You're probably standing in the kitchen, wings half-prepped, or maybe you're frantically texting the group chat because nobody can remember if kickoff is at noon or if we're looking at a primetime slot. It happens to the best of us. Figuring out what time is the green bay packers game shouldn't feel like decoding a secret transmission, but with the way the NFL flexes schedules and swaps networks, it's easy to get turned around.
The short answer for right now? The Packers' 2025-2026 season has actually just come to a close. After a rollercoaster run that saw Jordan Love lead the team into the postseason, Green Bay's journey ended on January 10, 2026, with a tough 31-27 loss to the Chicago Bears in the NFC Wild Card round.
Since the season is over, there isn't a "next game" on the calendar for a few months. But don't click away just yet. If you're a die-hard fan, the "offseason" is really just the "pre-season for nerds," and there is plenty to track while we wait for the 2026 schedule to officially drop this spring.
The Post-Season Reality: When Do They Play Next?
Honestly, the heartbreak of that Wild Card loss at Soldier Field is still fresh for a lot of fans. If you missed it, the game kicked off at 7:00 PM CT and was a massive exclusive for Amazon Prime Video. It was a classic NFC North slugfest, but the Bears—who took the division title this year—just had a bit more in the tank.
Now, we enter the waiting game.
🔗 Read more: Chloe Kitts South Carolina: Why the Gamecocks Star is the Most Underrated Talent in the SEC
The NFL usually releases the full regular-season schedule in mid-May. That is the "Gold Mine" day for fans. Until then, we don't know the exact dates or times for the 2026 games. However, we do know exactly who they are playing and where.
Breaking Down the 2026 Opponents
Because the Packers finished second in the NFC North (behind those pesky Bears), their 2026 schedule is already locked in based on the NFL's rotation formula. Here is the breakdown of who will be coming to Lambeau and where the team is heading.
Home Games at Lambeau Field:
- The Division Rivals: Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings.
- NFC South & AFC East: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins.
- Performance-Based Additions: Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans.
Away Games (Road Trips):
- The Division Rivals: Chicago, Detroit, Minnesota.
- NFC South & AFC East: New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots, New York Jets.
- Performance-Based Addition: Los Angeles Rams.
Imagine a Sunday night game against the Bills at Lambeau in December. That’s the kind of stuff that makes Packers fans live for the winter.
Why the Kickoff Time Keeps Changing
You've probably noticed that one week the game is at 12:00 PM and the next it's a "wait around all day" 7:20 PM start. It’s annoying, sure, but there’s a method to the madness.
The NFL uses "Flexible Scheduling" (Flexing) to make sure the best matchups get the biggest audiences. Starting in Week 5, the league can move games from Sunday afternoon to Sunday Night Football on NBC. This is why you can't always trust that calendar you printed out in August.
- The Noon Window (12:00 PM CT): This is the bread and butter for Green Bay. Most home games against division rivals start here. It’s perfect for tailgating without having to wake up at 4:00 AM.
- The Late Afternoon Window (3:25 PM CT): Usually reserved for "Game of the Week" status on FOX or CBS. If the Packers are playing a powerhouse like the Cowboys or the Rams, expect a late afternoon start.
- Primetime (7:15 PM or 7:20 PM CT): These are the big ones. Monday Night Football (ESPN/ABC), Thursday Night Football (Amazon Prime), and Sunday Night Football (NBC).
How to Check the Time Like a Pro
When the 2026 season finally rolls around, don't just guess. The best way to find out what time is the green bay packers game is to go straight to the source. The official Packers app is surprisingly good—it syncs to your phone's local time zone, which is a lifesaver if you're a fan living in California or New York.
👉 See also: Who is Best Team in Baseball: What Most People Get Wrong About the 2026 Rankings
Also, keep an eye on the "Gold Package" vs. "Green Package" distinctions. If you’re a season ticket holder or looking for tickets, the Gold Package games (historically for Milwaukee season ticket holders) usually happen early in the season or around holidays.
A Quick Tip on Broadcast Zones
Nothing is worse than sitting down with a cold drink only to realize the game isn't being shown in your area. If the Packers aren't on a national broadcast (like NBC or ESPN), they fall into the "regional" category.
If you live outside of Wisconsin or the Upper Midwest, you might be stuck watching whatever local team is in your market. This is where NFL Sunday Ticket (on YouTube TV) or a good sports bar becomes your best friend.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Schedule
A lot of folks think the NFL schedule is random. It's not. It’s a literal math equation.
🔗 Read more: Chicago Fire vs. Orlando City: What Most Fans Get Wrong About This Rivalry
Every year, you play your division twice. You play one full division from the NFC and one from the AFC on a rotating three and four-year cycle. The last three games are determined by where you finished in the standings. Because the Packers came in 2nd, they play the 2nd place teams from the other NFC divisions and the 2nd place team from a specific AFC division.
It's predictable, yet somehow always feels like a surprise when the dates finally come out.
Actionable Steps for the Offseason
Since we are currently in the gap between the Wild Card exit and the 2026 kickoff, here is how you can stay prepared:
- Mark Your Calendar for May: That’s when the NFL Schedule Release happens. This is the only way to get the definitive kickoff times.
- Download the Packers Official App: Enable notifications for "Schedule Updates." They will ping you the second the dates are confirmed.
- Check the International News: There are strong rumors that Green Bay might head overseas again in 2026. If they do, that game will likely have a very early morning kickoff (around 8:30 AM CT).
- Review the Roster Moves: The time of the game doesn't matter if the team isn't ready. Keep an eye on how the front office handles the draft in April to see how the 2026 squad is shaping up.
The 2025 season had its highs and lows, but the future with Love under center looks bright. While there's no game today, the countdown to the 2026 opener has already begun.