Denver, Colorado – December 15, 2025
In a shocking move just hours before kickoff against the Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has removed two key starters from the opening lineup. Team sources confirm the decision was made immediately after the coaching staff verified the players’ involvement in “unacceptable conduct.”
Insiders describe this as “one of the toughest decisions” LaFleur has had to make ahead of this high-stakes Packers-Broncos matchup. The Packers (9-3-1) sit atop the NFC North and hold the No. 2 seed in the conference, riding strong momentum into a road test against the AFC’s top-seeded Broncos (11-2), who boast a dominant home record and are eyeing a playoff clinch.
LaFleur, renowned for fostering a culture of accountability and discipline since taking over in 2019, did not hesitate to enforce team standards. The specific nature of the conduct has not been disclosed publicly, but sources emphasize it involves internal team rule violations rather than any external legal matters, potentially impacting team morale or professionalism.
In a strategic choice to minimize distractions, the Packers organization has opted not to reveal the players’ identities before the game. The official starting lineup and depth chart will only become clear as players emerge for warm-ups or when announcements are made at Empower Field at Mile High. “This is an internal matter, and we’ll let the field speak for itself,” a source near the coaching staff noted.
LaFleur has often publicly stated that “no individual is bigger than the team,” a mantra that has helped guide Green Bay through transitions and into consistent contention. His tough leadership has earned respect, even as it occasionally requires painful choices like this one.
Today’s inter-conference clash pits two of the league’s hottest teams against each other: the Packers aiming to strengthen their NFC positioning, and Sean Payton’s surging Broncos looking to extend their impressive run. Quarterback Jordan Love and the offense will need to rely heavily on depth if key pieces are absent, while the defense faces a stern challenge from Bo Nix and Denver’s balanced attack.
Packers faithful traveling to Denver or tuning in nationwide are on edge, awaiting the pregame reveal to identify exactly who has been sidelined. Could this disciplinary measure derail Green Bay’s push for a top seed? Or might it ignite a fire under the rest of the roster, leading to a statement victory on the road?
LaFleur’s history suggests he prioritizes long-term culture over immediate results—a gamble that has paid dividends in the past.
The Green Bay Packers visit the Denver Broncos today at 2:25 PM MST (4:25 PM ET) at Empower Field at Mile High. The game airs nationally on CBS, with streaming available on Paramount+ and other platforms. Keep an eye on lineup announcements as the teams hit the field—that’s when the mystery will unfold.
Under Matt LaFleur, accountability reigns supreme.
