Friday Cheese Curds: The Packers’ schedule is here and it’s spectacular

TL;DR

The Green Bay Packers' 2026 schedule has been released, featuring a favorable setup with minimal travel and multiple long rest periods. Fans can look forward to six prime time games and a strong start to the season.

Key points

Packers' 2026 schedule features minimal travel
Team has six prime time games and a Christmas Day game
Multiple long rest periods between games
Early games set up well for the team
Reactions from fans and analysts are positive

Green Bay PackersChicago Bears

GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 07: Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) celebrates with fans during his Lambeau Leap during a game between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears on December 7, 2025 at Lambeau Field, in Green Bay, WI. (Photo by Larry Radloff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Except for those fans who absolutely hate prime time games, the Green Bay Packers’ fan base should be very pleased with how the team’s 2026 schedule sets up. Yes, the Packers are set to play one of the toughest slates of games of any team in 2026 based on their opponents’ combined winning percentage from last year. But that comes with the territory of playing in the NFC North, where every team finished above .500 a year ago once again. That is what it is; but what the NFL can control is the order of the games and how much rest a team gets (and when). On those fronts, the Packers should feel great about this year’s schedule. They don’t have to travel on especially short weeks in 2026, and in fact they barely have to travel at all in the last five weeks. They get five opportunities for 9 days or more of rest between games. And the first month sets up nicely out of the gate if Micah Parsons can’t return in time for week 1. All in all, this feels like the most advantageous schedule that the Packers have had in years, and it’s weird to come away from schedule release day feeling…good. In case you missed it, here’s the Packers’ schedule release video, which doesn’t really reveal the schedule in any significant way but does feature a few of the team’s star players (and a cameo appearance from a recent Packers star) in some fun claymation hijinks. In any case, reactions to the schedule itself are pouring in from around the Packers blogosphere, so here we go. From the bizarre bye week and rest situation to a whopping six prime time games (and a seventh standalone game on Christmas Day), there will be no shortage of opportunities to watch the Packers nationwide. “When the return hit it’s gonna be special” is Parsons’ response. Week 5 against the Bears, perhaps? That early set of games before Parsons is expected to come back should match up pretty well for the Packers. If you prefer your reactions in audio format, we have you covered. The word “advantageous” comes up a lot. I love that one of the early reactions to the schedule is that the Bears will miss the playoffs. And I agree – they’ve got a pretty brutal slate after an early three-game homestand.

Q&A

What does the Green Bay Packers' 2026 schedule look like?

The 2026 schedule includes a tough slate of opponents but offers favorable conditions like minimal travel and several long rest periods.

How many prime time games will the Packers play in 2026?

The Packers are scheduled to play six prime time games in 2026, plus a standalone game on Christmas Day.

Why is the Packers' 2026 schedule considered advantageous?

The schedule is seen as advantageous due to limited travel on short weeks and multiple opportunities for extended rest between games.

What are the key takeaways from the Packers' schedule release?

Key takeaways include a bizarre bye week, a favorable early schedule, and reactions highlighting the potential impact of Micah Parsons' return.

Friday Cheese Curds: The Packers’ schedule is here and it’s spectacular

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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