When Do the Packers Play the Eagles: What Most People Get Wrong

When Do the Packers Play the Eagles: What Most People Get Wrong

If you're wondering when do the packers play the eagles, you've probably realized by now that the NFL scheduling formula is basically a math puzzle designed to drive fans crazy. This isn't a simple "see you next year" situation like the divisional rivalries. Because Green Bay and Philadelphia live in different divisions—the NFC North and NFC East—their paths only cross under very specific circumstances.

Honestly, the 2024 season spoiled us. We got that wild season-opener in São Paulo, Brazil, where Saquon Barkley went off for three touchdowns and the field conditions looked like a slip-and-slide. Then, because the universe loves drama, they met again in the playoffs. But if you are looking for the next scheduled clash, things get a bit more complicated.

The Next Time Green Bay and Philly Square Off

Here is the deal: The Green Bay Packers played the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday, November 10, 2025.

It was a primetime matchup at Lambeau Field. If you missed it, the Eagles actually edged out a 10-7 victory in a defensive slugfest that felt more like 1960 than 2025. It was cold, it was messy, and it left a lot of Packers fans questioning the play-calling late in the fourth quarter.

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Since the 2025 regular season is now wrapping up, people are already looking toward the 2026 cycle. Based on the NFL's rotation, the Packers and Eagles are not currently scheduled to play each other in the 2026 regular season.

Why? Because the NFC North is slated to play the NFC South and the AFC East in 2026. The only way Green Bay faces Philadelphia in the next regular season is if both teams finish in the exact same spot in their respective divisions this year. Since the Packers finished second in the NFC North, they would only play the Eagles in 2026 if the Eagles also finish second in the NFC East.

Why the Schedule Always Feels Unpredictable

The NFL doesn't just pull names out of a hat. There is a rigid system, though it feels anything but rigid when you’re trying to book travel. Every team plays:

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  • Six games against divisional opponents (home and away).
  • Four games against a rotating division within their own conference.
  • Four games against a rotating division in the other conference.
  • Two games against teams from the remaining two divisions in their conference that finished in the same seed.
  • One "17th game" against a cross-conference team based on standings.

Basically, the "when do the packers play the eagles" question usually comes down to that "same seed" rule. If both teams are good—which they usually are—they end up seeing each other almost every year anyway because they keep finishing at the top of the NFC.

A Rivalry That Doesn't Need a Division

Even though they aren't in the same division, this matchup carries a lot of weight. Most people forget that the Eagles are the only team to ever beat Vince Lombardi in a playoff game. That happened back in 1960. Lombardi famously told his team after that loss that they would never lose a championship game again. He was right.

Then you have the more recent nightmares for Packers fans. Does "4th and 26" ring a bell? It should. In the 2003 playoffs, Donovan McNabb converted a 4th-and-26 to Freddie Mitchell that basically shattered the spirit of Green Bay.

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It’s these high-stakes moments that make people constantly check the calendar for the next game. Whether it's Reggie White moving from Philly to Green Bay to change the culture of the franchise, or Jalen Hurts and Jordan Love trading blows in an international stadium, this game usually delivers.

What to Watch For Moving Forward

If you are a fan trying to stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the January 2026 playoff bracket. Since both teams are frequently in the mix, a postseason rematch is never off the table.

For the 2026 regular season, we won't have the "official" dates until the NFL schedule release in May 2026. However, we already know the Packers' home and road opponents for next year. Unless that "same-seed" alignment happens, you might have to wait until 2027 or 2028 for the next guaranteed meeting in the rotation.

Actionable Next Steps for Fans

  • Check Final Standings: Once the current 2025-2026 regular season concludes in early January, look at the NFC East and NFC North standings. If both the Packers and Eagles finished in the same rank (e.g., both in 2nd place), they will play each other in 2026.
  • Mark the May Calendar: The NFL typically releases the full schedule with dates and times during the second week of May. That is when you can confirm if a 2026 matchup is happening.
  • Track Playoff Seeding: Keep an eye on the Wild Card and Divisional round paths. A Green Bay vs. Philly playoff game is a high probability given the current talent on both rosters.
  • Set Google Alerts: Use a specific alert for "NFL Schedule Release 2026" to get the news the second it drops.

The reality of the NFL is that rivalries are built on frequency and pain. The Packers and Eagles have provided plenty of both lately. Even if they aren't scheduled to meet every single Sunday, the history between these two ensures that whenever they do, the whole league is watching.