3 Games That Could Define Packers’ 2026 Regular Season
Green Bay faces some heavyweight clashes which could loom large come the end of the regular season.
By markoldacres
Week 1 at Minnesota Vikings
After ending the last campaign on a five game losing streak, it will be important for the Packers to get off to a strong start in 2026, and they open with a tricky trip to Minnesota to take on the division rival Vikings, with new starting quarterback Kyler Murray.
Minnesota is the worst team in the NFC North on paper and according to the oddsmakers, but the bar is high in this division and will be no easy out, especially in their building.
Murray is 0-2 against Green Bay in his career, and there could be some teething problems in the early weeks as he settles into Kevin O’Connell’s offense, but equally there will be some interesting unscouted looks with the mobile QB.
Following week one, the Packers have very winnable matchups at the Jets and versus the Falcons in their home opener. If they can get past the Vikings, there is a real opportunity to start 3-0 and build early momentum, banishing the bad taste from how last season ended.
Week 12 at Los Angeles Rams
If both teams are healthy, this will feel like a heavyweight fight between two of the top contenders in the NFC, with Jordan Love and Matthew Stafford facing off in L.A.
Matt LaFleur is 5-0 against Sean McVay in his career, and although it will be a more difficult task to secure the win on the road, SoFi Stadium is likely to be packed with Packers fans, making it feel less like a true away game.
Adding to the intrigue is the fact this is the first ever NFL game to take place the day before Thanksgiving. The Packers are coming off their bye week, which will be shorter than usual due to the Wednesday night contest.
This game could have real ramifications in terms of playoff seeding come the end of the season, and will also serve as a measuring stick of how ready Green Bay is to compete with the best of the best in the postseason.
Week 16 at Chicago Bears
The games against Chicago, especially the two played in the Windy City, defined Green Bay’s 2025 season for all the wrong reasons, as they choked away two victories they seemed to have in the bag.
Partly due to the antics of Bears coach Ben Johnson, as well as the enthralling contests played between the teams last season, the rivalry has well and truly been reignited, with Chicago returning to the playoffs and showing the potential to be a problem for years to come.
The two historic rivals may be vying for the soul of the NFC North when they meet this season (although the Lions may have something to say about that), but the second of the two scheduled games is the most fascinating, being played in Chicago on Christmas Day.
The Packers are to win the division for the first time in 2021. If they had recovered an onside kick and won the second matchup against the Bears late last year, they would likely have done so already. If they are to end the drought this season, they need to reestablish dominance over Chicago.
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Mark Oldacres is a sports writer from Birmingham, England and a Green Bay Packers fan. You can follow him on twitter at @MarkOldacres
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Comments (9)
packer132
May 25, 2026 at 10:48 am
Way too soon to predict "must" or crucial games. The NFL is a parody league now which is good for all. Packers could go 13-4 or 11-6 very easily. Road games are tough no matter who you are playing. It would be nice to start out 4-1 which looks possible right now. Summer camp is still in the distance and position battles will be important. What I think is important is how the team is playing toward the end of the season. Four of the last five games are home games which should mean something. We are all optimistic at this time of year.
barutanseijin
May 25, 2026 at 11:28 am
Parody league? Maybe it is all a big joke…
Stik75
May 25, 2026 at 10:58 am
I think these two three game stretches with four games against division opponents and four games at home are:
Week 5-7: Bears- Cowboys- at Lions
Week 16-18: at Bears- Texans- Lions
Not to say that every game isnt important in its own way. But I think the above is crucial to win at least four IF not sweep these contests.
splitpea1
May 25, 2026 at 10:58 am
The divisional games will be the defining ones...Winning the division for the first time in a few years will finally elevate us to a higher playoff seed. No matter how good you are, it's a tough road getting to the top from the seventh seed; even though the Packers have gotten there as the sixth and last seed before, it usually doesn't happen very often.
Since'75
May 25, 2026 at 11:22 am
Have a humble and grateful Memorial Day all.
Thank you for all who serve, served, and sacrificed.
********
Two thumbs down?
Well that tells us all we need to know about the thumbs down crowd, doesn't it.
Pity
Ferrari-Driver
May 25, 2026 at 12:08 pm
To me the crucial games are the two with the Bears and the two with the Vikings. If we win those four, it will go a long way to making me a happy camper.
Since'61
May 25, 2026 at 12:17 pm
Win our home games and split on the road. That makes the Packers 13-4 with a sure playoff spot if not a division title plus a #1 or 2 seed in the conference. The Packers must reestablish their dominance at Lambeau. Thanks, Since '61
Since'75
May 26, 2026 at 03:34 pm
With 9 home games, that's a big bite of the apple '61
ricky
May 25, 2026 at 04:25 pm
The Bears led the league in interceptions and fourth quarter come-from-behind wins. They are walking a fine line between mediocrity and the post season. Will they continue to be lucky this season, or come down to Earth? I'd vote for them taking a step back. But then again, I'm a lifelong Bear hater.