The wait is over, and honestly, the stakes couldn't be much higher for fans in Los Angeles. If you’ve been asking who do the rams play sunday, the answer is a heavy-hitting trip to the Windy City to face the Chicago Bears. This isn't just another game. It is a win-or-go-home NFC Divisional Round playoff matchup at Soldier Field, scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026.
Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. PT). If you’re watching from the couch, you’ll find the broadcast on NBC and Peacock. Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth are on the call.
Why This Matchup is a Total Grind
Basically, we are looking at a classic "unstoppable force meets immovable object" scenario. The Rams finished the regular season at 12-5, looking like an offensive juggernaut. Matthew Stafford has been surgical, and the Rams' offense actually finished the year ranked first in total yards per game, racking up nearly 395 yards every time they stepped on the field.
But Chicago? They aren't interested in a track meet. The Bears (11-6) have built a fortress at home. They have the best turnover margin in the league at +22. That is an absurd stat. If the Rams get sloppy with the football in the Chicago cold, the game could get away from them fast.
Caleb Williams is the name on everyone’s lips in Chicago. He’s thrown 27 touchdowns this year and only seven interceptions. He’s playing with a level of poise you just don't see from young guys often. Across from him, the Rams defense is ranked 17th—good, not great—but they’ve shown a knack for forcing long, uncomfortable drives.
The Weather Factor at Soldier Field
It’s January in Chicago. It’s going to be brutal. Current forecasts for Sunday night are calling for a bone-chilling 18°F with potential snow showers.
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This matters. A lot.
The Rams are used to the climate-controlled comfort of SoFi Stadium. Suddenly, they’re playing on a grass surface that’s going to feel like concrete, with a lake breeze that can turn a deep post route into a disaster. Stafford has played in the cold before from his Detroit days, but this version of the Rams is built on speed and timing. Cold hands and a slick ball change the math.
Injuries and Roster Gaps
Both teams are limping into this one. It’s the postseason; nobody is 100%.
The Bears are missing some serious muscle on defense. Linebacker T.J. Edwards is out with a fractured fibula, which is a massive blow to their middle-field coverage. They’re also down several offensive linemen, including Ozzy Trapilo and Braxton Jones.
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On the Rams side, the offensive line took a hit earlier this season with Rob Havenstein on IR, and they’ll be without Tyler Higbee. However, the core trio of Stafford, Cooper Kupp, and Puka Nacua is healthy. That is the engine that makes this team go.
Key Stats to Keep in Mind
If you're looking at the betting lines or just trying to sound smart at the sports bar, here's what the numbers say:
- Rams Offense: 394.6 yards per game (1st in NFL).
- Bears Defense: 23rd in points allowed, but 1st in turnover margin.
- Ground Game: Chicago averages 144.5 rushing yards per game (3rd in NFL).
- The Spread: The Rams are actually slight favorites (-3.5) despite being the road team.
How to Catch the Game
You've got plenty of options to watch the Rams take on the Bears this Sunday.
- TV: NBC is the primary home.
- Streaming: Peacock is the go-to for cord-cutters. You can also use Fubo or NFL+ if you have those subscriptions.
- Radio: If you’re driving in SoFi territory, tune into ESPN LA 710 AM or 93.1 JACK FM.
- Spanish Broadcast: Telemundo and Universo will carry the game for Spanish-speaking fans.
What Happens Next?
The winner of this game moves on to the NFC Championship on Sunday, January 25. If the Rams win, they’ll be one step closer to another Super Bowl appearance. If they lose, the off-season starts Monday.
If you are planning to watch, make sure your streaming apps are updated at least an hour before the 6:30 p.m. ET kickoff to avoid those annoying "update required" screens right as the ball is kicked. If you’re heading to the game, double-check your mobile tickets on the Ticketmaster or Bears app, as Soldier Field has moved entirely away from paper entries. Pack those hand warmers—you’re going to need them.