Bears And Rams Face Frigid Playoff Showdown In Chicago

Chicago braced itself for an NFL playoff spectacle on Sunday, January 19, 2026, as the Bears hosted the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field. But this wasn’t just any postseason clash—the Windy City lived up to its name, delivering a brutal dose of Midwest winter that tested even the most seasoned football fans and players alike. With temperatures forecasted to hover around 17 to 21 degrees Fahrenheit at kickoff, and wind chills dipping into the single digits, the city’s football faithful bundled up for what promised to be a showdown as much against the elements as between the teams themselves.

The last time these two storied franchises met in the playoffs was four decades ago, a game that ultimately propelled the Bears toward Super Bowl glory. That bit of history wasn’t lost on the fans or the city, fueling hopes that this year’s icy battle could be the start of another legendary run. The buzz around Chicago was palpable all week, with excitement swirling through neighborhoods despite the biting cold. “You know what, I’m just going to buy the ticket. It was $600 dollars. It is section 250, so we are pretty close,” said Bears fan Mykenze Ostrom, capturing the lengths supporters were willing to go for a spot in the stands.

Tailgaters packed the South lot early, layered in scarves, hats, and parkas, determined to make the most of the day. Among them were Ruth Moriarty and her son, attending in honor of her late husband’s 40th birthday—a touching tribute to a lifelong Bears supporter. “I think he would be so excited for his son to be here. I don’t think there is anything better. I am fulfilling one of his dreams. I am a lucky lady,” Moriarty shared, her story echoing the deep family traditions that make Bears fandom special.

Even viral sensations made an appearance. Brandon Martinez, now known as the Cheese Grater Guy after his antics during last week’s Bears-Packers game, showed up with a Ram-shaped piñata. “We were able to get a Rams piñata. We are going to take care of it right now. We are drinking out of horns. We might put a taco of birria there,” Martinez said, proving that creativity and humor are alive and well in Chicago’s tailgate culture, no matter how cold it gets.

But the weather was more than just a backdrop—it was a factor that could shape the game’s outcome. ABC7 meteorologists and the National Weather Service both warned of snow showers at kickoff, with temperatures around 17 to 20 degrees and wind chills as low as 8 degrees. By the end of the game, thermometers were expected to read closer to 15 degrees, and snow accumulations could range from half an inch up to two inches near the Wisconsin border. Winds were forecasted at 20 mph, with gusts reaching 27 mph, making passing the football a dicey proposition for both teams.

For the Bears, these conditions were almost a home-field advantage. “They can’t play in the cold. We thrive in the cold. This is what we do. Bear down,” said lifelong fan Joey Gigliotti. The Rams, hailing from sunny Los Angeles and accustomed to playing in the comfort of an indoor stadium, faced a steep learning curve. Last season, the Rams faltered in similar conditions, losing 28-22 to the Philadelphia Eagles in a snowy divisional round, with turnovers proving costly. Quarterback Matthew Stafford fumbled twice, and running back Kyren Williams also coughed up the ball. Ball security was again expected to be critical in this year’s frigid contest.

Despite the weather, oddsmakers at DraftKings Sportsbook still favored the Rams by 3.5 points, with the point total set at 48.5—a nod to both teams’ offensive firepower but also an acknowledgment of the unpredictable impact of the elements. Both squads boasted strong-armed quarterbacks in Matthew Stafford for the Rams and Caleb Williams, the Bears’ second-year signal-caller. But as any Chicagoan will tell you, throwing a football in 20-plus mph winds and swirling snow is a different beast entirely.

The Bears organization didn’t leave anything to chance when it came to fan safety and comfort. Advisories went out days in advance, urging fans to bundle up and bring blankets. “You’re trying to limit as much exposed skin as possible, so scarves, hats, gloves and definitely a warm jacket,” advised Zachary Yack, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. “Maybe even wear multiple layers if you can.” Blankets were permitted, either in hand or in approved clear bags, and battery-operated clothing was allowed, though subject to additional security screening.

For those braving the stands, Soldier Field provided several warming stations—behind Section 146, on the Service Level near the Dr Pepper Patio, at the top of the stairs by Gate 31, and on the south side of the colonnades. Hot chocolate, coffee, chili, and hand warmers were on sale to help fans ward off the chill. And in a reminder that cold weather can be deceiving, the Bears reminded supporters to stay hydrated, as dehydration is still possible in subfreezing conditions.

Kickoff was set for 5:30 p.m. Central Time, with the game airing nationally on NBC. The winner would advance to the NFC Championship, where a date with the Seattle Seahawks in Seattle awaited. With so much on the line, neither team could afford to let the cold dictate the outcome—but the conditions were sure to play a starring role.

As the sun set and the lights of Soldier Field flickered on, the city’s anticipation reached a fever pitch. Fans huddled together, sharing stories and hot drinks, their breath visible in the frigid air. The Bears, used to these harsh winters, hoped their resilience would carry them through. The Rams, meanwhile, looked to overcome their cold-weather demons from last season and prove that they could handle whatever the Windy City threw at them.

And while the action on the field would ultimately decide who moved on, the real story of the night might just be the unwavering spirit of Chicago’s fans, who showed once again that no amount of cold can freeze their passion for football. As the game unfolded under swirling snow and biting winds, one thing was certain: this was playoff football at its most raw, unpredictable, and unforgettable.

With the outcome still hanging in the balance as the night wore on, all eyes remained fixed on Soldier Field, where history, weather, and football collided in a spectacle worthy of the NFL postseason. Whoever emerged victorious would have earned it the hard way—by outlasting not just their opponent, but the elements themselves.