The Chicago Bears will host an NFC Divisional Round playoff game next weekend at Soldier Field, with their opponent to be determined by the results of this weekend’s Wild Card matchups. Chicago will face either the Philadelphia Eagles or the Los Angeles Rams. The game marks the Bears’ first home playoff appearance in five years, a critical step in their quest for a Super Bowl title.
Bears Clinch Bye, Await Wild Card Results
The Bears secured the NFC’s No. 2 seed and a first-round bye after finishing the regular season with an impressive 13-4 record. Their success was built on a league-leading defense and an efficient offense that capitalized on key moments throughout the season. According to official NFL records, the team’s dominant performance in their final four games, where they allowed an average of just 14 points, cemented their high seeding and earned them a week of rest.
This bye week provides the team with a significant advantage, allowing players to recover from a physically demanding season. The guaranteed home game at Soldier Field is another major benefit, as the notoriously cold and windy January conditions in Chicago often pose a challenge for visiting teams, particularly those from warmer climates or dome stadiums.
Who Do the Bears Play Next: Eagles or Rams?
The Bears’ opponent in the Divisional Round will be the highest-seeded winner to emerge from the NFC’s Wild Card weekend. The two potential teams are the Philadelphia Eagles and the Los Angeles Rams, each presenting a unique set of challenges.
A matchup with the Eagles would pit the Bears’ formidable defense against one of the league’s most dynamic offensive lines and a dual-threat quarterback. Philadelphia finished the season strong, winning five of their last six games. Records show the Bears did not face the Eagles during the 2025 regular season, making it a fresh and unpredictable contest.
Alternatively, a game against the Rams would feature two of the NFL’s most respected defensive minds. The Rams rely on veteran leadership and a potent passing attack. The Bears faced the Rams in a Week 11 road game this season, losing a tight contest 24-21, a result that would surely be on the minds of both teams in a potential rematch.
Stakes High for Chicago’s Super Bowl Hopes
A victory in the Divisional Round would propel the Bears to the NFC Championship game for the first time since the 2010 season. For a city and a fanbase starved for postseason success, the upcoming game is a monumental event. Economists project the home playoff game will generate millions in revenue for local Chicago businesses, from hotels to restaurants, as fans travel to attend the event.
The team’s performance will have a lasting impact on the franchise’s trajectory. A deep playoff run could solidify the current coaching staff and front office’s strategy, proving their rebuilding efforts have finally paid off. For the players, it’s a chance to etch their names in the celebrated history of the Bears organization.
What Comes Next
The NFL has announced that the official date and kickoff time for the Bears’ Divisional Round game will be finalized Sunday evening, after all Wild Card games have concluded. The game is scheduled to take place at Soldier Field on either Saturday, January 17, or Sunday, January 18, 2026. Once the opponent and time are confirmed, the Chicago Bears organization is expected to release information regarding ticket sales to the public. The winner will advance to the NFC Championship game, just one win away from Super Bowl LX.
