Honestly, if you're a Chicago fan, your heart rate probably hasn't returned to normal yet. The question on everyone's mind—did the bears win today's game—comes with a bit of a twist depending on when you’re checking the clock. As of right now, Saturday, January 17, 2026, the Bears didn't play a game today. But they are currently the hottest topic in the NFL because of what happened just a few days ago and what is about to happen tomorrow at Soldier Field.
The Bears are coming off a historic, jaw-dropping 31-27 Wild Card victory over the Green Bay Packers. That game was played on Saturday night, January 10, and it basically rewrote the script for Caleb Williams’ young career.
💡 You might also like: Where are the World Series games: The 2026 October Roadmap
If you missed the specifics, Chicago was down 21-3 at halftime. It looked like the same old story. Then, they outscored the Packers 25-6 in the fourth quarter. Seven fourth-quarter comebacks in a single season? That’s not just luck; it's a pattern. Ben Johnson has this team playing with a weird, stubborn kind of confidence that Chicago hasn't seen in decades.
The Massive Stakes for Sunday's Game
So, while there wasn't a game today, the "win" everyone is talking about is the fact that the Bears are officially in the Divisional Round. They host the Los Angeles Rams tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, 2026. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. CT on NBC.
This isn't just another playoff game. It’s the first time the Bears have hosted a Divisional Round game since the 2010 season. Remember that win over Seattle back then? This feels different. The Rams are coming into town with the league's top-ranked offense, but they're walking into a literal freezer. Weather reports for Sunday at Soldier Field are predicting "frigid" conditions.
- Matchup: No. 5 Los Angeles Rams vs. No. 2 Chicago Bears
- Location: Soldier Field, Chicago
- Time: 5:30 PM CT / 6:30 PM ET
- TV: NBC / Peacock
How They Got Here (The Green Bay Miracle)
To understand why people are still frantically searching for game results, you have to look at that Wild Card win. Caleb Williams threw for 361 yards, a Bears playoff record. But he also threw two picks. It was messy. It was stressful.
The turning point? Williams finding DJ Moore for a 25-yard touchdown with only 1:43 left on the clock. Moore has been a lifeline for this offense all year. When the game is on the line, the ball goes to 2.
The defense, led by veterans like Grady Jarrett and Kevin Byard, shut the door in the second half. They forced three three-and-outs in a row. That gave the offense enough breathing room to actually find a rhythm. It’s been years since the Bears had a defense that could "bow up" like that when the offense was struggling.
What Most People Get Wrong About the 2026 Bears
A lot of national pundits thought this was a "rebuilding" year. Wrong. Ben Johnson took a 5-12 team from last year and turned them into the NFC North champions with an 11-6 regular-season record.
💡 You might also like: Finding the Score of NCAA Basketball Games: Why It Is Harder Than It Used to Be
People keep waiting for the "Cardiac Bears" to run out of steam. Every time they trail in the fourth quarter, the spreadsheets say they should lose. But they keep winning. They lead the league in games won while trailing in the final two minutes. It’s a statistical anomaly that has turned into a team identity.
Looking Ahead to the Rams
Tomorrow's game against the Rams is a rematch of their September meeting where the Bears won 24-18. But Matt Stafford is a different beast in January. The Rams just narrowly beat Carolina 34-31 to get here.
The Bears' defense is going to have their hands full with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, but the "Soldier Field factor" is real. The grass is usually torn up, the wind coming off the lake is brutal, and the crowd is going to be deafening.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Check the Weather: If you are heading to the game tomorrow, dress in layers. It's expected to be one of the coldest home games in recent memory.
- Watch the Injury Report: Keep an eye on the status of the secondary. Keeping the Rams' receivers in front of them is the only way to win this.
- Broadcasting: If you aren't in Chicago, the game is streaming on Peacock and airing nationally on NBC.
The Bears didn't play today, but the city is vibrating with the energy of a team that finally feels like a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Whether they can keep this "Cardiac" streak alive against a veteran like Stafford is the only question that matters now.