If you are searching for what time is the bears game on sunday, the answer is clear and confirmed: the Chicago Bears will take the field at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time this Sunday, January 18, in a high-stakes NFC Divisional Round playoff game at Soldier Field.
This prime-time kickoff places the Bears in the national spotlight, closing out Sunday’s NFL playoff schedule and giving fans across the United States a perfect evening window to watch one of the league’s most historic franchises fight for a spot in the conference championship.
The Exact Kickoff Time by Time Zone
Knowing the local start time helps fans plan watch parties, travel, and game-day routines. Here is when the ball goes up in the air across the country:
- Eastern Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Central Time: 5:30 p.m.
- Mountain Time: 4:30 p.m.
- Pacific Time: 3:30 p.m.
Because the game is being played in Chicago, the home crowd will see the Bears run onto the field just as the sun sets over Lake Michigan, setting the stage for a classic cold-weather playoff atmosphere.
Why This Sunday’s Bears Game Is So Important
This is not a regular-season matchup. The Bears are playing in the NFC Divisional Round, meaning one win stands between them and a trip to the NFC Championship Game.
Chicago earned a top seed in the conference after a strong regular season, giving them the advantage of hosting this playoff contest at Soldier Field. Home-field advantage in January is significant, especially in a city known for freezing temperatures, swirling winds, and a fan base that creates one of the loudest environments in the NFL.
A victory on Sunday night would send the Bears to the final step before the Super Bowl. A loss would end their season. Every snap carries weight, and every decision could define the year.
Prime-Time Spotlight on Soldier Field
Sunday’s 6:30 p.m. ET kickoff places the Bears in the most-watched window of the day. Prime-time playoff games traditionally draw massive national audiences, and this one is no exception.
Soldier Field, one of the oldest and most iconic stadiums in the league, will be packed with fans bundled in winter gear, creating a dramatic visual and emotional backdrop. Night games in Chicago during the postseason often become part of NFL history, remembered for their intensity, weather, and crowd noise.
Weather and How It Could Affect the Game
January in Chicago means cold, and this Sunday is expected to be no different. Evening temperatures typically drop quickly once the sun sets, and wind off the lake can make it feel even colder.
Cold weather can impact:
- Ball handling, making fumbles more likely
- Kicking accuracy, especially on long field goals
- Player stamina, particularly late in the game
- Play-calling, with teams often leaning more on the running game
The Bears, accustomed to these conditions, may hold an edge in comfort and preparation compared to a visiting team from a warmer climate.
Key Storylines Heading into Kickoff
Several narratives make this Sunday’s matchup especially compelling:
A Young Quarterback Under the Brightest Lights
Chicago’s quarterback will be making one of the biggest starts of his career. Playoff prime time at home brings pressure, but also opportunity. A strong performance could cement his status as the future of the franchise.
Defense Built for January Football
The Bears’ defense has been a cornerstone of their success all season. Physical line play, tight coverage, and the ability to force turnovers become even more valuable in cold-weather games where offenses can struggle.
Coaching Decisions in a Win-or-Go-Home Game
Playoff football often comes down to situational calls: fourth downs, clock management, red-zone strategy, and halftime adjustments. Every decision will be scrutinized in a game that could be decided by a single score.
How the Game Fits Into the NFL Playoff Schedule
Sunday features a full slate of postseason action, but the Bears game is the marquee event of the night. With the 6:30 p.m. ET kickoff, it serves as the final game of the day, meaning all eyes will be on Chicago as fans settle in after the earlier matchups.
This timing also allows for extended pregame coverage, in-depth halftime analysis, and a national audience that includes both casual viewers and dedicated football fans.
What Fans Should Know Before Game Time
Whether you are attending in person or watching from home, a few preparations can make the experience even better:
- Arrive early if going to Soldier Field, as security lines and winter conditions can slow entry.
- Dress in layers, including thermal wear, gloves, and face protection.
- Plan food and drinks ahead of the 6:30 p.m. ET kickoff so you do not miss the opening drive.
- Expect a long, intense evening, as playoff games often run longer due to reviews, timeouts, and extended halftime coverage.
The Atmosphere Around the City
When the Bears play a home playoff game, Chicago feels it. Bars, restaurants, and neighborhoods across the city fill with fans in navy and orange. The buzz builds throughout the afternoon, peaking as the clock approaches the 5:30 p.m. local kickoff.
Even for those not attending the game, the sense of occasion is unmistakable. Flags fly, jerseys come out of closets, and conversations everywhere turn to matchups, predictions, and memories of past postseason runs.
Looking Ahead: What a Win Would Mean
If the Bears win on Sunday night, they will advance to the NFC Championship Game, one step away from the Super Bowl. That would mark one of the franchise’s deepest playoff runs in years and ignite massive excitement heading into the following weekend.
A victory would also:
- Secure another home or high-profile road game, depending on other results
- Strengthen the team’s national profile
- Add to the legacy of key players and coaches
- Give the fan base renewed belief in a championship future
Final Answer for Fans Searching Online
For everyone still typing the question into search engines and social media feeds, the simple, verified answer remains:
The Chicago Bears play this Sunday at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
That is the official kickoff for one of the most important games of their season, under the lights, in the cold, with a trip to the NFC Championship on the line.
Share your game-day plans and predictions, and stay tuned as the Bears take the field in one of the most anticipated Sunday night matchups of the postseason.