The Chicago Bears just did something they haven’t done in 15 years-win a playoff game. And they didn’t just win it. They ripped it away from their oldest rivals in dramatic fashion.
Down late to the Green Bay Packers, the Bears stormed back behind rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, who delivered a fourth quarter that will be talked about in Chicago for years. The Bears dropped 25 points in the final frame, flipping what looked like another postseason heartbreak into a 31-27 statement win.
It wasn’t just a victory-it was a turning point. For a franchise that’s spent much of the last decade-plus trying to find its footing, this felt like the night everything changed.
Now, the reward? A home date with the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Round. And this one’s got all the makings of a chess match between two of the sharpest offensive minds in the game-Ben Johnson and Sean McVay.
Here’s what you need to know heading into Sunday’s showdown at Soldier Field.
Next Up: Bears vs. Rams
📅 Date: Sunday, January 18
🕡 Time: 6:30 p.m.
ET
📺 TV: NBC
💻 Streaming: Peacock
📍 Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
The Bears will host the No. 5-seeded Rams, who are fresh off a nail-biter of their own-a 34-31 win over the Panthers in the wild-card round. L.A. brings playoff experience, a creative offensive system, and a head coach in Sean McVay who knows how to win this time of year.
But don’t expect the Bears to back down. Not after what they just pulled off.
All eyes will be on the quarterback matchup. Caleb Williams, still in his rookie season, is already showing signs of being something special.
He’s poised, fearless, and clearly has the locker room behind him. On the other side, the Rams have a battle-tested group that’s been through the playoff gauntlet before.
This game is going to test just how quickly the Bears' young core can grow up.
And let’s not forget the coaching battle. Ben Johnson has been praised all season for how he’s tailored the Bears’ offense to Williams’ strengths.
His ability to adjust in-game was on full display in the comeback win over Green Bay. Now, he’ll go toe-to-toe with McVay, one of the league’s most respected offensive architects.
Expect plenty of motion, misdirection, and creative play designs from both sidelines.
2026 NFL Playoff Schedule
Wild Card Weekend
Saturday, January 10
- Rams 34, Panthers 31
- Bears 31, Packers 27
Sunday, January 11
- Bills 27, Jaguars 24
- 49ers 23, Eagles 19
- Patriots 16, Chargers 3
Monday, January 12
- Texans 30, Steelers 6
Divisional Round
Saturday, January 17
- **Bills vs.
Broncos**, 4:30 p.m. ET (CBS)
- 49ers vs. Seahawks, 8:00 p.m.
ET (FOX)
Sunday, January 18
- **Texans vs.
Patriots**, 3:00 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- Rams vs. Bears, 6:30 p.m.
ET (NBC)
Championship Sunday
- AFC Championship, 3:00 p.m.
ET (CBS)
- NFC Championship, 6:30 p.m.
ET (FOX)
Super Bowl
- Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. ET (NBC)
The Bears are back in the spotlight, and this time, they’re not just happy to be here. They’re playing with house money, sure-but they’re also playing like a team that believes its best football is still ahead. Sunday night in Chicago should be electric.