If you’re flipping through every sports network looking for the channel for Kansas City game this afternoon, I’ve got some bad news that’s going to sting a little. You can stop scrolling through the guide. The Kansas City Chiefs aren't playing today, January 18, 2026.
Honestly, it feels weird. For years, this specific weekend in January—the Divisional Round—has basically been a national holiday in Missouri. We’re used to seeing Patrick Mahomes out there in the freezing cold, making some sidearm throw that defies the laws of physics. But after a brutal 6-11 regular season that wrapped up with a loss to the Raiders on January 4, the Chiefs are officially in "rebuild and rehab" mode.
Instead of a Chiefs kickoff, the NFL schedule for today features the Houston Texans taking on the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams facing the Chicago Bears. It’s a bit of a gut punch for the Kingdom, but that's the reality of the 2025-2026 season.
Where the Chiefs Season Went Wrong
It’s easy to look at the standings and just see a "6-11" record, but the story is a lot more complicated than that. Most fans know the turning point was the injury bug. You can’t lose your franchise quarterback and expect to coast into the postseason. Patrick Mahomes has been open about his recovery, recently telling team reporters that it’s a "long process" but he’s eyeing a return for Week 1 of the 2026 season.
Without Mahomes, the offense struggled to find an identity. We saw glimpses of hope, like that 31-0 shutout against the Raiders back in October, but the consistency just wasn't there. When you're looking for the channel for Kansas City game during the playoffs and come up empty, it’s a stark reminder of how much parity there really is in this league. One or two key injuries can derail a dynasty.
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The AFC West looks completely different right now. The Denver Broncos are currently the top seed in the AFC, hosting playoff games while the Chiefs watch from home. It's a total role reversal from what we've seen over the last half-decade.
How to Watch the Rest of the NFL Playoffs
Just because Kansas City isn't on the field doesn't mean the games aren't worth watching. Today's Divisional Round matchups are actually pretty massive for the landscape of the AFC. If you're still looking for football, here is where you can find the action today, Sunday, January 18:
Houston Texans at New England Patriots
- Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
- Channel: ESPN and ABC
- Streaming: NFL+, ESPN App
Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
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- Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
- Channel: NBC
- Streaming: Peacock
It’s definitely a different vibe. Seeing the Patriots back in the Divisional Round while the Chiefs sit out feels like a time warp. But if you’re a football junkie, these games are actually going to be high-level. The Texans' defense has been a "buzzsaw" lately, and the Bears playing a home playoff game at Soldier Field in January is always a spectacle.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Chiefs Season
Since you won't find a channel for Kansas City game until the preseason starts in August, let's talk about what's actually coming up. The 2026 opponents have already been determined based on the NFL's rotating scheduling formula.
Kansas City is going to have a tough road back to the top. Because they finished in last place in the AFC West this year, they’ll actually get a "fourth-place" schedule, which might help them bounce back faster. They’ll be facing the entire AFC East and the NFC West next year. That means games against the Bills, Dolphins, 49ers, and Seahawks.
The most interesting part of the 2026 schedule is the home-away split. The Chiefs will have eight home games and nine road games. They'll be hosting the San Francisco 49ers and the Indianapolis Colts at Arrowhead, but they have to travel to face the Bengals and the Bills. If Mahomes is healthy, those are primetime locks.
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Is there any Chiefs content on today?
While there isn't a live game, if you are desperate for your Chiefs fix, the local Kansas City stations (like KSHB 41) usually run playoff retrospectives or draft preview specials during this time of year. You can also head over to the official Chiefs YouTube channel or the Chiefs Mobile App. They’ve been posting a lot of "injury rehab" updates and behind-the-scenes looks at the early off-season workouts.
It's not the same as a live broadcast. We all know that. But it's something to hold us over until training camp.
The silence at Arrowhead this January is loud. But if history tells us anything, a healthy Mahomes and a high draft pick usually lead to a very dangerous Chiefs team the following year.
Actionable Next Steps for Chiefs Fans
Since the game isn't on, here is what you should actually do with your Sunday to stay ahead of the curve for next season:
- Check the Draft Order: With a 6-11 record, the Chiefs are picking much higher than usual. Keep an eye on the mock drafts starting to pop up on sites like The Athletic or ESPN. The team needs to address the wide receiver depth and potentially the offensive line.
- Monitor the Coaching Carousel: Keep an ear out for any changes in the coaching staff. Often after a losing season, teams shuffle their coordinators.
- Watch the Texans/Patriots Game: This is the game that determines who will likely challenge for the AFC throne next year. Watching how Houston handles the Patriots' defense will give you a good idea of what the Chiefs will be up against in 2026.
- Mark Your Calendar: The 2026 NFL Schedule is usually released in mid-May. That's when we'll officially know when the Chiefs are back in primetime.
The search for the channel for Kansas City game ends here for today. It’s a "wait until next year" situation, but in Kansas City, next year usually comes with a lot of trophies. Enjoy the playoffs as a neutral observer for once—it's a lot less stressful for your heart rate.