Chicago Bears vs. Los Angeles Rams: Date, kick-off time, news, prediction and how to watch on DAZN

The NFL Divisional Round concludes on Sunday night with an old playoff matchup 40 years later as the Chicago Bears (12-6) face the Los Angeles Rams (13-5) for a place in the NFC Championship game. 

The two teams played in January 1986 in the NFC Championship game, with the Bears winning at Soldier Field, 24-0, to advance to Super Bowl XX, in which they ended up winning.

Here's everything you need to know ahead of Bears vs. Rams, arguably the biggest game on this year's Divisional Round slate.

Keys to the game

Bears' defense needs to restrict the big plays 

It's the same old story every week. While the Bears have improved, especially in the second half of their win last weekend over the Green Bay Packers, their defense can be vulnerable to 'big plays'. Allowing the second most receptions of 20 yards or more, it will be an area the Rams will look to exploit with Davonte Adams, who led the NFL in touchdown receptions. 

Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will need to put the measures in place to minimise explosive plays from Matthew Stafford. 

Weather Conditions

The Rams had favorable weather last Saturday against the Carolina Panthers. It was cloudy but in the 60s. That won't be the case on Sunday evening.

Currently, according to The Weather Channel, it will be around seven degrees with the wind chill around six below. 

How will the Rams adjust to these conditions as they play at SoFi Stadium, which has a retractable roof? They will have to get comfortable in a hurry because it won't get any warmer. 

Bears vs. Rams date, start time

The Bears vs. Rams will take place on Sunday, January 18. 

The playoff game has been placed in a primetime slot with kick-off scheduled for 6:30pm ET, which means an 11:30pm start in the late hours of Sunday night for NFL fans in the UK. 

• Date: Sunday, January 18
• Kick-off: 6:30pm ET / 3:30pm PT / 11:30pm GMT 

Where is Bears vs. Rams?

The Bears will welcome the Rams to Soldier Field in Chicago with nearly 61,500 fans eager to see their team inch one step closer to Super Bowl LI.

Bears vs. Rams: Prediction

On paper, one expects this to be a battle of the offenses as each team has dynamic playmakers. 

But the Bears defense woke up in the second half last week against the Packers. They got consistent pressure on Jordan Love, and he got rattled into two intentional grounding calls and quick on throws that ended up being incomplete. 

Matthew Stafford is not a mobile quarterback compared to Jordan Love. Stafford is prone to mistakes, and it will be no different on Sunday evening.

The Bears offense is better than the Panthers', who put up 333 yards. Caleb Williams should have a big day against the Rams' secondary, which allowed 264 yards to Bryce Young.

The Bears get the job done and advance to the NFC Championship game.

Prediction: Bears 30 Rams 17

How to watch Bears vs. Rams on DAZN

Every NFL game during the 2025 regular season and playoffs — including the Super Bowl — is available worldwide on DAZN, excluding the United States and China.

DAZN is the only place to watch NFL Game Pass International, with access to every regular-season NFL game and every playoff matchup. That's 335 games per season, and each game is available live* and on demand.

As well as watching every game, Game Pass includes NFL Network and the iconic NFL Redzone, NFL originals, documentaries, and DAZN NFL programming, including X's & O's, Kittle Things, 1st & Global, and Downs 2 Business.

NFL GPI will be available through the DAZN app either as a standalone subscription or an add-on to an existing DAZN package to customers worldwide**, excluding the United States and China.

If you do not have the App already, then just follow these instructions....

• Download the free DAZN App from your normal App store on your TV, phone, tablet, or streaming device
• On a laptop or PC, visit www.DAZN.com/home
• Select 'Get started' or 'log in'
• Enter your email address, or sign up via the Apple, Google, or Facebook options
• You then have access to all of DAZN's free content, including the Matchroom boxing channel and FIFA+
• Then find the NFL and click 'buy now' to choose your Game Pass membership level

For more information and to sign up, head here now. 

How much does NFL Game Pass cost and what is included?

In Canada, NFL Game Pass is included with the DAZN subscription. Click here to see prices.

Elsewhere, NFL Game Pass can be purchased as a standalone subscription, and each subscription includes different features, as outlined below.

The early DAZN Game Pass playoff offer gives you access to every game throughout the postseason, including the Super Bowl, for only £14.99!

For more information and to sign up, please click here.

What is the difference between the Regular and Ultimate tiers? 

NFL Game Pass Ultimate Tier subscribers on DAZN have access to a range of enhanced features. These include live games in HDR, Multiview to watch multiple games at once, and access to NFL RedZone and NFL Network.

The Ultimate Tier also offers exclusive content like the ManningCast alternate feed and access to NFL Originals.

Key features for Ultimate Tier subscribers:

• HDR: Watch the Super Bowl LX (and other games) in High Dynamic Range, enhancing picture quality.
• Multiview: Watch up to four games simultaneously on one screen.
• NFL RedZone: Never miss a touchdown with this channel dedicated to live game action.
• NFL Network: Access 24/7 NFL content, including news, analysis, and highlights.
• NFL Originals: Enjoy documentaries, behind-the-scenes content, and other exclusive shows.
• ManningCast (and other alternate feeds): Get a different perspective on Thursday Night Football with this popular broadcast.
• Download and Go: Download games and content to watch offline or while traveling.
• Multiple Devices & Locations: Stream on up to five devices and in two locations simultaneously.

* In the United Kingdom, up to two Sunday games per week will air on DAZN on a 24-hour tape delay.

** Viewers in Canada can access all NFL content through their regular DAZN subscription.