Packers and Vikings Kick Off 2026 Season in Minneapolis
The NFC North rivalry ignites on a Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis, with the 2026 regular season opener set for September 13.
The air in Minneapolis is thick with anticipation as the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings prepare to collide. This NFC North showdown anchors the 2026 regular season, kicking off on Sunday afternoon, September 13. The stakes are high, the rivalry is old, and the stakes are visible in every passing yard line.
For most of the country, the game will be front and center. CBS carries the broadcast in the prime afternoon slot, placing this specific matchup in the living rooms of a massive portion of the NFL audience. It is not just a game; it is the launch point for a new season, a reset of the clock and the rivalry.
Broadcast Details and Coverage
According to Yahoo Sports, the telecast features Jim Nantz and J.J. Watt calling the action from U.S. Bank Stadium. Their voices will guide viewers through the opening drive of the 2026 campaign. The network has positioned this game as its flagship afternoon event, competing directly with the Chargers-Cardinals matchup.
However, geography dictates visibility for a few key markets. Denver, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Kansas City will not receive the Packers-Vikings game in their local CBS feed. In these areas, the Chargers-Cardinals contest takes the slot. For fans in these regions, the broadcast is still accessible, but it requires a different path to the action.
Streaming and Audio Options
Digital viewers have several avenues to catch the live action. Paramount+ offers a direct streaming route for the CBS broadcast, bringing the stadium atmosphere to screens everywhere. For those seeking out-of-market flexibility, NFL Sunday Ticket via YouTubeTV provides another layer of access. The game is not limited to video; the live radio broadcast is available to everyone through Packers.com, allowing the sound of the crowd to fill any room.
Looking Ahead to the Season
This opener is the first of many battles on the 2026 calendar. The Packers will travel to New York in Week 2, face the Falcons in Week 3, and host the Bears in Week 5. The schedule is a gauntlet of divisional rivals and cross-league clashes. The season ends with a return to Minneapolis in Week 10, setting the stage for the next chapter in this enduring rivalry.
