Who do you want the Packers to play in Week 1 of the 2026 season?

The NFL's regular season schedule is set to arrive in full on Thursday. While the opponents for the Green Bay Packers are known, the release of the 17-game order is always interesting and full of surprises.

One of the most important features: Who is the Week 1 opponent?

For the Packers, the opening game has added intrigue in 2026. Every team wants to start fast with a win -- like beating the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field last September -- but Matt LaFleur's team is in an interesting spot in 2026, with top players like Micah Parsons and Tucker Kraft coming back from major injuries. It's likely Parsons won't be ready in time for the season opener.

So, who do you want the Packers to play to open the season?

The staff at Packers Wire made their picks:

Zach Kruse: vs. Miami Dolphins

A game inside the division might be likely, but the Packers won't want to face a rival or play an important game without Micah Parsons. While there are no "cupcakes" in the NFL, a lesser opponent in Week 1 is favorable given how many important players are coming back from injury to start the 2026 season. Also, the Packers have two new coordinators, so an adjustment period might be unavoidable early. What about playing a team beginning a rebuild in the Packers' image? This game would be full of intrigue, given the Packers connections now in Miami, including coach Jeff Hafley and quarterback Malik Willis, but it's also a game the Packers would be big favorites to win at home. Get a victory at home to open the season, and get one week closer to returning Parsons. Save the big games for when the Packers are at full strength. I actually think this has a decent chance of happening; the NFL loves Week 1 storylines, and Packers-Dolphins probably aren't worthy of a primetime slot, especially if Parsons isn't available. Noon, Week 1, Lambeau.