Bears vs. Rams
Bears vs. Rams

The Chicago Bears vs Los Angeles Rams matchup closes out Divisional Weekend with a classic contrast: a cold-weather, defense-first home team against a road-tested offense built to score in multiple ways.

For fans, the practical question is clear: How can you watch Bears vs. Rams live, legally, and possibly for free?

Read more:

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- 2026 NFL Playoffs: Team-by-Team Super Bowl Path Analysis

Game at a glance

  • Matchup: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears

  • Round: NFL Divisional Playoffs

  • Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026

  • Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT

  • Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago

  • US TV: NBC

  • Streaming: Peacock

How to watch Bears vs. Rams in the United States

Over-the-air TV with an antenna (best free option)

Because this game airs on NBC, many US viewers can watch for free using:

  • A digital TV antenna

  • Access to a local NBC affiliate

NBC is a free broadcast network, so no cable, login, or streaming subscription is required once your antenna is set up. For viewers without cable, this is the simplest and most reliable option.

To check NBC signal availability:

  • https://www.antennaweb.org

  • https://www.fcc.gov/media/engineering/dtvmaps

Peacock streaming (no cable required)

NBC’s streaming platform Peacock will stream Bears vs. Rams live.

What to know:

  • A Peacock subscription is typically required

  • No cable login is needed

  • Works on smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, phones, tablets, and web browsers

Website: https://www.peacocktv.com

For fans who prefer streaming over antennas, Peacock is the cleanest one-app solution.

Live TV streaming services

Live TV streaming bundles that carry NBC also work well, especially if you want flexibility across devices.

Common options:

  • YouTube TV

  • Hulu + Live TV

  • Fubo

  • DIRECTV STREAM

These services may offer free trials to new users, which can be used to watch Divisional Weekend legally if you plan ahead.

Mobile-only option: NFL+

NFL+ allows live playoff games on:

  • Smartphones

  • Tablets

Limitations:

  • Live viewing is restricted to mobile devices

  • Not supported for smart TVs or laptops

  • Subscription required

Website: https://www.nfl.com/plus

This is best used as a backup if you’re away from home.

Read more: NFL Divisional Playoffs 2026: Full Schedule, Matchups, Predictions, and How to Watch

Watching Bears vs. Rams outside the United States

Canada

NFL playoff games in Canada are carried primarily by TSN.

  • TV: TSN

  • Streaming: TSN+

  • Website: https://www.tsn.ca

Some games may appear on CTV, but coverage varies by region. TSN or TSN+ is the most reliable option.

Worldwide

For viewers outside North America, the most consistent legal option is NFL Game Pass, distributed through DAZN in many countries.

Website: https://www.dazn.com

NFL Game Pass International usually includes:

  • Live streaming of all playoff games

  • Full replays and condensed versions

  • Multi-device support

Availability and pricing vary by country, but this is the safest global solution.

Game preview: Bears vs. Rams

This matchup comes down to environment, experience, and mistakes.

Why Chicago has a real edge at home

  • Soldier Field in January slows games down

  • Chicago’s defense thrives in low-possession contests

  • The Bears are comfortable winning without offensive fireworks

Chicago’s ideal game script is straightforward: shorten the game, win field position, and force the Rams to be perfect.

Why the Rams can win on the road

  • Quarterback experience in playoff environments

  • Ability to score from multiple formations

  • Comfort playing from behind

Los Angeles doesn’t need to dominate early. A few efficient drives and one defensive takeaway can flip momentum quickly.

Key matchup factors to watch

  1. Pass protection vs. crowd noise
    Soldier Field isn’t as loud as some venues, but weather and footing often cause communication issues. Early sacks favor Chicago.

  2. Red-zone efficiency
    Field goals favor the Bears. Touchdowns favor the Rams. This is likely the deciding factor.

  3. Turnovers and short fields
    Both teams are built to capitalize on mistakes. One giveaway could decide the game.

  4. Late-game quarterback decisions
    If this comes down to the final possession, experience matters.

Prediction

Expect a physical, methodical game that tightens as the temperature drops.

Chicago’s defense and home conditions keep this close, but the Rams’ ability to generate offense in critical moments gives them a narrow edge late.

Prediction: Rams 21, Bears 17

Bottom line

You can watch Bears vs. Rams live and legally:

  • In the US, for free via NBC with an antenna or through Peacock

  • In Canada, primarily through TSN or TSN+

  • Worldwide, via NFL Game Pass International

You don’t need cable to catch the final game of Divisional Weekend, and with the right setup, you won’t miss a snap of one of the postseason’s most intriguing matchups.