If you’re staring at your calendar trying to figure out when do packers play, you might be feeling a mix of post-season blues and early-season itch. It's January 2026. The dust has just settled on a Wild Card round that most of us would probably rather forget. Honestly, following the Green Bay schedule isn't just about looking at a Sunday date anymore; it's about navigating the weird flex-scheduling, the international rumors, and the reality of a 17-game marathon that stretches deep into the winter.
The Packers’ 2025-2026 campaign recently hit its final brick wall on Saturday, January 10, 2026. They faced off against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in the Wild Card round. It was a 31-27 heartbreaker. If you were looking for a game this upcoming weekend, you're out of luck. The season is officially over.
Tracking the Next Time Green Bay Takes the Field
So, when is the next chance to see the Green and Gold? You've basically got a long wait until August. While the NFL hasn't dropped the specific calendar dates for the 2026 preseason yet, the pattern is predictable. We usually see the first preseason kickoff in the second week of August.
Historically, the league releases the full, detailed schedule in mid-May. That’s when we’ll know if they’re opening on a Sunday night or if we’re getting another Thanksgiving Day clash.
💡 You might also like: Cómo entender la tabla de Copa Oro y por qué los puntos no siempre cuentan la historia completa
Breaking Down the 2026 Opponents
Even though the "when" is still a bit of a mystery for the specific weeks, the "who" and "where" are already locked in. Because the 2025 regular season is finished, the NFL’s rotation formula has given us the roadmap for 2026.
Green Bay finished second in the NFC North. That matters. It determines the "placeholder" games against other second-place finishers in the conference.
Home Games at Lambeau Field
Expect the usual divisional suspects—the Bears, Lions, and Vikings—to make their pilgrimage to 1265 Lombardi Avenue. But the 2026 home slate is actually pretty spicy beyond the North. You'll see the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Texans coming to town. We’re also looking at matchups against the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Buffalo Bills, and Miami Dolphins.
📖 Related: Ohio State Football All White Uniforms: Why the Icy Look Always Sparks a Debate
The Road Warrior Schedule
Traveling is going to be a bit of a trek this year. Beyond the three away games in our division, the Packers have to head to the West Coast to face the Los Angeles Rams. They’ll also be visiting New Orleans to take on the Saints and heading to Florida for a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The AFC East road trips include visits to the New England Patriots and the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.
Why the Timing of the Schedule Matters
The "when" is often more important than the "who." For example, playing in Miami or Tampa Bay is a completely different beast in September than it is in December. If the league slaps those Florida games in the early weeks, you're looking at 90-degree heat and crushing humidity.
On the flip side, getting the Buffalo Bills at Lambeau in late December? That’s the "Frozen Tundra" advantage we all live for.
👉 See also: Who Won the Golf Tournament This Weekend: Richard T. Lee and the 2026 Season Kickoff
There's also the "Gold Package" factor. For fans who hold tickets for the former Milwaukee package, the timing of which games fall into that slot (usually two regular-season games) is always a major point of discussion in the spring.
What Happened to the 2025 Momentum?
It's worth looking back at why we're even asking when do packers play in the context of a finished season. The 2025 run was a rollercoaster. After a 5-1-1 start, things looked dominant. Jordan Love was clicking. Then, the injury bug bit—hard. Losing Micah Parsons to a torn ACL in Week 15 against the Broncos was the turning point.
The defense never looked the same. The team limped into the playoffs as the 7th seed and eventually blew a 21-3 halftime lead to the Bears in the Wild Card. It was a tough way to go out, especially after sweeping the Lions earlier in the year and showing so much promise on Thanksgiving.
Practical Steps for the Offseason
If you want to stay ahead of the curve for the 2026 season, don't just wait for the NFL to announce things. Here is how you actually prep:
- Mark mid-May on your calendar. That is the "Schedule Release" window where ticket prices fluctuate wildly within minutes.
- Check the international status. The NFL is obsessed with London, Munich, and potentially Madrid. Green Bay is a huge draw, and while they aren't scheduled for an "international home game" every year, they are always a candidate for the away slot.
- Monitor the draft in late April. Who the Packers pick will dictate the "hype" games. If they grab a high-profile receiver or a Parsons-level edge rusher, expect more primetime slots.
The 2026 NFL season will officially kick off on September 10, 2026. While we don't know if the Packers will be the opening game, you can bet they’ll be playing that following Sunday, September 13. For now, the focus shifts to the scouting combine and free agency. The pads won't pop again until the summer heat hits the Ray Nitschke Practice Field.