Nacua, in his third year, has emerged as a 1,000-yard receiver, while Kupp’s route-running precision remains elite.

For the Bears, DJ Moore’s deep-threat ability could open up the field, especially if Williams connects on play-action passes.

Special teams could also play a role, with Rams kicker Joshua Karty perfect on field goals inside 50 yards this postseason, and Bears return specialist DeAndre Carter capable of flipping field position.

Injuries add another layer of intrigue. The Rams are dealing with nagging issues in their secondary, with safety Kamren Curl questionable due to a hamstring strain. Chicago, meanwhile, has a mostly healthy roster, though offensive tackle Braxton Jones is monitoring a knee tweak from practice.

Weather could factor in as well—January in Chicago often brings cold winds and potential snow, which might favor the Bears’ run-heavy adjustments over the Rams’ West Coast passing game.

Predictions vary among experts. CBS Sports analysts like Bryant McFadden favor the Bears at home, citing Williams’ home-field magic and the defense’s turnover prowess. Others, including those on ESPN, lean toward the Rams, pointing to Stafford’s 4-3 playoff record and Los Angeles’ ability to win close games.

Betting lines have Chicago as 3-point favorites, with an over/under of 45.5 points, suggesting a competitive, mid-scoring affair.

Beyond the X’s and O’s, this game carries narrative weight. For the Rams, it’s a chance to prove their rebuild around Stafford is still viable, potentially setting up an all-NFC West showdown if the Seahawks advance.

For the Bears, a win would validate the rapid ascent under head coach Matt Eberflus and general manager Ryan Poles, thrusting Williams into the spotlight as the face of the franchise. Fans in Chicago are buzzing, with tickets selling out in hours and tailgates planned amid the frigid temperatures.

As kickoff approaches, the NFL world anticipates a clash that could define legacies. Will Stafford’s veteran savvy prevail, or will Williams’ youthful exuberance carry the day? Tune in on January 18 to find out, as the road to Super Bowl LX continues through the Windy City.

This Divisional Round battle isn’t just a game—it’s a testament to the enduring excitement of playoff football.