The NFL draft is over, and rookie minicamps and the offseason workout program roll on across the league. So, what’s the next big thing during the month of May? The NFL’s schedule release. The Green Bay Packers and 31 other teams might know their 2026 opponents, but the full, 17-game schedule release is approaching.
For one reason or another, the ordering of the already known 17 opponents is an exciting thing. The NFL has turned it into a full blown event.
For the Packers, the biggest games will be inside the division. With the ascension of Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears (and the bubbling tension of the awakened rivalry), the overall talent of the Detroit Lions and the potential comeback of the Minnesota Vikings with Kyler Murray at quarterback, the NFC North is once again shaping up to be one of the NFL’s most difficult divisions. Needless to say, every division game will be incredibly important for the Packers. Can the Packers avenge the two heartbreaking losses to the Bears from last season? Will the Packers sweep the Lions once again? Are the Vikings, who beat the JV version of the Packers in the season finale, going to be a tough out in 2026?
While all six division games shape up to be among the season’s most important, the Packers will also face several top teams and a few other intriguing opponents during the 2026 season.
Here are the five biggest non-division games on the schedule:
Home vs. Dallas Cowboys
This isn’t Micah Parsons returning home to Dallas, but it’s still Cowboys-Packers at Lambeau Field, the return of Rashan Gary and Kenny Clark to Green Bay and a rematch of last season’s thrilling 40-40 tie. Plus, the Cowboys look like one of the league’s most interesting teams entering 2026, considering all the pieces they’ve added defensively. For entertainment purposes, one can only hope this game is scheduled in October or later, so Parsons is back and close to 100 percent.
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
Reporting by Zach Kruse, Packers Wire / Packers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
