So, if you’re asking yourself did the Rams play today, the answer is a resounding yes. They didn’t just play; they stepped into the absolute freezer that is Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears in a high-stakes NFC Divisional Round matchup.
Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, was all about survival.
After knocking off the Panthers last week in a 34-31 thriller, Matthew Stafford and the crew headed to the Windy City to face a second-seeded Bears team led by the sensation Caleb Williams. It’s the kind of game that defines a legacy, honestly. You've got the grizzled veteran in Stafford against the young gun in Williams, and the drama was exactly what you’d expect from a primetime NBC slot.
Breaking Down the Rams Game Today
The game kicked off at 6:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. local time for the LA faithful). If you missed it, you missed a clash of philosophies. Sean McVay’s offense has been humming lately, averaging over 30 points a game coming into this one, but Chicago’s defense is no joke. They’ve been stingy all year, and that turf at Soldier Field isn't exactly a track for speedsters like Puka Nacua to just run wild without consequence.
Stafford entered today with some ridiculous momentum. He threw for over 4,700 yards this season. That’s top-of-the-league stuff. But the question everyone was asking at the water cooler (or the Discord server) was whether the Rams' secondary could hold up against the Bears' balanced attack.
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Chicago isn't just about Caleb Williams' arm. D’Andre Swift has been a problem for defenses all season, and the Rams' run defense—while improved—has had its moments of shakiness.
Why This Game Mattered So Much
Look, the NFC West was a gauntlet this year. The Seahawks took the crown, but the Rams and Niners were right there, finishing 12-5. Getting through the Wild Card was step one. But today? Today was about proving the Rams are still in that Super Bowl window that everyone said was closing two years ago.
- The Stafford Factor: At 37, Stafford is playing some of the smartest football of his career.
- Puka’s Rise: Nacua’s 1,700+ yard season wasn't a fluke. He’s the engine now.
- The Defensive Youth Movement: Without the legendary Aaron Donald, guys like Byron Young have had to step up. Young’s 12 sacks this year proved he’s the real deal.
Honestly, the "did the Rams play today" search is probably peaking right now because the game was a total back-and-forth affair. When you have two teams this close in talent, it usually comes down to one or two weird plays—a muffed punt, a questionable holding call, or a kicker having a bad day in the Chicago wind.
How to Watch and What’s Next
For those who didn't catch it live on NBC or Peacock, the highlights are already circulating. If you’re trying to find a replay, NFL+ is usually your best bet, though you can probably find the crucial drives on YouTube within minutes.
The winner of today’s game moves on to the NFC Championship on Sunday, January 25. If the Rams pulled this off, they’re one step closer to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara. Can you imagine the Rams playing for a ring in the 49ers' house? The storylines basically write themselves.
Key Stats to Remember from Today:
Stafford’s connection with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua remains the most dangerous trio in the NFC when they're healthy.
Kyren Williams needed a big day on the ground to keep that Bears pass rush honest.
The Rams' defense had to contain Caleb Williams, who has a knack for making "magic" out of broken plays.
It’s been a wild ride since the season started back in September with that win over the Texans. No matter the final score of today's game, this Rams team has defied the "rebuilding" label that experts tried to slap on them.
If you're looking for more details on the box score or player quotes, check the official Rams site or ESPN's game cast. The post-game press conferences with McVay are always worth a listen—he usually breaks down the X's and O's in a way that makes you feel like you actually know what a "glance" route is.
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Keep an eye on the injury report coming out of today. In a physical game at Soldier Field, the "did the Rams play today" question quickly turns into "who is healthy for next week?"
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the official NFL playoff bracket to see who the winner faces in the NFC Championship Game.
- Download the Rams official app for exclusive locker room footage and post-game interviews.
- If you're planning ahead, mark your calendar for next Sunday afternoon—the road to Super Bowl LX is almost at the finish line.