The question of when does Green Bay play just took a massive shift in tone. If you're a Packers fan, you probably spent last Saturday biting your nails during that Wild Card heartbreaker against the Bears. It was a rough exit. Snow at Soldier Field, a 31-27 final score, and just like that, the 2025 season is in the rearview mirror.
So, when is the next kickoff?
Right now, the team is in "clean out the locker room" mode. Because the Packers lost in the first round of the playoffs on January 10, 2026, there are no more games on the immediate horizon. We are officially entering the NFL dead zone. You won't see Jordan Love under center for a meaningful snap until September 2026. However, the schedule for who they play next is already set, and honestly, it looks like a gauntlet.
Understanding the 2026 Green Bay Packers Opponents
While the specific dates and kickoff times won't be released by the NFL until the middle of May, we already know the home and away matchups. The NFL uses a rotating formula, so there's no mystery about the "who," even if the "when" is still a bit blurry.
The Packers finished second in the NFC North this year. That second-place finish actually dictates a specific chunk of their schedule.
Home Games at Lambeau Field
Expect nine regular-season games at home this year. Since 2026 is an even year, the NFC gets the extra home game in the 17-game rotation.
- The Division Rivals: Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and Minnesota Vikings. These are the locks.
- The NFC South/AFC East Tilt: Because of the rotation, Green Bay hosts the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Buffalo Bills, and Miami Dolphins.
- The Performance Matchups: Based on their 2025 standings, they also host the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Texans.
Road Trips on the Calendar
Packers fans looking to travel have some decent destinations this year.
- The Division Away: Trips to Soldier Field, Ford Field, and U.S. Bank Stadium are standard.
- The Distance Games: Green Bay travels to face the New Orleans Saints and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They also head out east to play the New England Patriots and the New York Jets.
- The West Coast Swing: There is one notable trip to Los Angeles to face the Rams.
Why the May Schedule Release Matters
You’re probably wondering why we have to wait until May to know the exact Sunday or Monday. It's all about the TV networks.
The NFL is a massive puzzle. Broadcasters like CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN/ABC fight over the best matchups. Since the Packers are a "ratings darling," they usually end up with the maximum number of primetime games. We’re talking five or six slots across Sunday Night Football, Monday Night Football, and those Thursday night Amazon games.
Last season, Green Bay had a weird mix. They opened against Detroit in September, had a Thanksgiving showdown, and ended with a cold stretch against the Ravens and Vikings. 2026 will likely follow a similar pattern of front-loading home games before the Wisconsin winter gets truly nasty.
Preseason and Training Camp
If you literally can't wait until September, the "real" answer to when does Green Bay play is August.
Training camp usually kicks off in late July. It’s that magical time when the pads popping is the only sound you hear in the morning air. The first preseason game will likely fall around August 13-15, 2026. These games don't count for the standings, but for the guys on the bubble, they are everything.
How to Stay Updated on Game Times
Once May rolls around, the league will drop the "Schedule Grid." This is when you can actually book your hotels and flights.
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Keep an eye on the "Gold Package" games if you’re a season ticket holder. These are specifically for the Milwaukee-area fans and usually involve two home games a year. In 2025, it was the Commanders and the Eagles. For 2026, the specific Gold games will be designated shortly after the May release.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Mark your calendar for mid-May: This is when the NFL officially announces the 2026 schedule with dates and times.
- Audit your streaming services: Last year, games were split between Peacock, Amazon Prime, and traditional cable. Make sure you aren't caught off guard by a "streaming-only" game in 2026.
- Check the International Series: The NFL is expanding its reach. While the 2026 international slate isn't confirmed for Green Bay yet, the Packers are a prime candidate for a game in London or Germany due to their global following.