The stage is set for Sunday night's divisional playoff clash between the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field. In what promises to be a frigid affair—with temperatures expected to dip between 10-15 degrees and wind gusts of 20-30 miles per hour—two explosive offenses will battle for a spot in the NFC Championship game.
The Bears (12-6) are riding a wave of momentum after their miraculous 31-27 comeback victory over the Green Bay Packers in the wild card round. The Rams (13-5), meanwhile, survived a wild back-and-forth affair against the Carolina Panthers, 34-31, to advance to the divisional round for the fourth time in the last six seasons under head coach Sean McVay.
Game Information
Kickoff: Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 5:30 PM CT
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
TV: NBC, Peacock, Telemundo, Universo, NFL+
Weather: 10-15°F, Wind 20-30 mph, Wind chill below zero
Spread: Rams -3.5
Over/Under: 48.5
Tale of Two Quarterbacks
This matchup features two of the most compelling quarterback stories in the NFL. On one side, you have 36-year-old Matthew Stafford, the Rams' veteran gunslinger who led the NFL this season with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdown passes—both career highs. On the other, 23-year-old Caleb Williams, the second-year phenom who has orchestrated seven fourth-quarter comebacks this season, the most by any team since 1983.
Stafford completed 65% of his passes this season at 7.9 yards per attempt, throwing only eight interceptions. His performance has been nothing short of MVP-caliber, and he's been particularly dominant in the postseason throughout his career. He's generated 200-plus passing yards and two-plus passing touchdowns in each of his last eight playoff games.
Williams, meanwhile, has been money in clutch situations. He threw for 3,942 yards with 27 touchdowns and only seven interceptions during the regular season, completing 58.1% of his passes. His 1.2% interception rate through two seasons is the lowest in NFL history for a quarterback with at least 500 pass attempts. On third down when trailing in 2025 (including playoffs), Williams has generated seven passing touchdowns with a 128.5 passer rating—both best in the NFL.
| Stat | Caleb Williams | Matthew Stafford |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 23 | 36 |
| Passing Yards | 3,942 | 4,707 |
| Touchdowns | 27 | 46 |
| Interceptions | 7 | 8 |
| Completion % | 58.1% | 65% |
| Yards per Attempt | 6.9 | 7.9 |
| INT Rate (Career) | 1.2% | 2.2% |
Offensive Firepower
Both teams enter this matchup with top-10 offenses that can score in bunches. The Rams led the NFL in both scoring (30.5 PPG) and total offense (394.7 YPG) during the regular season. The Bears weren't far behind, ranking ninth in scoring (25.9 PPG) and sixth in total offense (369.5 YPG).
| Category | Bears | Rams |
|---|---|---|
| Total First Downs | 358 | 396 |
| Third Down Conversions | 97/227 (42.7%) | 76/192 (39.6%) |
| Fourth Down Conversions | 15/29 (51.7%) | 20/30 (66.7%) |
| Total Offensive Yards | 6,282 | 6,709 |
| Total Rushing Yards | 2,456 | 2,152 |
| Total Passing Yards | 3,991 | 4,707 |
| Sacks Allowed | 24 | 23 |
| Touchdowns | 49 | 65 |
The Rams' passing attack is built around Stafford's ability to distribute the ball to a deep arsenal of weapons. Puka Nacua led the team with 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging a league-leading 3.8 yards per route run. Davante Adams, acquired mid-season, added 60 catches for 789 yards and 14 touchdowns. The tight end trio of Colby Parkinson (43 rec, 408 yards, 8 TDs), Tyler Higbee (25 rec, 281 yards, 3 TDs), and Davis Allen (24 rec, 208 yards, 3 TDs) provides Stafford with reliable targets across the middle.
On the ground, the Rams feature one of the NFL's most efficient rushing attacks. Kyren Williams carried the load with 259 attempts for 1,252 yards (4.8 YPC) and 10 touchdowns, while Blake Corum added 145 carries for 746 yards (5.1 YPC) and six scores.
The Bears' offense is more balanced. D'Andre Swift rushed for 1,087 yards on 223 carries (4.9 YPC) with nine touchdowns, while rookie Kyle Monangai contributed 783 yards on 169 attempts (4.6 YPC) with five scores. Together, they formed the only duo in the NFL where both players rushed for 750-plus yards. The offensive line took a hit last week when left tackle Ozzy Trapilo went down in the final drive with a season-ending injury. Theo Benedet, who started seven games at left tackle earlier this season, stepped in to replace him and will start Sunday night.
In the passing game, Colston Loveland has been a revelation at tight end, hauling in 58 receptions for 713 yards and six touchdowns. DJ Moore led the wide receivers with 50 catches for 682 yards and six scores, while Luther Burden III added 47 grabs for 652 yards and two touchdowns. Rome Odunze, Williams' favorite target before suffering an injury in Week 14, chipped in 44 receptions for 661 yards and six touchdowns in his second season.
Rams Key Players
| Player | Position | Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Puka Nacua | WR | 129 rec, 1,715 yds, 10 TDs (3.8 yds/route) |
| Davante Adams | WR | 60 rec, 789 yds, 14 TDs |
| Colby Parkinson | TE | 43 rec, 408 yds, 8 TDs |
| Tyler Higbee | TE | 25 rec, 281 yds, 3 TDs |
| Davis Allen | TE | 24 rec, 208 yds, 3 TDs |
| Kyren Williams | RB | 259 att, 1,252 yds, 10 TDs (4.8 YPC) |
| Blake Corum | RB | 145 att, 746 yds, 6 TDs (5.1 YPC) |
Bears Key Players
| Player | Position | Stats |
|---|---|---|
| D'Andre Swift | RB | 223 att, 1,087 yds, 9 TDs (4.9 YPC) |
| Kyle Monangai | RB | 169 att, 783 yds, 5 TDs (4.6 YPC) |
| Colston Loveland | TE | 58 rec, 713 yds, 6 TDs |
| DJ Moore | WR | 50 rec, 682 yds, 6 TDs |
| Luther Burden III | WR | 47 rec, 652 yds, 2 TDs |
| Rome Odunze | WR | 44 rec, 661 yds, 6 TDs |
Defensive Matchups
While both offenses have garnered headlines, the defenses will play a crucial role in determining Sunday's outcome. The Bears led the NFL with 33 takeaways during the regular season, including 23 interceptions. Kevin Byard paced the secondary with seven picks, while Nahshon Wright added five and Tremaine Edmunds tallied four.
The Bears suffered a devastating blow last week when middle linebacker T.J. Edwards fractured his fibula in the second quarter and was ruled out for the season. Edwards, who recorded 67 tackles and a pick-six during the regular season, will be replaced by D'Marco Jackson, a fourth-year linebacker who has emerged as a reliable next-man-up option this season. Jackson earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors in Week 15 after recording an interception and a sack against the Cleveland Browns while filling in for injured Tremaine Edmunds earlier in the season. The former fifth-round pick by the Saints was claimed off waivers by the Bears in August and has totaled 43 tackles, three pass breakups, and one fumble recovery in limited action this year. Jackson finished with four tackles and one tackle-for-loss in relief of Edwards against Green Bay and will now be tasked with calling defensive plays and anchoring the middle of Chicago's defense.
Tremaine Edmunds led the Bears' defense with 112 total tackles (61 solo), while Kevin Byard (93 tackles) and Jaquan Brisker (93 tackles) were also highly productive. The pass rush generated 24 sacks, though the Bears ranked 29th in yards allowed (361.8 YPG), 27th against the rush (134.5 YPG), and 22nd against the pass (227.2 YPG). Chicago's defense has particularly struggled against explosive offenses and receivers this season, allowing opponents to average 6.0 yards per play—fifth-worst in the NFL. The Bears gave up 127 explosive plays ranking second-worst, which could be problematic against a Rams offense that generated 125 such plays, ranking second in the league.
The Rams' defense has been more formidable but has struggled down the stretch. Los Angeles allowed just 16.3 points per game through Week 12 (No. 1 in the NFL) but has surrendered 28.3 points per game since Week 13. Defensively, the Rams ranked 8th in total yards allowed per game (311.4 YPG), 10th against the rush (106.8 YPG), and 9th against the pass (204.6 YPG) during the regular season. Nate Landman led the team with 132 tackles, while Kam Curl (122 tackles), Omar Speights (85 tackles), and Kamren Kinchens (84 tackles) were also productive. The pass rush generated 23 sacks on the season.
| Defensive Category | Bears | Rams |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards Allowed/Game | 361.8 YPG (29th) | 311.4 YPG (8th) |
| Rush Yards Allowed/Game | 134.5 YPG (27th) | 106.8 YPG (10th) |
| Pass Yards Allowed/Game | 227.2 YPG (22nd) | 204.6 YPG (9th) |
| Points Allowed/Game | 24.4 | 16.3 (Weeks 1-12), 28.3 (Week 13+) |
| Total Sacks | 24 | 23 |
| Takeaways | 33 (1st NFL) | 8 |
| Interceptions | 23 | 9 (team leaders: 3 each) |
| Yards Per Play Allowed | 6.0 (5th-worst) | 5.2 |
| Explosive Plays Allowed | 127 (2nd-worst) | 58 |
The Rams secondary will be tested in a major way Sunday night. The loss of cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, who was placed on injured reserve, weakens the Rams' depth in the defensive backfield. However, Chicago received a boost with cornerback Kyler Gordon returning to action in the wild card game after missing time, and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson cleared concussion protocol this week and is ready to play. Both players could provide crucial support against a Rams passing attack featuring Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
In the secondary, Cobie Durant, Emmanuel Forbes, and Kamren Kinchens each had three interceptions, tied for the team lead. The unit has been vulnerable recently, allowing Carolina's Bryce Young to complete 27 of 41 passes for 304 yards and three touchdowns last weekend.
Special Teams Battle
The kicking game could prove decisive in what's expected to be a tight contest that comes down to the wire. Bears kicker Cairo Santos has been automatic at Soldier Field down the stretch, making 7 of 8 field goal attempts in his last four home games, including both attempts from 50-plus yards. In the wild card win, he connected on all three field goal attempts, including a 51-yarder that set a Bears postseason record.
Punter Tory Taylor averaged 47.8 yards per punt on 60 attempts this season, pinning opponents inside the 20-yard line 26 times with a net average of 40.4 yards. Devin Duvernay returned 40 kicks for 1,069 yards (26.7 YPC) and 21 punts for 230 yards (11.0 YPR).
For the Rams, Harrison Mevis has steadied the field goal unit since taking over in Week 10, making 14 of 15 field goal attempts and all 43 extra points. However, Los Angeles hasn't asked him to attempt many long-range kicks—just one attempt from 50-plus yards all season. In the arctic conditions expected Sunday, that inexperience could be a factor.
The Rams' special teams unit has been a major concern all season. Los Angeles' special teams have been plagued by mistakes, contributing to losses against Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle. The issues were so severe that head coach Sean McVay made his first in-season coaching change in his nine-year tenure, firing special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn in late December and promoting Ben Kotwica. In the wild card game against Carolina, the Rams had a punt blocked in the fourth quarter that directly led to a Panthers touchdown. Special teams miscues have cost the Rams dearly all season, and another breakdown in the frigid conditions of Soldier Field could end their postseason run.
THE PUNT IS BLOCKED AND THE PANTHERS HAVE IT IN RAMS TERRITORY OMG pic.twitter.com/ah9uJLmoCq
— The Sports Place (@offsportsplace) January 11, 2026
Ethan Evans averaged 46.3 yards per punt on 50 attempts with 21 punts inside the 20-yard line and a 38-yard net average. Xavier Smith returned 27 punts for 254 yards (9.4 YPR), while Jordan Whittington (17 returns, 434 yards, 25.5 average) and Ronnie Rivers (16 returns, 418 yards, 26.1 average) split kickoff return duties.
Injury Report
The Bears received mixed news on the injury front following their wild card victory. Cornerback C.J. Gardner-Johnson (concussion), offensive lineman Braxton Jones (knee), linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga (concussion), and defensive lineman Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (concussion) all practiced in full Friday and are cleared to play. Wide receiver DJ Moore (knee) was limited Wednesday and Thursday but practiced in full Friday and will play. The team will be without Edwards (fractured fibula) and Trapilo (season-ending injury), with Jackson and Benedet stepping into the starting lineup.
Linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (back) is also questionable after practicing in full Thursday but being limited Friday. The only player ruled out is defensive back Nick McCloud (groin).
For the Rams, offensive lineman Kevin Dotson (ankle) progressed from limited participation Wednesday and Thursday to full Friday and is expected to play. Quarterback Matthew Stafford expressed optimism about Dotson's return, calling him "one of the best guards, if not the best guard in the league" when healthy. Defensive tackle Poona Ford (elbow) followed a similar progression and should be available.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford has a sprained right index finger but practiced in full all week and will start. Cornerback Darious Williams (NIR-personal) was a full participant Thursday and Friday after missing Wednesday's practice. Tight end Terrance Ferguson (hamstring), safety Josh Wallace (ankle), and wide receiver Xavier Smith (wrist) all practiced in full throughout the week.
Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon has been placed on injured reserve. Backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (back) is questionable after missing Thursday and Friday practices, while defensive end Desjuan Johnson (illness) is also questionable after missing Friday's practice.
Coaching Matchup
This game pits two of the brightest offensive minds in the NFL against each other. Sean McVay, at 39 years old, is now tied with Kyle Shanahan and Sean McDermott as the second-longest tenured head coaches in the NFL behind only Andy Reid. Since taking over in 2017, McVay has led the Rams to five playoff appearances, including a Super Bowl victory in the 2021 season. He's about to coach in his 15th postseason game, each against a unique opponent.
On the other sideline, Ben Johnson has made an immediate impact in his first season as Bears head coach. He joins McVay and Jim Fassel (1997 Giants) as the only head coaches in NFL history to take over a team ranked last in total offense and lead them to the playoffs in their first season. Johnson's offensive system has maximized Williams' talents while establishing one of the league's most efficient rushing attacks.
The mutual respect between these two offensive masterminds is evident. Johnson didn't hold back in his praise of McVay this week. "There is no question about it. He is on the upper echelon," Johnson said of McVay on Monday. "He does a phenomenal job. He has ever since he got to L.A. All of his teams are really well prepared. There's no doubt that he's super sharp on the offensive side, but I think how he does it as a head coach bringing all three phases together is really critical to their success."
McVay returned the compliment, highlighting Johnson's ability to adapt his system to his personnel. "I think what shows his flexibility is the ability to have one of the best offenses with a player like Jared [Goff] who's really special and then being able to have some similar foundational principles with Caleb, but also be able to accentuate the things that make him really unique," McVay said. "He does a damn good job. I think he's got a timely feel for wanting to be able to mix in some things like he did with the screen and go that allowed them to take the lead the other day. We're excited about these challenges. This is what it's about."
Historical Context
Sunday marks the first postseason meeting between these franchises since the 1985 NFC Championship, when Mike Ditka's Bears dominated en route to their Super Bowl XX victory, 24-0. The Rams are 0-4 at Soldier Field since that 2003 win, though this will be Stafford's first career playoff start against Chicago despite making 22 regular season starts against the Bears during his Detroit tenure.
The last significant regular-season meeting between these teams came on December 9, 2018, at Soldier Field—a defensive slugfest that the Bears won 15-6. In that game, Chicago's defense harassed Jared Goff into a career-high four interceptions, including picks by Kyle Fuller, Prince Amukamara, Eddie Jackson, and Roquan Smith. Eddie Goldman recorded a safety, and offensive lineman Bradley Sowell caught a touchdown pass on a trick play. The Rams, who entered at 11-2 with the NFL's best record, managed just 214 total yards. That Bears team went on to win the NFC North at 12-4, while the Rams still advanced to Super Bowl LIII. Both teams hope this Sunday's game produces a far more explosive offensive showing.
The Bears have scored 30-plus points in six games this season (including playoffs). The only two seasons since 1967 in which Chicago exceeded that total and went to the Super Bowl were 1985 (7 times) and 2006 (8 times).
Keys to the Game
For the Bears: Chicago must avoid the slow starts that have plagued them throughout the season. The Bears' seven wins when trailing in the final two minutes is the most by any team in a single season (including playoffs) since 1983. While that resilience is admirable, they can't expect to repeatedly dig themselves out of holes against a Rams team capable of putting up points in bunches. Williams must continue his efficient play on third down, and the running game needs to establish itself early to control the clock and keep Stafford on the sideline.
For the Rams: Protecting the football will be paramount. In four of Los Angeles' five losses this season, Stafford turned the ball over at least once. The Bears led the NFL with 33 takeaways, and Chicago went 2-6 when forcing one or fewer turnovers (9-0 with two-plus). The Rams must also rediscover their defensive identity after allowing 27-plus points in five of their last seven games. Limiting explosive plays and forcing Williams into difficult third-down situations will be crucial.
The X-Factor: Weather
Much has been made of Stafford's 1-9 record in cold, rainy, or snowy weather since joining the Rams. However, it's worth noting that in two losses below 40 degrees with Los Angeles, Stafford threw for over 300 yards. The real concern isn't necessarily the cold—it's the wind. Gusts of 20-30 miles per hour could wreak havoc on the passing game for both teams, potentially turning this into a ground-and-pound affair.
The conditions will also heavily impact special teams, an area where the Rams have been particularly inconsistent all season. The frigid temperatures and swirling winds at Soldier Field could exacerbate Los Angeles' issues with kick coverage, protection schemes, and operation timing. Punts and field goals become exponentially more difficult in sub-freezing temperatures with strong winds—balls travel differently, footing becomes treacherous, and hands lose feeling. For a Rams unit that's already struggled with basic execution in much better weather, the arctic blast could prove disastrous.
Field position will be at a premium, and the ability to execute in the elements—whether it's a crucial field goal, a clean punt, or a return without fumbling—could be the difference between advancing and going home. With Cairo Santos' proven reliability in Chicago's harsh conditions, Tory Taylor's consistent punting, and the Rams' documented special teams struggles, the Bears hold a clear advantage in this critical phase of the game.
Looking Ahead
Sunday night's divisional round clash between the Bears and Rams promises to be a fascinating battle of contrasts. The Rams bring offensive firepower and playoff experience with Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay, while the Bears counter with youth, momentum, and home-field advantage behind Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson's innovative scheme.
The frigid conditions at Soldier Field will test both teams, but several key questions will determine who advances to the NFC Championship:
Can the Bears start strong and dominate the clock with their ground game? Will their defense rise to the occasion, stifling the Rams' historically efficient offense or force key turnovers in tough conditions? How will the frigid temperatures impact the warm-weather Los Angeles squad? And if it comes down to the wire, can Caleb Williams deliver another miracle game-winning drive, or will the Rams' experience and explosiveness ultimately prevail?
One thing is certain: in the frozen tundra of Soldier Field on Sunday night, only one team will keep their Super Bowl dreams alive.