When people talk about the greatest rivalries in football, they usually point to the divisional bloodbaths—the Bears and the Packers, or maybe the Colts and the Titans. But honestly, if you skip over the history of the Indianapolis Colts vs Green Bay, you're missing the literal DNA of the modern NFL. It's weird. These teams only see each other every few years because they're in different conferences, yet every time they meet, weird stuff happens.
Take the most recent regular-season clash on September 15, 2024. The Packers squeezed out a 16-10 win at Lambeau Field. It wasn't exactly a high-flying offensive masterclass. In fact, it was kind of a gritty, defensive slugfest that reminded everyone why playing in Green Bay is a nightmare for dome teams. Malik Willis was under center for the Packers then, filling in for Jordan Love, and he did just enough to keep the chains moving. On the other side, Anthony Richardson was still trying to find his rhythm in a season that felt like a rollercoaster for Indy fans.
The 2025 preseason gave us another taste of this matchup on August 16. The Packers' reserves staged a wild comeback at Lucas Oil Stadium, erasing a 13-0 deficit to win 23-19. Sean Clifford sealed it with a touchdown run late in the fourth. Sure, it’s "just preseason," but the intensity in the building said otherwise.
The 1960s: When the World Revolved Around Indy and Green Bay
You’ve gotta go back to the Baltimore era to understand the weight of this game. Before the 1970 merger, the Colts and Packers were divisional rivals in the NFL West. Basically, if you wanted a championship, you had to kill one of these two giants. From 1958 to 1970, one of these teams made the NFL Championship or the Super Bowl in almost every single season.
It was Johnny Unitas vs. Bart Starr. Don Shula vs. Vince Lombardi.
Think about the sheer amount of Hall of Fame talent on the field at once. In 1958, the Colts absolutely demolished the Packers 56-0. It remains the worst defeat in Packers history. Some say Lombardi never forgot that humiliation, and it fueled the relentless discipline he installed in Green Bay shortly after.
The "Ghost Goal" of 1965
If you want to talk about controversy, we have to talk about the 1965 Western Conference playoff. It’s arguably the most famous game in the history of the Indianapolis Colts vs Green Bay rivalry. The Colts were leading 10-7 late in the game. Packers kicker Don Chandler lined up for a 22-yard field goal to tie it.
The ball sailed wide left. Like, clearly wide.
The officials called it good anyway. The game went to overtime, the Packers won, and they eventually took the NFL Championship. Fans in Baltimore (and later Indy) have been salty about that for sixty years. It actually led the NFL to make the goalposts taller the very next season—the "Chandler Rule."
Head-to-Head: A Series of Runs
Historically, this is one of the most balanced series in football. The all-time record sits at roughly 29 wins for Green Bay, 28 for the Colts, and one lone tie back in 1982. It’s essentially a coin flip every time they step on the grass.
- The Packers' Dominance: Green Bay once reeled off 10 straight wins during their 1960s dynasty years.
- The Colts' Revenge: Indianapolis answered back with a 9-game winning streak of their own spanning the late 60s and early 70s.
- Modern Era: Since 2000, the series has stayed close, though the Packers have taken two of the last three regular-season meetings.
The 2012 "Chuckstrong" game is another one that stays in the minds of Colts fans. Indianapolis was playing for their coach, Chuck Pagano, who was battling leukemia. Andrew Luck, then just a rookie, led a massive 21-3 comeback to win 30-27. It wasn't just a win; it was a spiritual moment for the city of Indianapolis.
Key Factors That Define the Matchup Today
When these two teams play now, it's usually a clash of philosophies. Green Bay has built a "draft and develop" powerhouse that seemingly never runs out of franchise quarterbacks. Indianapolis, meanwhile, has spent the last few years searching for that same stability after the sudden retirement of Andrew Luck.
Watching Jordan Love against the Indy secondary is always fascinating. Love has that Brett Favre-esque "I can make any throw" mentality, which can either result in a 400-yard day or three interceptions. The Colts' defense, under Gus Bradley's system, tends to play a lot of zone, which a smart quarterback like Love can pick apart if the pass rush doesn't get home.
On the flip side, the Colts' identity revolves around the run game. Jonathan Taylor is a human highlight reel when he's healthy. If the Colts can establish the run, it opens up the deep shots for guys like Michael Pittman Jr. and Adonai Mitchell. The Packers' defense has historically struggled against physical, downhill runners, so that’s always the matchup to watch in the trenches.
Why We Should Care About the Next Chapter
Looking ahead at the 2025-2026 landscape, the Colts are in a "prove it" phase. They finished the 2025 season with an 8-9 record, missing the playoffs after a late-season skid. They need to prove they can beat elite non-conference opponents like Green Bay to be taken seriously as contenders.
The Packers are in a different boat. They are firmly in their championship window with a young, explosive roster. Every game against an AFC opponent is a chance for them to secure home-field advantage at Lambeau, which is a massive factor come January.
What to Watch for in Future Meetings:
- Quarterback Mobility: Both teams are shifting toward quarterbacks who can hurt you with their legs. Whether it’s Anthony Richardson’s raw power or Jordan Love’s subtle pocket movement, the days of the statue-like pocket passer are gone in this rivalry.
- The Turnover Battle: In the 2024 game, the Colts turned the ball over at critical moments. Against a team as efficient as the Packers, you simply can't do that.
- The Dome vs. Tundra Factor: The Colts are used to the pristine conditions of Lucas Oil. When they travel to Green Bay, the grass and the wind always play a role. Conversely, when the Packers come to Indy, the speed of the game increases significantly on the turf.
If you’re a betting person or just a die-hard fan, keep an eye on the injury reports for the offensive lines. Both teams rely heavily on "protection-first" schemes. If the Colts' interior line is banged up, Kenny Clark will have a field day. If the Packers' tackles are struggling, the Colts' edge rushers will make life miserable for Love.
To stay ahead of the curve on the next Indianapolis Colts vs Green Bay matchup, you should track the development of the young secondary players on both rosters. The NFL is a passing league now, and these games are increasingly decided by which defensive back can make a play on the ball in the fourth quarter. Check the official NFL schedule releases in the spring to see when the next regular-season chapter will be written.