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The Packers Must Start Fast in 2026

Originally posted on PackersTalk.com | By Jack Kurz | Last updated May 21, 2026 10:45 AM ET

The end of the 2025 Packers season is one that all Packer fans hope to soon forget. Green Bay was 9-3 and rolling in Denver against the soon to be number 1 seed in the AFC. Then, everything collapsed and the avalanche roared down the side of the mountain taking any and all 2025 Packer hopes with it. To start the 2026 season, Green Bay must come out with a high level of urgency.

The majority of the key players will return in 2026. Matt LaFleur and Brian Gutekunst are back as well. Normally, the Week 1 result does not matter too much but this season, it feels like it might hold extra weight. Starting off the 2026 season with a win, will certainly reenergize the fanbase, especially against the hated rival Minnesota Vikings. A win would calm the nerves in Green Bay.

The Packers first four games, despite three of them being on the road, look fairly favorable at the moment. The Vikings seem to be set to be the weakest of the four NFC North teams. The Jets might be the worst team in the NFL. The Falcons seem to be stuck in a cycle of mediocrity. The Buccaneers might be a challenge but they are not considered to be a top tier team by many.

No Time For Lackluster Performances

Green Bay started last season with two dominate victories in Lambeau against Detroit and Washington. Then, the Packers went to Cleveland and had a real clunker performance where they ultimately gave the game away. Green Bay had a similar lackluster performance in the second half of the playoff game against the Bears. This has a been a trend of Matt LaFleur led teams where it seems like the Packers simply do not get off the bus or their engine stalls after a full speed start.

The NFL report cards revealed that a few players, it is unknown who exactly it was, were upset with their roles. It is possible that those players and that type of energy played a role in these sleepy performances. However, Green Bay seems to understand that their time is now and that Father Time is circling this group of players. Jordan Love will be in his fourth year as the starter. Kraft, Reed, and Watson are all entering their fourth or fifth season. Josh Jacobs is set to begin his eighth NFL season. The list goes on with Packer players who becoming veterans.

Time flies in the NFL and a player’s life span is short lived. As a result, there is no time for a slow start to the 2025 season. The Packers need to add some juice back into the fanbase. They need to control and contain inferior opponents. It is hard to be perfect for 17 games but the NFL handed the Packers a pretty appealing start to the season. Hopefully, LaFleur and co realize that. Look for the Packers to start fast and prove that 2025 is well behind them.

This article first appeared on PackersTalk.com and was syndicated with permission.

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