We have a whole lotta fun on the horizon here at packers.com

Wes Hodkiewicz

Davy from Watertown, WI

On the plus side, being up so late the night before Thanksgiving will help your internal clock manage all that early morning Black Friday shopping more easily.

You know the NFL schedule release is a big deal when there's an announcement, within an announcement, before the big announcement. Fortunately, the day we have all been waiting for is finally here.

Steve from Bradenton, FL

So, Mike and Wes, individually or collectively, your immediate thoughts upon seeing the Thanksgiving Day Eve game in LA?

It looks like I'm gonna have to get creative to keep my tradition alive of watching "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" the night before Thanksgiving.

Doug from Neenah, WI

Good morning. First, you had "Three Things" along with Wes and Larry. Then it was "Five Things Learned" or "5 Things to Know" about a player. Now There's "6 Things to Know" about this year's 6-man draft class. Is this what they call inflation?

Just wait for our "10 things to know about the Packers' 2026 schedule" post this evening. Also, it's a good idea to stay tuned to our website, app and social platforms today for all your updates, videos and analysis related to this year's schedule release. As I've said all week, we have a whole lotta fun on the horizon here at packers.com.

Brett from Pasadena, CA

It seems Mike was right about jinxing the Rams game and it being a night game. But when you think about it, is it really that bad? Yeah, you get home late but you have Thanksgiving off then a long weekend to boot. Not that bad right?

I'll let Mike give his two cents tomorrow, but I don't mind the Wednesday game. I hope that means we'll be off for Thanksgiving. Either way, getting a long weekend after the longest road trip is not the worst thing.

Jim from Hudsonville, MI

As of this moment, with what little is confirmed about this year's schedule, I have to say I'm pretty excited! Nine home games, zero international games, and only one road game farther than one time zone away. Even with some potential short-rest weeks, it's looking somewhat favorable already. What's your "hope" for the schedule at this point?

The layout is promising now that we know when the L.A. game will be played. Hopefully, the Packers have a bye week that's close to the middle of the season. Week 5 is too early, and Weeks 13-14 are too late. My other request is that the NFL balances out NFC North games more than it did last year. The Packers playing the Bears three times over the span of a month got tired, especially with some of the rhetoric Ben Johnson was using. It felt like watching a Josh Hokit promo.

Luke from Dubuque, IA

With the full schedule set to release in a few hours, one of the first things I will be looking for is when our BYE week occurs. For the past few seasons (besides 2024) the BYE always seems to occur either too early or too late in the season. Last year, having the BYE in Week 5 was just way too early with having a long final stretch to finish the regular season (with a couple of mini BYEs in between). Would you rather see our BYE week early, somewhere in the middle, or at the end of the season?

Bye weeks are like cold tubs. One minute is too short and 10 minutes is too long. There's an obvious window there for the bye to truly be effective in an 18-week season and not just "Free Parking" for the NFL as it builds the schedule.

Venny from Montgomery, AL

Just a comment. I'm not a fan of the Wednesday game that late in the season. It seems like it would throw the players and coaches off schedule just enough where it could impact the last few games of the season.

It makes sense for the NFL to plug its product into these holiday windows. While I understand the league's goal is to make money, the consumer's primary objective is for their team to win a Super Bowl. As a league, we cannot compromise the latter to appease the former. That chase for glory is what pays all of our paychecks.

Chris from New Canaan, CT

The schedule may not be out as yet but give it a few hours. In the meantime, we know this: Green Bay will travel an estimated 12,675 miles in 2026 (28th in the NFL). SF tops the list at 38,105; CAR the least at 8,740. As for division foes, DET 18,958; MIN 14,852; CHI 10,676. So, we've got limited travel by comparison going for us. And this is not math; this is reporting numbers, there's a difference. Also, begs the question, do you guys get credit for miles flown on charters? GPG

We do not, but I'll gladly trade those for the accommodations. We have the easy jobs, too. Travel matters much more for players in the midst of a grueling NFL season. I'm sure the players and coaches are happy to be on the light end of that equation this year.

Thomas from Germany

Hi! No Europe game again this year. While I know most fans prefer keeping games at home, we Europeans can't wait to see GB live over here again. I've been to the U.S. for games but can't make it every year. When do you think they'll return? Since there's no away game against Jacksonville soon, the chances look pretty slim. What's your take?

I was surprised the NFL didn't send the Packers overseas with Green Bay set to host nine regular-season games at Lambeau this year. I cannot wait for that first game in Germany, but your guess is as good as mine when it'll happen. The good news is I never thought the Packers would play in Brazil, let alone two years after going to London. Then, boom, it happened. So, we gotta take it year-to-year.

James from Appleton, WI

Golly, put away your passport. Nine home games. DoesJordan Lovehave any home/away splits worth noting? Does anyone? Insider Inbox needs its own version of a terrible towel, maybe with your faces on one side and the backs of your heads on the other.

The world is not ready for Inbox towels. I dove into Love's numbers, and his splits are pretty standard. He's 15-8 during the regular season at Lambeau Field and 12-11-1 on the road since taking over as QB1 in 2023.

Dustin from Kansas City, MO

Us fans spend a lot of time in the offseason analyzing roster battles and depth charts. From your perspective, how much of building a successful team comes down to chemistry and leadership behind the scenes that we never really get to see?

It's a balancing act. The closest team won't win a game if it doesn't have the talent. Likewise, you can have the most talented team in the league and finish .500 if the chemistry isn't right. That's why team leaders are so important veterans and "glue guys" who will pull guys together when adversity hits.

Marcus from Duluth, MN

Just a comment.Loved the pieceonTyrod Taylorand it's a great reminder of this organization's values that emphasize quality character and leadership across the board. I know this sentiment is shared often among other fans but having guys like Tyrod on the roster (among many other outstanding men), for me, makes each season worth watching, whether it's win, lose, or draw.

Every team needs a Tyrod Taylor or two, even if he doesn't play quarterback.

Richard from Caledonia, WI

Latest information onJacob Monk's health so far this offseason? Could he be a big contributor if healthy? Thanks!

Monk came back from the hamstring at the end of last year and presumably entered the offseason as healthy as he could be. He will be part of that competition to be the next man up on the interior offensive line in training camp.

Bob from Jensen Beach, FL

When a player such as Brandon McManus has a "June 1" release announced, can he sign with another team prior to that?

Correct. The June 1 designation was created to allow veteran players to sign with a new team immediately rather than having to find a new job near the end of the offseason program when most teams have spent their cap money.

Dave from Minneapolis, MN

I have concerns about our receiver depth this season. We all know receivers and corners take a pretty serious injury hit throughout a 17-game season, so depth is must at this position. I seeSkyy Moorewas a second-round pick four years ago but has never really blossomed into an average receiver in the NFL. Nobody seems to mention him in our receiving corps. What are your thoughts on him being counted on in the event he has to play?

Both Matt LaFleur and Brian Gutekunst were quick to mention Moore's name when discussing the receiver depth this offseason. He's expected to be the Packers' primary kickoff and punt returner but those will not be his only duties. Again, I don't have too big of an issue with Green Bay's receiver depth. That's not only because of Moore,Savion Williams,Bo Meltonand others but also the Packers' ability to play multiple tight ends and running backs if the situation calls for it.

Andrew from Richmond, VA

With all the emphasis on emphasizing special teams, let's not forget that they drafted a guy who blocked three punts last year! I'd settle for even one this season...

And I can see why after standing next toDani Dennis-Sutton. There is a massive opportunity there for DDS and all the young edge rushers to carve out a role straightaway on special teams withLukas Van Nessentrenched in the starting lineup and Kingsley Enagbare in New York.

Ethan from La Crosse, WI

I'm sure this is one of many submissions about Jaire's article in the Player's Tribune, so I will keep this short. Thanks, Jaire, and keep doing great things!

I've talked about Jaire quite a bit over the past year and my thoughts remain the same. He's a great dude who gave everything he had to this football team. I wish him nothing but the best in whatever he does moving forward. I feel like 20 years from now football will be a small part of a much larger story for Alexander.

Paul from Ellensburg, WA

Hey fellas, regarding the great players conversation it was stated yesterday that a team can only afford a couple greats. I think that's missing a key element of the draft and rookie contracts. IfMatthew Golden,Edgerrin CooperorJordan Morganfor examples turn into special players this season we won't be paying them like Jordan Love orXavier McKinneyfor a couple more. Isn't the key to winning, finding those guys and capitalizing while they're cheap?

Yes, but it's not just about the first-round picks. I'd argue finding value in the later rounds is even more important to a team maximizing its championship window. Seattle won a Super Bowl in 2014 with that approach and did it again this past January.

Brian from West Chester, OH

Watching the UFL in the offseason, I see some talent appears no worse than some UDFA or lower-round draft picks. It feels like the UFL and NFL could promote a version of a minor league. I am curious about your thoughts about a soft NFL sponsorship where four NFL teams per one UFL team could at least tag and promote prospects for a July camp invite.

There's no need for it. The NFL already benefits from it without spending a dime on the spring leagues.

Jeff from Green Bay, WI

Hi Wes, you received Starting Lineups figures Brett Favre and Emmitt Smith for Christmas 1995. I (and all Packers fans) received the biggest Christmas gift of all that holiday when Yancey Thigpen dropped that ball!

And I was there, too, later that day.

Brian from Twain Harte, CA

I found the discussion on which people are interested in watching to be very intriguing. The player I am most interested in seeing this year is Van Ness. He now has more experience and it looks like the Packers are giving him every opportunity to excel. Hopefully he will take full advantage of this opportunity. Asking which player in 2026 that IIs are more interested in watching, and why, might be a good question for the Outsiders inbox.

I've added it to the list, which is quickly filling up.

Dominic from Riverside, IL

Adam McCalvy, the Brewers.com beat writer, got a lifetime pass to MLB games for 25 years as a writer. When do the Insiders get their NFL lifetime pass?

I'm just happy when my badge scans into Lambeau.

Ingrid from Hugo, MN

Come on, Wes... "Hopefully, Moore/Smack can elevate the unit." ... You may see yourself out, sir.

I knew what I was doingand it was worth it.

Cam from Pekin, IL

My bad on the Robert Kraft debacle. I watchedTucker Kraftplay against my alma mater for four years. Same withChristian Watson. Now I can actually cheer their accomplishments. I must've had a brain cramp when I submitted my post. Please forgive me. At least they're both affiliated with the NFL Robert and Tucker!

I'm sorry, Cam. I couldn't let that curveball hang in the zone without taking a swing at it.

Monty from Velva, ND

Hey Wes, your answer to the question about keeping Robert Kraft healthy was an all-timer and made me laugh for 15 minutes! Is it possible to assemble an II Hall of Fame reply page?

I'd probably be breaking another rule by doing so. Have a great day folks and hope you enjoy all the festivities with our schedule release and the rest of the NFL's.

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