5 biggest non-division opponents on the Packers' 2026 schedule

Away at Los Angeles Rams

The Rams were an NFC finalist in 2025 and have NFL MVP Matthew Stafford returning at quarterback, but with the added intrigue of first-round pick Ty Simpson now playing Jordan Love to Stafford's Aaron Rodgers in Los Angeles. Regardless of who is playing quarterback, the Rams are one of the NFL's most talented teams, and an already good defense added Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson at corner this offseason. Matt LaFleur currently owns a 5-0 head-to-head record over Sean McVay, his good friend. Expect a pro-Packers crowd in Los Angeles.

Home vs. Buffalo Bills

Josh Allen, one of the NFL's premier players, will return to Lambeau Field for the first time since throwing two picks in a 22-0 shutout loss to the Packers as a rookie in 2018. A much bigger challenge awaits eight years later. He will bring with him a talented roster, plus former Chicago Bears receiver D.J. Moore, who scored the go-ahead touchdown in each of the gut-wrenching losses to the Bears last season. One other wrinkle: the Bills defensive coordinator is Jim Leonhard, who many wanted as the Packers coordinator in both 2021 and this past hiring cycle.

Home vs. Miami Dolphins

Packers vs. Packers South at Lambeau. The Dolphins probably won't be good in 2026, but they will be fascinating to watch as former Packers coach Jeff Hafley and former Packers executive Jon-Eric Sullivan navigate the early stages of a rebuild. The quarterback will be former Packers backup Malik Willis, a dynamic playmaker who could -- with Devon Achane as his running back -- make any matchup entertaining. Several former Packers coaches will be working under Hafley, who isn't without talent on the defensive side. This likely won't be a primetime matchup on the Packers' schedule, but it might be the most intriguing game.

Away at New England Patriots

A road battle against the defending AFC champions, and a matchup with former Packers receiver Romeo Doubs, who signed a four-year deal to become one of Drake Maye's new top targets in New England. This could easily be a primetime game. Maye vs. Jordan Love looks like one of the season's top quarterback battles.

Others

Home vs. Houston Texans: The Packers offensive line better be ready to go because one of the NFL's best defenses -- and edge rusher duos -- is on the 2026 home schedule.

Home vs. Carolina Panthers: A chance for revenge after last season's home loss, and the return of Rasheed Walker (and maybe A.J. Dillon?) to Green Bay.

Away at New Orleans Saints: This game could be in Paris, which is hosting France's first ever NFL game in 2026. TBD.

Away at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The date of this one will be important. Playing in Florida in September can be difficult on visiting opponents. Playing in Florida in December could be a nice break from the cold.

This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: 5 biggest non-division opponents on the Packers' 2026 schedule