Predicting Green Bay Packers' primetime games for 2026 NFL season

The most historic rivalry in league history also happens to be one of the best right now.

Green Bay and Chicago split the season series in 2025, but the Bears got the best of the Packers in the wild-card round of the playoffs, mounting an 18-point comeback in the second half and scoring 25 points in the fourth quarter to secure their first postseason victory since 2011.

With both teams set to return as contenders in the NFC, it's a no-brainer for the NFL to schedule Green Bay and Chicago for a primetime spot at some point this season, likely at Soldier Field in front of one of most loyal fanbases in American sports.

Packers vs. Cowboys

Another historic rival should also take center stage in primetime in 2026.

The Cowboys and Packers played on Monday Night Football in Week 4 last season, and the game ended in a 40-40 tie. Both Jordan Love and Dak Prescott threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns.

Along with the offensive firepower on both sides, Micah Parsons playing his former team once again, this time at Lambeau Field, is a storyline worth putting under the lights, along with Rashan Gary returning to Green Bay after being traded to Dallas this offseason.

Packers vs. Dolphins

This one is the least likely to happen out of all the games on this list, but the storyline of Malik Willis returning to Lambeau with the Dolphins could catapult this matchup into a primetime.

Willis spent just two seasons with the Packers, but established himself as a fan favorite and arguably the best backup quarterback in the sport. The Liberty product is now in Miami with the Dolphins, where he will serve as their starting signal-caller after signing a three-year deal.

Outside of the Willis storyline, this contest doesn't breathe must excitement, so it would most likely land on a Thursday Night.

Packers at Patriots

Green Bay had four set primetime games in 2025, as their Week 16 matchup with Chicago was flexed to a Saturday night, and I believe we will see the same in 2026.

The Packers and Patriots only play each other every four years, so the NFL should take advantage and put these two historic franchises in primetime. Jordan Love versus Drake Maye is an exciting matchup between two young star quarterbacks, and Romeo Doubs' return to Green Bay after signing with New England this offseason also adds some spice to this contest.

Another added storyline in this game will be LaFleur versus Mike Vrabel. LaFleur was the Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator under Vrabel in 2018, which was the year before he was hired by the Packers as head coach.