So, you’re looking for the kickoff time. You want to know what time do the Green Bay Packers play this Sunday, January 18, 2026.
I’ll give it to you straight, even if it’s not the news you were hoping to find while checking the fridge for beer.
The Green Bay Packers are not playing this Sunday.
If you missed the Wild Card round action last weekend, the Packers saw their 2025-2026 season come to a screeching halt at Soldier Field. They fell to the Chicago Bears in a 31-27 heartbreaker on Saturday, January 10. Because the NFL playoffs are a "win or go home" format, that loss means Green Bay is officially out of the postseason hunt.
Why Aren't the Packers Playing?
It’s kinda wild how the season ended. The Packers entered the playoffs as the NFC’s No. 7 seed after a bit of a rollercoaster regular season where they finished 9-7-1. That tie against Dallas back in Week 4 really loomed large, didn't it?
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They had to travel to Chicago for the third time in a month. Honestly, playing a divisional rival in the first round is always a nightmare. Jordan Love and the offense put up a hell of a fight, but Ben Johnson’s Bears squad found a way to seal it late.
So, while you might be seeing "Divisional Round" headlines everywhere for this Sunday, January 18, the Green Bay locker room is currently empty. The players are doing their exit interviews, and the coaches are probably already looking at 2026 NFL Draft boards.
Who IS Playing This Sunday Instead?
Since there’s no Packers game to plan your day around, you might still want to catch the high-stakes football happening in the NFC.
The team that knocked Green Bay out—the Chicago Bears—is actually the one taking the field this Sunday. They’ll be hosting the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field.
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Sunday, January 18 Schedule:
- Matchup: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears (NFC Divisional Round)
- Kickoff Time: 5:30 p.m. CT
- TV Channel: NBC
There is also an AFC matchup earlier in the afternoon featuring the New England Patriots, usually slated for a 2:00 p.m. CT window, though the league occasionally tweaks these times based on broadcast requirements.
What’s Next for the Packers in 2026?
It’s never too early to look ahead. Since they’ve been eliminated, we already know who the Packers will be facing in the 2026 regular season.
Because of how the NFL’s scheduling rotation works, Green Bay is matched up against the NFC South and the AFC East next year. They finished second in the NFC North, which determines their "parity" games against other second-place finishers.
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Basically, you’ve got a massive home slate coming up at Lambeau next fall:
- The usual suspects: Bears, Lions, Vikings.
- High-profile visitors: Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans.
- The "Bird" teams: Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers.
- The Florida duo: Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills.
The road schedule looks just as tough. They’ll have to head to New Orleans, Tampa Bay, and even New England. If you’re a fan who likes to travel, start saving those pennies now.
Actionable Next Steps for Packers Fans
Since there’s no game this Sunday, you have a few ways to spend your afternoon while still staying connected to the team.
- Watch the Rams vs. Bears: If you want to root against the team that ended Green Bay’s season, tune into NBC at 5:30 p.m. CT.
- Check the Draft Order: With the season over, Green Bay’s first-round pick is locked in. Start looking at scouting reports for offensive line depth or secondary help.
- Avoid the Soldier Field Highlights: Trust me, watching that 31-27 final score again won't make the cheese taste any better.
- Update Your Calendar: The 2026 preseason usually kicks off in early August. We’re about seven months away from meaningful Green Bay football again.
Take the Sunday off. Sleep in. The Packers will be back, but for this weekend, the cleats are in the locker.