If you're staring at your calendar today, January 15, 2026, wondering when do green bay packers play next, I’ve got some news that might sting a little. The Green Bay Packers season is, unfortunately, officially over. It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially given how things looked just a few weeks ago, but that's the nature of the frozen tundra and the NFL playoffs.
The Packers' 2025-2026 campaign came to a grinding halt on Saturday, January 10, 2026. They headed into Soldier Field for a Wild Card showdown against the Chicago Bears and, honestly, it was a heartbreaker. A 31-27 loss ended the run. Since that game is in the books and the Divisional Round is moving forward without Green Bay, the "next" game isn't on the schedule for quite a while.
We are officially in the offseason.
The Long Wait for the 2026 Season
So, if they aren't playing this weekend, when do they actually hit the field again?
You’re looking at August 2026 for the first preseason action. The NFL usually drops the official 17-game regular season schedule in mid-May. Until then, we don't have exact dates or times. We basically just have a list of names and a lot of time to debate draft picks.
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The Packers finished the 2025 season with a 9-8 record (technically 9-7-1 in the regular season if you count that wild Dallas tie). Because they finished second in the NFC North, we already know who they’ll be facing in 2026. The rotation is set. It’s just the "when" that's missing.
Who is on the 2026 Schedule?
Even without the calendar, the opponent list for next year is already looking like a gauntlet. Green Bay is matched up against the NFC South and the AFC East this time around.
Here is what the home and away split looks like for the 2026 season:
At Lambeau Field (Home):
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- Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and Minnesota Vikings: The usual divisional suspects.
- Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers: The NFC South visitors.
- Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins: The AFC East comes to the frozen tundra.
- Dallas Cowboys: A high-stakes matchup against the second-place finisher from the NFC East.
- Houston Texans: The designated AFC crossover game based on standings.
On the Road (Away):
- Chicago, Detroit, and Minnesota: The return trips for divisional play.
- New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Some much-needed southern weather.
- New England Patriots and New York Jets: Trips out east to face the rest of the AFC East.
- Los Angeles Rams: A flight to SoFi Stadium to play the second-place team from the NFC West.
Why the Post-Season Ended Early
It's easy to look at the 31-27 loss to Chicago and point fingers. But the reality is that the Packers were limping toward the finish line. They entered the playoffs as the No. 7 seed after a three-game losing streak to end the regular season, including a 16-3 thumping by the Vikings in Week 18.
The offense, led by Jordan Love, had some brilliant moments this year—like that 35-25 win in Pittsburgh—but consistency was the ghost that haunted them. By the time they reached the Wild Card round, the defense just couldn't hold back a Bears team that had found its rhythm late in the year.
It sucks. It really does. But knowing when do green bay packers play next means shifting your focus from the playoff bracket to the NFL Draft and Free Agency.
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Key Dates for the Packers Offseason
Since we have a few months before the pads come back on, keep these milestones on your radar:
- Late February 2026: The NFL Scouting Combine. This is where the front office starts scouting the talent to fix those defensive holes.
- March 2026: Free agency begins. Expect plenty of rumors about how the Packers will manage the cap.
- Late April 2026: The NFL Draft. This is arguably the most important weekend of the spring for Green Bay's future.
- May 2026: The 2026 Schedule Release. This is the moment we’ll finally have an answer for the exact day and time of the Week 1 kickoff.
- July 2026: Training camp opens at St. Norbert College.
Actionable Steps for Fans
Since there's no game to watch this Sunday, here’s how you can stay locked in:
- Review the 2026 Opponents: Start looking at those home games. The Bills and Cowboys coming to Lambeau are going to be massive tickets. If you're a season ticket holder or looking to buy on the secondary market, those are the ones to circle.
- Track the Draft Order: With a 9-8 record and a Wild Card exit, the Packers will likely be picking in the middle of the first round. Keep an eye on mock drafts focusing on secondary depth or offensive line reinforcements.
- Watch the Divisional Round: Even though the Packers are out, the results of the Rams vs. Bears game this weekend will determine the hierarchy of the NFC North heading into next year.
The wait for the 2026 season officially starts now. It's a long road to August, but the construction of the next roster begins immediately. Keep your eyes on the schedule release in May to see if the Packers open the season at home or if they'll be starting 2026 on the road.