The next circled date for Green Bay Packers fans as they await the upcoming season is the release of the 2026 schedule, which is set for Thursday, May 14.
The Packers already have their list of opponents for the 2026 season, and with that they are projected to have the fourth-toughest strength of schedule in the NFL. That is based on their opponents’ 2025 winning percentage, which averaged .538.
Filling in the dates and times will ultimately determine just how difficult the schedule could potentially be, though. CBS Sports’ Bryan DeArdo says their biggest concern may be how their road schedule is laid out.
Packers Could Be Hoping For Favorable Road Schedule
DeArdo explains that if the Packers had one wish for their 2026 schedule, it would be for a favorable road schedule.
“Green Bay has an interesting list of road opponents from a weather standpoint,” DeArdo wrote. “Ideally, the Packers would travel to New England, Chicago and New York early in the season and travel to Tampa Bay later in the year. Green Bay would also probably prefer to avoid the Rams in primetime, given the West Coast travel.”
First, here is the list of away teams the Packers will face in 2026:
- Minnesota Vikings
- Detroit Lions
- Chicago Bears
- New Orleans Saints
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- New England Patriots
- New York Jets
- Los Angeles Rams
At least six of those teams have playoff potential in 2026 (Vikings, Lions, Bears, Buccaneers, Patriots and Rams), with three making the playoffs last year (Bears, Patriots and Rams).
The Packers spent the majority of the final part of their season on the road last year. They had just two home games from Dec. 7 through Jan. 4, with games at Denver, Chicago and Minnesota. They went 1-4 during that stretch and 4-4-1 on the road overall.
For Green Bay, they have enough weather concerns of their own to deal with at Lambeau Field in December and January. While that can oftentimes work to their advantage, facing teams in warmer climates is probably still ideal.
Packers 2026 Win Total Projection
Sharp Football Analysis has the Packers ranked much differently according to its data. It has the Packers ranked No. 17 in strength of schedule with a projected 10.5-win total based on Las Vegas win totals.
Unlike the NFL, Sharp Football Analysis does not base its rankings on the previous season’s records.
“While there are no perfect strength of schedule metrics, using 2026 Vegas win totals is much better than most widely used metrics that incorporate the previous season’s record,” the site states.
“Basing strength of schedule on last year’s records is lazy, inaccurate, and inefficient. NFL teams often undergo significant changes between seasons, including roster adjustments, coaching staff changes and player development.
“Additionally, the NFL’s 17-game season is a small sample size. Outcomes can be heavily influenced by luck, such as fumble recoveries or tipped passes. These factors make prior season records a poor indicator of future performance.”
The Packers finished 9-7-1 last year while facing what Sharp Football Analysis ranked as the No. 8 strength of schedule. Even though they made the playoffs and earned the final NFC wild-card spot, that is not quite where they want to be. Perhaps a more manageable schedule in 2026 will help them take the next step.
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