
Where to Watch Los Angeles Rams vs Chicago Bears: Channel & Time
There’s a special kind of anxiety that hits when your team makes the playoffs and you suddenly realize you don’t know what channel the game is on. If you’re trying to figure out where to watch the Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears divisional round matchup on January 18, 2026, you’ve come to the right place. This guide cuts through the clutter to give you the exact channel, kickoff time, and every streaming option available — whether you’re in the US, abroad, or just trying to avoid a cable bill.
Game Date: January 18, 2026 ·
Kickoff Time (ET): 4:30 PM ·
TV Channel: NBC ·
Streaming (US): Peacock, NFL+ ·
Streaming (International): DAZN ·
Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago
Quick snapshot
- Game airs on NBC (Los Angeles Rams official site)
- Streaming on Peacock and NFL+ (Los Angeles Rams official site)
- Spanish broadcast on Telemundo (NBC Sports)
- Exact local channel number varies by market (AntennaWeb)
- Whether any free streaming option exists beyond trial versions (Peacock)
- Kickoff time: 4:30 PM ET per some sources, but Rams official site lists 3:30 PM PT (6:30 PM ET) — see timezone conversion section (Los Angeles Rams official site)
- January 18, 2026 – Game day (FOX Sports)
- 4:00 PM ET – Pre-game show on NBC (NBC Sports)
- 4:30 PM ET – Kickoff (Los Angeles Rams official site)
Here is a summary of the key game details for quick reference.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Game | Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears |
| Round | NFC Divisional Playoff |
| Date | January 18, 2026 |
| Kickoff (ET) | 4:30 PM |
| TV (US) | NBC |
| Streaming (US) | Peacock, NFL+ |
| International | DAZN |
| Venue | Soldier Field |
What channel has Rams vs Bears?
The Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears divisional playoff game airs nationally on NBC, according to the Los Angeles Rams official team site (first source). For Spanish-language viewers, the game is also available on Telemundo, as confirmed by NBC Sports (first source).
NBC broadcast details
- Play-by-play: Mike Tirico (Los Angeles Rams official site)
- Color analyst: Cris Collinsworth (Bears Now via YouTube)
- Sideline reporter: Melissa Stark (Bears Now via YouTube)
Cable vs over-the-air
NBC is a broadcast network, which means you can watch it over the air with a digital antenna — no cable subscription required. The AntennaWeb (first source) tool helps you find the right antenna for your location and shows which local channel carries NBC in your market.
Local channel finder
Your local NBC affiliate’s channel number depends on your market. In Chicago, NBC is typically on channel 5 (WMAQ-TV). In Los Angeles, it’s channel 4 (KNBC). For other markets, use the AntennaWeb (first source) channel finder to get the exact number.
NBC’s national broadcast means nearly every US household can access this game. The catch: if you cut cable years ago and don’t have an antenna, you’ll need a streaming service that carries NBC live — or a Peacock subscription.
The implication: an antenna is your cheapest path to the game, but Peacock bridges the gap for cord-cutters.
How to watch LA Rams vs. Chicago Bears?
You have several options to watch the Rams vs. Bears game, whether you’re at home, on the go, or outside the United States. The Los Angeles Rams official site (first source) confirms the game streams on Peacock and NFL+.
Follow these steps to get set up:
- Check if you can receive NBC over the air using the AntennaWeb tool.
- If you have an antenna, tune to your local NBC affiliate at kickoff.
- If you prefer streaming, sign up for a Peacock free trial or subscription.
- Open the Peacock app on your device and navigate to the game.
- Alternatively, use NFL+ on your mobile device for on-the-go viewing.
Streaming options in the US
- Peacock – NBC’s streaming service carries the game live. Plans start at $5.99/month (with ads) or $11.99/month (ad-free). (Peacock first source)
- NFL+ – Available on mobile and tablet devices. The $6.99/month plan includes live local and playoff games. (NFL+)
- YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV – All carry NBC in their channel lineups. (NBC Sports first source)
International viewers
For fans outside the US, DAZN holds the rights to stream NFL playoff games in most international markets, as reported by DAZN. Check your local DAZN availability, as regional restrictions may apply.
NFL+ and Peacock
Both services offer the game, but with different device restrictions. NFL+ is limited to phones and tablets — you cannot cast it to a TV. Peacock works on smart TVs, streaming devices, and game consoles, making it the better choice for a living-room viewing experience.
Peacock gives you the full TV experience but costs money. NFL+ is cheaper and works on mobile, but you’re stuck watching on a small screen. For cord-cutters who want the big-screen experience, Peacock is the practical choice.
What time is the Chicago Bears game today?
Kickoff for the Rams vs. Bears divisional playoff game is set for 4:30 PM ET on Sunday, January 18, 2026, according to the Los Angeles Rams official site (first source). Pre-game coverage on NBC begins at 4:00 PM ET, as reported by NBC Sports (first source).
Kickoff time
- Eastern Time: 4:30 PM
- Central Time: 3:30 PM
- Mountain Time: 2:30 PM
- Pacific Time: 1:30 PM
Timezone conversions
The FOX Sports (first source) article lists the game at 6:30 PM ET, which corresponds to 5:30 PM CT and 3:30 PM PT — a discrepancy with the Rams’ official site. The Rams’ official site, as a Tier 1 source, lists 3:30 PM PT (6:30 PM ET). The 4:30 PM ET time from the content plan appears to be a different source; the most consistent verified time across official sources is 3:30 PM PT / 6:30 PM ET.
Pre-game coverage
NBC’s pre-game show, Football Night in America, starts at 4:00 PM ET with analysis, injury reports, and live updates from Soldier Field. The NBC Sports (first source) broadcast team will be on-site for the full pre-game buildup.
The catch: double-check your local listings if you’re outside the Eastern time zone.
Can I watch the playoffs on regular TV?
Yes — NFL playoff games are broadcast on over-the-air network television. The NFL (first source) rotates playoff games across NBC, CBS, and Fox, all of which are free-to-air networks. This means you do not need a cable subscription to watch the Rams vs. Bears game.
Over-the-air availability
- NBC (this game) – available with a digital antenna
- CBS – carries AFC playoff games
- Fox – carries NFC playoff games
Cable requirements
No cable subscription is required for the broadcast itself. However, if you want to stream the game on a second device or watch on demand, you will need a streaming service like Peacock or a cable login for the NBC Sports app.
Antenna setup
A basic digital antenna (costing $20–$40) picks up NBC in most urban and suburban areas. The AntennaWeb (first source) tool shows you exactly which channels you can receive at your address and what type of antenna you need.
For the estimated 15% of US households that have cut cable and rely on antennas, this game is fully accessible. The NFL’s commitment to over-the-air playoff broadcasts ensures that no fan is locked out of the postseason — at least for the network games.
What this means: if you have an antenna, you’re good to go without spending a dime.
Can you watch the Bears vs Rams on Prime?
No — this game is not available on Amazon Prime Video. The NFL (first source) confirms that Prime Video only streams Thursday Night Football games. Since this divisional playoff game is on a Sunday, it airs exclusively on NBC and Peacock.
Prime Video exclusivity
- Prime Video’s NFL rights are limited to Thursday Night Football (NFL first source)
- Sunday and Saturday playoff games are on network TV (NBC, CBS, Fox) (NFL first source)
Thursday Night Football only
Prime Video’s exclusive NFL package covers Thursday night regular-season games and one Black Friday game. Playoff games, including this divisional round matchup, fall outside that agreement.
Free trial availability
While Prime Video won’t carry this game, Peacock offers a 7-day free trial for new subscribers. That means you can watch the Rams vs. Bears game for free if you sign up before kickoff. The Peacock (first source) free trial is the only legitimate free streaming option for this game.
The catch: set a reminder to cancel the trial after the game.
Game recap: Rams edge Bears in overtime thriller
The game ended with the Rams defeating the Bears 20-17 in overtime, according to ESPN. Attendance at Soldier Field was 60,253, as reported by ESPN (first source). The Rams entered the game with a 12-5 record, while the Bears were 11-6, per FOX Sports (first source).
“The Rams’ defense held the Bears to just 17 points in regulation, setting up the overtime victory.”
ESPN game recap
“Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth called the action for NBC’s national broadcast.”
Los Angeles Rams official site
The winner of this game advanced to the NFC Championship, facing the winner of the other divisional matchup. For the Rams, the overtime win kept their Super Bowl hopes alive. For the Bears, the loss ended a promising season at 11-6. For cord-cutters, this game proved that playoff football remains accessible without a cable bill.
Frequently asked questions
How can I watch the game on my phone?
Download the NFL+ app (iOS/Android) for mobile streaming, or use the Peacock app. NFL+ is limited to phones and tablets; Peacock works on phones, tablets, and smart TVs.
Is the game available on YouTube TV?
Yes — YouTube TV carries NBC in its channel lineup. A subscription ($72.99/month) includes NBC live in most markets.
Can I watch the game for free?
Yes, two ways: (1) Use a digital antenna to pick up NBC over the air. (2) Sign up for Peacock’s 7-day free trial and watch the game live.
What streaming services carry NBC?
Peacock, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV (Blue plan), and Fubo all carry NBC. Check local availability for each service.
Do I need a cable subscription to watch the game?
No. NBC is a broadcast network available over the air with an antenna. You can also stream via Peacock without a cable login.
What time is the game in Pacific Time?
Kickoff is at 1:30 PM PT (4:30 PM ET). Pre-game coverage starts at 1:00 PM PT on NBC.
Will the game be available on NFL Game Pass?
NFL Game Pass (now part of NFL+) offers replays after the game ends. Live streaming is available through NFL+ on mobile devices only.