The question of whether the Green Bay Packers play today is one that usually carries a lot of weight this time of year. It is mid-January. The snow is typically piled high at Lambeau Field, and the "frozen tundra" narrative is usually in full swing.
But if you are looking for a kickoff time for Sunday, January 18, 2026, I have some tough news for you.
The Green Bay Packers do not play today.
While the NFL Divisional Round is currently unfolding with high-stakes matchups like the Rams taking on the Bears and the Texans visiting the Patriots, the Packers are already looking toward the 2026 NFL Draft. Their postseason run ended almost as soon as it began. It’s a bitter pill for a fan base that has grown accustomed to deep January runs, but that is the reality of the current bracket.
What Happened to the Packers?
Last week, the Packers traveled to Soldier Field for a Wild Card showdown against their oldest rivals, the Chicago Bears. It was a game that felt winnable, especially given the history between these two teams.
Green Bay entered the playoffs as the No. 7 seed after a somewhat rocky 9-7-1 regular season. They slipped into the dance late, clinching their berth in Week 17, but the momentum didn't travel south to Chicago.
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The final score was 31-27 in favor of the Bears.
It was a heartbreaker. Jordan Love and the offense moved the ball well, but a few critical errors—including a late-game surge by the Bears' defense—sealed Green Bay's fate. Because the NFL playoffs are a single-elimination tournament, that loss on January 10 officially ended the Packers' 2025-2026 campaign.
Today's NFL Divisional Schedule (Who is playing instead?)
If you’re still itching to watch some playoff football today, there are two massive games on the slate for Sunday, January 18, 2026. These are the teams that outlasted the Wild Card round:
- Houston Texans at New England Patriots: This AFC clash kicks off at 3:00 PM ET. It’s being broadcast on ABC/ESPN.
- Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears: This is the game Packers fans might find hardest to watch. The Bears, having knocked Green Bay out last week, are hosting the Rams at 6:30 PM ET on NBC.
Seeing the Bears move on while the Packers sit at home is a rare sight in recent years, but Chicago's 11-6 record and North Division title earned them the home-field advantage that ultimately made the difference.
Why Do the Green Bay Packers Play Today Still Trend?
You might wonder why so many people are still searching for the Packers' schedule. Honestly, it’s a mix of habit and the "Gold Package" confusion.
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For decades, Green Bay has been a playoff staple. When people see "Divisional Round" on their calendars, their brain instinctively searches for a Packers jersey. Plus, the 2025 season featured a lot of "TBD" (To Be Determined) time slots for the late-season games, leading to some lingering confusion about when the season actually wrapped up.
There’s also the matter of the Week 18 finale. The Packers finished their regular season on January 4, 2026, with a tough 16-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. That game determined their seeding and set up the ill-fated trip to Chicago. If you're still seeing January dates floating around in your news feed, they likely refer to these past results or the upcoming offseason schedule.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Opponents are Already Set
Even though there’s no game today, the Packers' front office is already pivoting. Because the regular season is over, we already know exactly who Green Bay will be facing in the 2026-2027 season.
The NFL uses a rotating formula, and next year the NFC North is matched up against the NFC South and the AFC East. This means some heavy hitters are coming to Lambeau.
2026 Home Games at Lambeau Field:
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- Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and Minnesota Vikings (The usual divisional suspects).
- Buffalo Bills: This will be a massive draw. Josh Allen in the cold is always a spectacle.
- Dallas Cowboys: After the Week 4 tie earlier this season, this rematch will be highly anticipated.
- Houston Texans: CJ Stroud's first meaningful trip to Green Bay.
- Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, and Miami Dolphins round out the home slate.
2026 Away Games:
- The three NFC North rivals.
- Los Angeles Rams: A trip to SoFi Stadium is on the books.
- New England Patriots: A historic matchup at Gillette Stadium.
- New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The schedule makers haven't set the specific dates or times yet—that usually happens in May—but the "who" and "where" are locked in.
Moving Forward: Offseason Priorities
Since the answer to "do the Green Bay Packers play today" is a resounding no, the conversation in Wisconsin has shifted to the "Why?" and the "How do we fix it?"
The defense, despite having Micah Parsons (who was acquired in that blockbuster trade with Dallas), struggled with consistency down the stretch. Losing three of their last four regular-season games wasn't a fluke; it was a sign of a team running out of gas.
General Manager Brian Gutekunst will likely be looking at the secondary and the offensive line depth in the coming months. The Packers have a young core, but as we saw against the Bears, "young" sometimes means "prone to mistakes at the worst possible moment."
Actionable Next Steps for Packers Fans
Since there's no game to watch, here is what you should actually do to stay in the loop:
- Check the Draft Order: Following the Wild Card loss, the Packers' first-round pick is now solidified. Keep an eye on draft boards for offensive line prospects or safety help.
- Monitor the Coaching Carousel: While Matt LaFleur’s job is safe, several defensive staff positions across the league are in flux. See if the Packers make any adjustments to their defensive philosophy.
- Gold Package Holders: If you are a Milwaukee-area season ticket holder, keep an eye on your 2026 invoices. The home schedule for next year is heavy on "A-list" teams (Bills, Cowboys), which means ticket demand will be through the roof.
- Ignore the Rumors: You’ll start seeing "trade Jordan Love" or "fire everyone" posts on social media today. Ignore them. The team is 9-7-1 and made the playoffs with one of the youngest rosters in football. The foundation is solid.
The Packers might be out of the running for Super Bowl LX, but the road back to January football starts now.