If it feels like there are more penalties through week 7 of the 2026 NFL season, it’s because there are. To my fellow Cheeseheads, yes, the Green Bay Packers’ penalty disparity is real and harmful.

Over the past 10 NFL seasons, the referees have thrown around an average of 4000 penalties each season, and have only thrown more than 4300 flags once. If they continue at their current pace, they could cross 4800 thrown penalties by the end of the season.

Given the sudden increase, it is unlikely that the current trend is random. Many have speculated the reason why, but as the refs have the NFL shield protecting them, we will likely never know why.

Lambeau Laundry

While it is a league-wide issue, there is solid evidence that there is a Packers’ penalty bias so far this season. Below is a chart that shows how win percentage has helped and hindered each NFL team on subjective calls through week 7.

As indicated by the chart, the Green Bay Packers have lost over 80 win percentage points from penalties this season. While win percentage is often inaccurate, the Packers loss of win probability cannot be ignored.

A Packers’ penalty issue is further supported by the on field performance. The Vikings 4th quarter swing was made possible by defensive penalties on the Packers on three consecutive 3rd downs that all resulted in 1st downs for the offense.

This past weeks’ game against the Detroit Lions also displayed frustrating inconsistencies from the referees. Jordan Love was flagged for intentional grounding, despite the ball ending near to Tucker Kraft. On a similar play, Jared Goff was not flagged despite his throwaway landing far from any receiver.

A particular galling example was the NFL’s Twitter account posting a video of the Lions’ offense celebrating another Packers’ 3rd down penalty that gave them a 1st down. This is galling because it came one week after Matthew Golden was flagged and fined for flexing after earning a 1st down.

Lastly, the Packers are 0-8 in roughing the passer penalties called against them versus in their favor. Love has taken the most hits of any quarterback in the league, and has not drawn a single penalty for an excessive hit, while his defense has been flagged for it twice as much as the next most penalized team.

There’s no way that’s fair.

Hit ‘em where it hurts

As noted above, the Packers’ penalty streak has been particularly damaging when it matters most. Even beyond the Vikings game, the Packers defense has been penalized on extreme number of 3rd down plays.

User @nflrefstats1 on Twitter broke down the trend in a lengthy post. The statistic he pointed to was a rate of 1.71 automatic first down penalties given on 3rd down plays per game. The next highest rate in the past 5 seasons was the 2023 Titans which averaged 0.94 automatic first downs on 3rd down plays.

Even worse, this number is amplified in the 4th quarter, where the Packers average 1.29 automatic first downs on 3rd down. The next highest was the 2024 Commanders at 0.9.

These instances are infamous in the Packers’ early 2026 season. The drive which gave the Vikings the lead, several calls near the end of the Lions game, and the 3 roughing the passer calls during the Cowboys’ final drive. 

Two of these games were against NFC North opponents, and both resulted in losses. As a result, the Packers are now 4th in the division, and are a long shot to win the division or even make the playoffs.

If you see something, say nothing

If an NFL team consistently struggles with any part of their game, they usually have many options to fix it. They can focus on it in practice, sign or trade for players, or even fire coaches and general managers.

If an NFL team is consistently struggling with referees, there isn’t much they can do.

Firstly, coaches who criticize referees or specific calls will often be fined by the NFL. A week ago, 3 coaches were fined $250,000 apiece for arguing with refs during the game.

The same goes for players, and Xavier McKinney can expect the NFL to take a slice out of his paycheck after he said the officiating is “bull****,” following the Lions game. Matt LaFleur declined to comment and directly criticize the referees, likely to avoid the fine, but did say he thought the Packers received some “tough calls.”

Ultimately, the only way to get the NFL to care is to affect their bottom line. If fans get angry enough to stop watching, attending, and supporting the league, they might hold the referees accountable.

Until that happens, the Packers’ penalty crisis will continue.