If you're frantically scrolling through your guide looking for the channel of Packer game tonight, Sunday, January 18, 2026, I have some news that’s going to sting. Honestly, it's not the news any Cheesehead wants to hear while they’re firing up the grill or chilling the Spotted Cow.
The Packers aren't playing.
They were eliminated last weekend in a absolute nail-biter against the Chicago Bears. That 31-27 loss at Soldier Field during the Wild Card Round officially closed the book on the 2025-2026 season. So, if you see the Rams and the Bears kicking off on NBC at 6:30 PM ET tonight, that’s where the Green Bay spot went. It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially given how Caleb Williams managed to put up 361 yards on a defense that looked solid for three quarters.
Where the Channel of Packer Game Usually Lives
Even though the season is over, knowing where to find the team is basically a survival skill in Wisconsin. The NFL's broadcast rights are a mess of contracts and "flex" scheduling that can make your head spin. Typically, the channel of Packer game is determined by who they’re playing and what time the sun is up.
Most Sunday afternoon games—the bread and butter of the Lambeau experience—land on FOX. Since the Packers are in the NFC, FOX holds the primary rights for their matchups. However, if they are playing an AFC team (like that late-season game against the Browns), you might find them on CBS.
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The Prime Time Shift
When the Packers are good—and they usually are—they get sucked into the primetime vacuum. This is where things get pricey for cord-cutters.
- Sunday Night Football: This is strictly NBC (and Peacock).
- Monday Night Football: You'll need ESPN or ABC.
- Thursday Night Football: This has moved almost exclusively to Amazon Prime Video.
In fact, that Wild Card game we just lost? That was a Prime Video exclusive for most of the country, though local fans in Green Bay and Milwaukee usually get a simulcast on over-the-air stations like WGBA (NBC 26) or WITI (FOX 6).
Streaming vs. Traditional Cable
The days of just turning on the TV and "finding the game" are kinda dead. If you're looking for the channel of Packer game in 2026, you're likely using a streaming service.
YouTube TV and FuboTV are the heavy hitters here because they carry the local affiliates. If you’re living in the "Green Bay market," you’re golden. But if you’re a fan living in, say, Florida, you’re stuck with NFL Sunday Ticket. It’s the only way to see every out-of-market snap.
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Honestly, it's a lot of money to spend just to watch a rebuilding year, but that’s the tax we pay for loyalty.
Why You Couldn't Find the Game Today
Since today is the Divisional Round, the NFL only plays four games over the weekend. The Packers entered the playoffs as the No. 7 seed, the lowest possible spot. By losing to the No. 2 seed Bears, they were the first ones out.
Tonight's schedule is actually:
- AFC: Texans at Patriots (3:00 PM ET on ABC/ESPN)
- NFC: Rams at Bears (6:30 PM ET on NBC)
If you're still looking for the Packers, the only thing you'll find on the sports channels right now is post-season autopsy reports and early 2026 draft projections.
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What to Watch for Next Season
The 2026 schedule is already taking shape. We know the Packers will be facing their usual NFC North rivals—the Bears, Lions, and Vikings—twice each. Beyond that, the rotation means they’ll be heading to face the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots on the road.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve for next year, keep an eye on NFL+. It’s become a surprisingly decent way to watch games on your phone or tablet, especially for local and primetime matchups. It’s not the "big screen" experience everyone wants, but for $6.99 a month, it beats a $100 cable bill.
Actionable Steps for the Offseason
Don't just delete your sports apps because the season ended on a sour note. Here is what you should actually do now that the channel of Packer game is dark for the winter:
- Check your subscriptions: If you signed up for Peacock or Amazon Prime just for the playoffs, cancel them now to avoid the February bill.
- Audit your "Home Market": If you recently moved, update your zip code in your streaming settings. This determines which "local" channel you get.
- Watch the Draft: The 2026 NFL Draft in April will be on ESPN and NFL Network. This is where the team will try to find a solution for the secondary issues that cost them the game against Chicago.
- Get an Antenna: Seriously. A $30 digital antenna from any big-box store will get you FOX, CBS, and NBC for free. It’s the most reliable way to find the game without worrying about internet lag or streaming blackouts.
The season is over, but the cycle never stops. We’ll be back at Lambeau before you know it, arguing about whether the "Gold Package" fans are loud enough.