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The Chicago Bears host the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC divisional round Sunday at 6:30pm ET. Both the Bears and Rams are fresh off last-minute wins in the wild card round, one of the most memorable NFL playoff weekends in recent memory.
Rams vs. The Bears will air on NBC and the streams will continue live DIRECTV (Free Trial).
What: NFL Playoffs, NFC Divisional Round
WHO: Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears
When: Sunday, January 18, 2026
Where: Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
Live Streams: DIRECTV (Free Trial), Peacock
Here’s a recent NFL story via the Associated Press:
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Rams practiced in 82-degree sunshine Wednesday at their Woodland Hills practice complex, taking advantage of a beautiful week even by pleasant winter standards in Los Angeles.
The playoff game they’re gearing up for will be played at Chicago’s Soldier Field on Sunday night in temperatures unlikely to top 20 degrees, along with potential snow and whipping winds that could make it colder than freezing.
Still, the Rams (13-5) all say the weekend’s dismal Lake Michigan weather is no challenge compared to the task of defeating the resilient Bears (12-6) when the teams meet for a spot in the NFC Championship Game.
“A ball is a ball,” Kobie Turner said with a shrug.
Matthew Stafford made it clear that even though they currently live in Southern California, the Rams coaches and players have been in football weather before. Stafford spent the first 12 years of his career with the Lions, playing in Chicago and Green Bay every year and even occasionally working out outside in the winter in Detroit.
“I love NFL football and the history of it — Lambeau Field, the Ice Bowl, all that stuff,” Stafford said. “There’s something about that, right? It feels right when football’s outside, you’re playing it late in the year, it’s cold (and) it means a lot. I agree with that and I know our team does too.”
The Rams played two winter games last season, beating the Jets in sub-freezing temperatures before narrowly losing a divisional round playoff game in the snow in Philadelphia. This season, they lost amid frigid winds in Seattle and heavy rain in Carolina.
“There was a game in Philly that time, (and) there was 6 inches of snow on the ground,” Stafford said. “It was played in other games where it was just cold and dry. I just had to figure out what the elements were, how it was going to affect the ball, and then go out there and play.”
The Rams apparently can’t simulate Sunday’s conditions at Woodland Hills — though coach Sean McVay had one interesting idea.
“We’re going to do the biggest cold jump (ice bath) ever, and everybody’s going to see if we can sit in it for three hours,” he said with a laugh.
Stafford’s injured index finger on his throwing hand is “great,” according to the 37-year-old running back. He suffered a minor sprain in Carolina and it was quickly resolved after the game. He won’t be wearing a splint or brace – and that’s a good thing, because getting a grip on hard cleats is quite a challenge.
So does cleats, although freshman Harrison Mevis has plenty of cold-weather experience from his college career at Missouri.
In fact, the Rams are relying on their past experience and the preparation of the supporting staff to keep them warm as they go to work in Chicago.
“We’re always adapting and adapting,” McVay said. “(The Bears) have to be able to play in the same elements. Obviously they have a little more experience, but we’re not going to let that be an excuse. I think you have to have a feel. I think the way our guys play, I think it suits us in any conditions. … Let’s keep in mind the ball is a little more slippery. A different feel than it looks like rock.”
K-Dot’s ankle
Right guard Kevin Dotson hopes to return Sunday after missing three games with a sprained ankle suffered in the Rams’ loss at Seattle last month.
Dotson said Wednesday he believes normal contact against the Seahawks initially hurt him. Still, he didn’t realize until two days later that linebacker Derick Hall stepped on him after the game. Hall was suspended for one game for his actions.
“I gave him the benefit of the doubt,” Dotson said. “I thought he accidentally stepped on me, and then my teammates after the game, my dog (center) Coleman (Shelton) were fighting over me, pushing me and telling me what really happened. If I’d known that, I probably would have stood up. I didn’t know anybody on me and I did all that until I saw the movie. If I’d known that last time, I’m not going to say much … look, I can’t. against him until I see him and I won’t get my return.
Dotson is an excellent run blocker and rugged pass protector who has been the mainstay of the Rams offense since his arrival three seasons ago.
Stafford called him “one of the best guards, if not the best guard in the league. Obviously, if we could get him back, it would be a huge boost.”
Can I bet on the game?
Yes, you can bet on the game from your phone in New York State, and we’ve rounded up some of the best introductory offers to help you navigate your first bets from BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, Bet365 and others.
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