You’re staring at the TV remote, or maybe your tablet, wondering how everything got so complicated. It used to be simple: turn on the local station, find the green and gold, and settle in. Now? You need a map, three different subscriptions, and maybe a prayer to the high-speed internet gods. If you are frantically trying to figure out what channel is the packer game, you aren't alone. The NFL’s media rights have become a massive jigsaw puzzle that changes based on whether it’s a random Sunday in October or a high-stakes postseason matchup in January.
Where to Watch the Packers Right Now
Honestly, if it is Saturday, January 17, 2026, the news is a bit tough for the Green Bay faithful. The Packers' 2025-26 season technically wrapped up last week. They fought hard as the No. 7 seed but ultimately fell to the Chicago Bears in a 31-27 nail-biter during the Wild Card round on January 10. That game was an Amazon Prime Video exclusive, which definitely annoyed the fans who aren't big into streaming.
Since the Packers are out of the hunt today, the "Packer game" you might be looking for is actually the rest of the NFC divisional slate. Today’s big games are the Buffalo Bills at the Denver Broncos on CBS (4:30 p.m. ET) and the San Francisco 49ers at the Seattle Seahawks on FOX (8:00 p.m. ET).
But let’s look ahead. You’ve gotta be ready for the 2026 season because the schedule is already locked in. Knowing what channel is the packer game next season depends entirely on who they are playing and when.
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The 2026 Season Broadcast Map
NFL broadcasting isn't just one company anymore. It’s a group effort—or a grab for cash, depending on how you look at it. For the 2026 season, Green Bay has a fascinating lineup. They finished second in the NFC North, which means they’re playing a "second-place" schedule.
Most of the time, your best friend is still going to be FOX. Because the Packers are an NFC team, FOX holds the primary rights for their Sunday afternoon games. If they are playing an AFC team at Lambeau Field—like the Houston Texans or the Buffalo Bills—you’ll likely see that on CBS.
- Sunday Night Football: This belongs to NBC and Peacock. If Jordan Love has the Packers surging, expect at least two or three "flex" games to end up here.
- Monday Night Football: These games air on ESPN and ABC. Sometimes they do a "ManningCast" on ESPN2 which is usually way more entertaining if you like hearing Peyton yell at the screen.
- Thursday Night Football: This is almost exclusively Amazon Prime Video. You won't find these on traditional cable unless you live in the local Green Bay or Milwaukee markets, where a local station usually simulcasts it.
Dealing with the Blackouts and Streaming
It is incredibly annoying when you sit down with your snacks only to see a "not available in your area" message. Basically, if you live in Wisconsin, you’re usually safe. But for the "Packer Backers" living in Florida, Texas, or anywhere else, you’re at the mercy of the "regional map."
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If the game isn't being shown locally on your FOX or CBS affiliate, your only real legal option is NFL Sunday Ticket, which moved to YouTube TV a couple of years ago. It’s expensive. No two ways about it. But if you need to know what channel is the packer game every single week without guessing, that’s the gold standard.
There is also NFL+. This is the league’s own streaming service. It’s great for watching on your phone or tablet, but keep in mind that you can usually only stream local and primetime games live. You can't use it to watch an out-of-market game on your big-screen TV while it's happening. It’s better for people who don't mind watching the replay right after the game ends.
Surprising Ways to Catch the Action
Antennas. Seriously.
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People forget that over-the-air (OTA) television is still a thing. If you live within range of a broadcast tower, you can get FOX, CBS, NBC, and ABC in high definition for free. No monthly bill. No "streaming lag" that results in your neighbor cheering 30 seconds before you see the touchdown.
For the 2026 season, the Packers will travel to some tough spots, including the New York Jets and the Los Angeles Rams. Those big-market games are almost always "national," meaning they get the lead broadcast team (think Burkhardt and Brady) and are shown in most of the country.
Actionable Steps for the Next Kickoff
Since the Packers aren't on today, here is how you prepare for the 2026 season so you never have to scramble again:
- Download the Packers Official App: They push notifications about 24 hours before kickoff that explicitly state the TV network and the radio stations.
- Check 506 Sports: This is a legendary website among NFL fans. Every Wednesday or Thursday, they post color-coded maps showing exactly which parts of the country are getting which games on FOX and CBS.
- Audit Your Subs: If you don't have Amazon Prime, you'll likely miss one game a year. If you don't have Peacock, you might miss a stray "exclusive" streaming game. Decide now if those one-off games are worth the $10 or $15 for a single month.
- Get a Quality Digital Antenna: Test it now. See if you can pull in your local FOX and CBS affiliates. It’s the best backup plan for when your internet goes down right at kickoff.
The hunt for the Lombardi Trophy starts again in the fall. While the 2025 run ended in Chicago, the 2026 schedule—featuring home games against the Cowboys and Dolphins—promises plenty of primetime slots. Keep your apps updated and your antenna pointed toward the nearest tower.