If you're looking for the kickoff time for the Green Bay Packers this Sunday, January 18, 2026, the answer is actually a bit of a gut punch for the Frozen Tundra faithful. The Green Bay Packers do not play this Sunday. It's a tough pill to swallow. After a rollercoaster 2025 regular season that saw Jordan Love battle through a late-season slump, the Packers' playoff journey ended abruptly last weekend. Green Bay entered the Wild Card round as the No. 7 seed and traveled to Soldier Field on Saturday, January 10, to face their oldest rivals, the Chicago Bears. In a game that was much closer than some experts predicted, the Packers fell 31-27.
Basically, the season is over. While other NFC teams are gearing up for the Divisional Round this weekend, the Packers are already looking toward the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency.
What Time Do the Green Bay Packers Play on Sunday and Why They Aren't on the Schedule
When people ask what time do the green bay packers play on sunday, they’re usually expecting to find a channel and a kickoff time for a playoff run. This year, the Divisional Round schedule is set, but the Packers are noticeably absent.
The NFL schedule for Sunday, January 18, 2026, features two massive games, but neither involves Green Bay:
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- Houston Texans at New England Patriots: Kickoff at 2:00 PM CST (3:00 PM ET) on ESPN/ABC.
- Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears: Kickoff at 5:30 PM CST (6:30 PM ET) on NBC/Peacock.
It’s particularly stinging for Packers fans to see the Bears hosting a Divisional game on the very Sunday they hoped to be playing. Chicago secured the No. 2 seed and, after Green Bay's loss, they now host the Rams. If the Packers had pulled off the upset last Saturday, they would likely be the ones prepping for a flight to Philadelphia or New York right now.
What Happened to the Packers Postseason?
Honestly, the Wild Card game was a microcosm of the whole 2025 season. The Packers showed flashes of absolute brilliance—Matthew Golden’s early touchdown catch was a beauty—but they couldn't close the door when it mattered. Lukas Van Ness had a monster sack that seemed to swing the momentum, yet the defense eventually bent under the weight of Chicago’s ground game.
Losing 31-27 in the Wild Card round means the "Packers Sunday" tradition is on ice until August. You’ve probably noticed the shift in mood around Wisconsin. Instead of jersey-wearing crowds at local bars, the conversation has shifted to "what's next?"
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Looking Ahead to the 2026 Schedule
Since there is no game this Sunday, the real focus is on the 2026 opponents. The NFL has already released the home and away matchups for next year. While we don't have the exact dates or times yet—those usually drop in May—we know who is coming to Lambeau Field.
The 2026 home slate looks brutal but exciting:
- Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and Minnesota Vikings (The usual NFC North suspects).
- Buffalo Bills: This is the big one. Seeing Josh Allen at Lambeau is going to be a hot ticket.
- Miami Dolphins: A test for the secondary.
- Dallas Cowboys: A rivalry that never seems to lose its spark.
- Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers.
- Houston Texans: A rematch against one of the AFC's rising powerhouses.
The away schedule is just as tough, with trips to the Jets, Patriots, and Saints on the horizon. If you're planning a road trip for next year, those are the cities to keep on your radar.
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How to Spend Your Sunday Without the Packers
Since you won't be tuning in to see the Green and Gold, you have a few options. You could watch the Rams vs. Bears game just to scout the division for next year. Or, if you're like most fans, you might just take the day off from the stress of fourth-quarter heart attacks.
The 2025 season ended with a 9-8 regular-season record and a quick playoff exit. It wasn't the Super Bowl run fans dreamed of, but the foundation with Jordan Love still feels solid. Sorta.
Actionable Next Steps for Packers Fans:
- Sync your calendar: Check the official Packers website in May 2026 for the full schedule release to find out the specific "Packers Sunday" times for next season.
- Review the Draft: Keep an eye on the NFL Scouting Combine in February. The Packers have clear needs in the secondary and at interior offensive line.
- Check Gear Sales: Post-playoff losses are often the best time to find authentic jerseys and sideline gear at a discount as retailers clear space for the 2026 arrivals.