If you’re waking up in Wisconsin or anywhere across the frozen tundra of the internet today, January 15, 2026, and asking what time are the packers playing today, I’ve got some news that might sting a little.
The Green Bay Packers are not playing today.
Honestly, it’s a weird feeling. For a team that usually finds a way to linger deep into January, the schedule is suddenly, hauntingly blank. If you were hoping to settle into your favorite recliner with a spotted cow and some cheese curds this afternoon, you’ll find the TV guides are surprisingly empty of Green and Gold.
The Brutal Reality of the 2026 Postseason
The search for the Packers' kickoff time ends at Soldier Field—specifically, what happened there last Saturday. Green Bay’s 2025-2026 campaign officially hit a brick wall on January 10, 2026.
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It was a Wild Card matchup against the Chicago Bears. For three quarters, it felt like the Packers might pull off one of those classic "underdog in the division" upsets. But life comes at you fast. Despite a late-game push, the Packers fell 31–27.
That loss didn't just end the game; it ended the season.
Because the NFL playoffs are a single-elimination tournament, the Packers are essentially "out of office" until the preseason starts up again in August. So, while other teams like the Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills are prepping for their Divisional Round games this coming Saturday, the guys in Green Bay are currently undergoing exit interviews and cleaning out their lockers at Lambeau.
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Why the Schedule Went Quiet
Usually, when people ask what time are the packers playing today, they expect a 12:00 PM CST or a 3:25 PM CST kickoff. This year, the wheels fell off just a bit too early.
The regular season was a rollercoaster. They finished 9–7–1, which is a record that screams "middle of the pack." Clinching the No. 7 seed was a feat in itself, especially after a three-game losing streak toward the end of December. They actually backed into the playoffs a bit, thanks to the Vikings beating the Lions in Week 17.
But momentum is a fickle thing in football.
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The Injury Bug Bit Hard
You can’t talk about the end of this season without talking about the training room. It was basically a MASH unit by the time January rolled around.
- Zach Tom: The right tackle tried everything. He even did those PRP injections to fix a partially torn patellar tendon he suffered back in Week 14 against Denver. He wanted to play in Chicago so badly, but his knee just wouldn't cooperate in pass protection.
- Micah Parsons: Losing an All-Pro pass rusher to an ACL tear earlier in the season changed the entire geometry of the defense.
- Jordan Love: We saw some flashes of brilliance, but the shoulder issues and concussion protocol stints throughout the year kept the offense from finding a true rhythm.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Gap
A lot of fans think that because the Packers aren't on the field today, nothing is happening. That's actually the opposite of the truth. While there isn't a kickoff time to track, the front office is basically in a 24-hour war room right now.
The 2026 opponents are already set. Because they finished second in the NFC North, the 2026 schedule is going to be a gauntlet. We already know they’ll be hosting Dallas and Houston at Lambeau next season, while taking road trips to face the Rams and the usual divisional rivals.
Wes Hodkiewicz over at Packers.com has been pointing out that the "four-minute offense" was the team's Achilles heel this year. If you can’t kill the clock when you’re up by three in the fourth quarter, you don't get to play on January 15. It's as simple as that.
Looking Forward: When Will They Play Again?
Since there is no game today, your next chance to see the G on a helmet will be the 2026 preseason.
- Late July 2026: Training camp opens. This is when the real work happens.
- August 2026: Preseason games begin.
- September 2026: The hunt for Super Bowl LXI starts for real.
It’s a long wait. I know. The "offseason" is a bit of a misnomer because for the players, it’s just a different kind of work. Zach Tom is likely heading for surgery. Rasheed Walker and Sean Rhyan are heading toward free agency. The roster you see today might look very different by the time the next "what time do they play" search trend pops up.
Actionable Steps for Displaced Fans
Since the Packers aren't playing today, you've basically got three options to fill that football-shaped hole in your heart:
- Watch the Divisional Round: The NFL continues without us. The Bills face the Broncos this Saturday at 3:30 PM CST. It’s high-level football, even if the "right" team isn't on the field.
- Deep Dive the Draft Boards: The Packers will likely have a mid-round pick. Start looking at offensive line depth—specifically tackles—since that was the primary reason the season ended in Chicago.
- Review the 2026 Opponents: Check the home/road splits for next year. Planning a trip to see them play the Jets or the Rams early can help ease the sting of a January exit.
The season is over, but the cycle never stops. The quest to make sure we actually have a game to watch on January 15, 2027, starts this morning in the film room.