So, you’re looking for the kickoff. You’ve got the snacks ready, the jersey is on, and you’re checking the clock. But here’s the thing: if you are looking for Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers to take the field this afternoon, January 18, 2026, I have some bad news that’s gonna sting a little.
The Packers aren’t playing today.
Basically, the season ended in the most heartbreaking way possible last weekend. If you missed it, Green Bay traveled to Soldier Field for a Wild Card showdown against the Chicago Bears on January 10. They had it. Honestly, they really did. They were up 21-3 at halftime. Then, the wheels just fell off. Chicago roared back to win 31-27, sending the Packers home way earlier than anyone in Wisconsin expected.
What Time Is The Green Bay Game On Sunday? (The College Edition)
If you strictly need to see the words "Green Bay" on a scoreboard today, you actually still can, just not in the NFL. The Green Bay Phoenix men’s basketball team is hosting the Oakland Golden Grizzlies.
This isn’t just a random game either; the Phoenix are on a five-game heater. Doug Gottlieb has these guys playing out of their minds lately. If you want to catch that, here is the deal:
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- Game Time: 2:00 p.m. ET (1:00 p.m. local time in Green Bay)
- Location: Kress Events Center
- Streaming: ESPN+
It’s not Lambeau, but it’s high-stakes Horizon League hoops. If you’re a die-hard for the city, that’s your fix for today.
Why the Packers Aren't Playing Today
It’s kind of wild to think about how this season cratered. Back in early December, the Packers were 9-3-1. They were leading the NFC North. Then Micah Parsons—who the team pulled off a blockbuster trade for back in August—tore his ACL in Week 15.
Everything changed.
The defense lost its teeth. The offense lost its rhythm. They ended the regular season with five straight losses, including that playoff collapse. It’s actually a historic kind of bad; they became the first team since the 1970 merger to blow three different games where they led by 10+ points in the final five minutes.
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Since the Packers are out, the NFL Divisional Round is moving on without them. Today’s actual NFL schedule looks like this:
- Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots at 3:00 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN)
- Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears at 6:30 p.m. ET (NBC)
The Bears are basically playing the game Packers fans thought would be theirs. It’s a tough pill to swallow, seeing your rival host a divisional playoff game at 6:30 p.m. while the Packers are literally cleaning out their lockers.
The Matt LaFleur Situation
You’ve probably heard the rumors that Matt LaFleur’s seat was getting warm. Losing to Chicago after a massive lead usually results in a lot of "For Sale" signs on coaches' lawns.
But the team just made a massive announcement late Saturday night. Instead of firing him, the Packers and LaFleur agreed to a multiyear contract extension. New CEO Ed Policy isn’t interested in a "lame-duck" coach for 2026. Despite the playoff exit, the front office is doubling down on the LaFleur-Jordan Love era.
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What’s Next for the Pack?
If you're already looking toward next year to avoid the pain of today's playoff games, the 2026 opponents are already set.
Green Bay is going to have a brutal schedule. They’ll be facing the entire NFC South and AFC East. That means Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills are coming to Lambeau. They also have a road trip to face the Rams in LA and home games against Dallas and Houston.
The big focus now is health. Zach Tom is looking at knee surgery that might take six months to recover from. Tucker Kraft is rehabbing. The roster is going to look different, too. Guys like Romeo Doubs and Quay Walker are pending free agents, and with the cap situation, not everyone is coming back.
The best thing you can do today? Watch the Phoenix at 2:00 p.m. on ESPN+ or just enjoy the divisional games as a neutral observer. It sucks not being in the hunt, but at least we aren't the ones who have to play in the New England cold today.
Keep an eye on the injury reports for Zach Tom and Micah Parsons over the next few months. Their recovery timelines will basically dictate whether the 2026 season starts on a high note or another uphill climb. If you're planning travel for next year, remember the Packers are likely heading overseas for an international game, so keep your passport ready.