🚨 Time Update: Bears vs. Packers at Soldier Field — Kickoff Time Confirmed for NFL Playoffs Wild Card Round

The stage is set for an exciting showdown in the NFL Playoffs, as two fierce NFC North rivals, the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers, face off in the Wild Card round at Soldier Field. The highly anticipated matchup is one of the most exciting games of the first round, with both teams bringing their A-game to this critical playoff clash. Here’s everything you need to know about the game, including the confirmed kickoff time, detailed matchup preview, and weather forecast for the big game.

Game Details: Bears vs. Packers at Soldier Field

Date: Saturday, January 6, 2026
Kickoff Time: 4:35 PM ET
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
TV Broadcast: FOX Sports (Check your local listings)

As the first of the two NFC Wild Card matchups, this game is expected to be a battle full of emotions and intensity. The Bears, having secured the No. 6 seed in the NFC, are looking to continue their surprising postseason run, while the Green Bay Packers, the No. 3 seed, are eager to keep their Super Bowl dreams alive. This rivalry game is sure to be a spectacle, with both teams ready to deliver a thrilling performance on one of the NFL’s most historic fields.

Matchup Preview: Bears vs. Packers

Chicago Bears’ Road to the Playoffs:

The Chicago Bears have defied expectations this season, sneaking into the playoffs with a 10-7 record. With a young and dynamic team led by quarterback Justin Fields, the Bears have made great strides this year. Fields has been instrumental in guiding the offense, with his ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground. Running back Khalil Herbert has been a reliable workhorse, and the defense, led by Roquan Smith and a strong secondary, has made key stops when needed.

Chicago’s offensive game plan will focus on utilizing Fields’ dual-threat ability, taking advantage of his mobility to extend plays and create opportunities in the passing game. The Bears’ defense will need to contain Aaron Rodgers and the Packers’ high-powered offense, making crucial stops in the red zone and forcing turnovers when possible.

Green Bay Packers:

The Packers have been one of the NFC’s most consistent teams, and despite a midseason slump, they’ve managed to finish with a 12-5 record and secure the No. 3 seed. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has already won four MVPs, remains one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the NFL. With his ability to read defenses and make pinpoint throws, Rodgers will look to guide Green Bay deep into the playoffs once again. The Packers also boast one of the best defenses in the league, with standout performances from linebacker De’Vondre Campbell and cornerback Jaire Alexander.

Green Bay’s offense revolves around Rodgers’ chemistry with wide receiver Davante Adams, one of the league’s top playmakers. The Packers will look to establish a strong running game with Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon, which will open up play-action opportunities and allow Rodgers to take shots downfield. Defensively, the Packers will aim to pressure Fields and force him to make mistakes, hoping to capitalize on their superior pass rush.

This Wild Card matchup is likely to be a high-scoring affair, with both teams having the ability to light up the scoreboard. The winner will need to outlast the other in what is sure to be a physical, hard-hitting contest.

Weather Forecast: Cold and Chilly at Soldier Field

As expected for a January game at Soldier Field, the weather forecast calls for cold conditions that will test both teams’ endurance. According to the latest forecast, game day temperatures will hover around 25°F (-4°C), with wind chills making it feel closer to 15°F (-9°C). Winds will be blowing at 15-20 mph, which could affect passing and kicking games, adding another layer of complexity to this rivalry showdown.

Expectations for the Weather:

Temperature: 25°F (-4°C)
Wind Chill: 15°F (-9°C)
Winds: 15-20 mph, likely affecting passing and field goal attempts
Precipitation: Clear skies are expected, but the cold temperatures will keep the players and fans bundled up throughout the game.

The cold and windy conditions at Soldier Field will likely benefit the Packers’ ground game, but both teams will need to adjust their strategies to account for the weather. For the Bears, who are more accustomed to playing in similar conditions, it could be an advantage, while the Packers will rely on their experience in frigid games to stay sharp.

Key Players to Watch:

Chicago Bears:

Justin Fields (QB): The young quarterback has been the heart and soul of the Bears’ offense. His ability to make plays with his legs and arm will be critical against the Packers’ defense.
Roquan Smith (LB): A playmaker on the defense, Smith will need to be all over the field, stopping the run and pressuring Rodgers when the Packers drop back to pass.

Green Bay Packers:

Aaron Rodgers (QB): The future Hall of Famer has been here before, and his postseason experience will be invaluable. If Rodgers can connect with Adams and control the tempo, the Packers will be tough to beat.
Davante Adams (WR): One of the best receivers in the NFL, Adams will be Rodgers’ primary target. He’s a mismatch for any cornerback and could have a huge impact on the game.
Jaire Alexander (CB): Alexander’s ability to shut down top receivers will be key for the Packers, especially if he’s matched up against the Bears’ wideouts.

The Road Ahead for Both Teams:

Both the Bears and the Packers have a lot to play for. A win for the Bears would continue their surprise playoff run, while a victory for the Packers would solidify their status as one of the NFC’s top contenders. The winner of this game will advance to the divisional round, where they will face a much tougher opponent in the following week.

For the Bears, this could be the beginning of a new era, as their young core looks to prove they’re ready for playoff football. For the Packers, it’s about continuing their championship window with Rodgers at the helm, and making another deep playoff run in pursuit of another Super Bowl ring.

Conclusion: A Cold, Hard-Fought Rivalry Game

This NFC Wild Card matchup between the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers promises to be a hard-hitting and highly competitive game. With cold temperatures and strong winds expected at Soldier Field, both teams will need to adapt their strategies to the conditions. The battle between Justin Fields and Aaron Rodgers is sure to captivate fans, and the outcome of this game will likely have a significant impact on the playoff picture moving forward.

As the 49ers and other NFC teams watch on, the Bears and Packers will battle it out in one of the NFL’s most iconic rivalries. Whether the Bears can continue their surprise run or the Packers can execute a playoff victory remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: this will be a game to remember.