It's Sunday, January 18, 2026. If you’re waking up and looking for the Chiefs game on TV today, I’ve got some bad news. Honestly, it’s been a weird year in Kansas City. For the first time in what feels like forever, the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs is happening right now, but Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid are nowhere to be found.
They aren't playing.
The Chiefs wrapped up a uncharacteristically rough season a couple of weeks ago with a 12-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. It’s a bitter pill to swallow for a fanbase used to deep January runs. Instead of preparing for a kickoff at Arrowhead, the team is already looking toward the 2026 NFL Draft and the official 2026 schedule release.
What’s on TV Today if Not the Chiefs?
Since the Chiefs aren't in the mix today, you’re probably wondering who took their spot. The NFL Divisional Round is in full swing. Today’s schedule features two massive matchups that are basically holding the football world captive.
- Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots: This one kicks off at 3:00 PM ET. You can catch it on ABC, ESPN, or ESPN+. It's the early window game and features a Patriots team that actually managed to turn things around this season while the Chiefs struggled.
- Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears: This is the primetime slot. Kickoff is at 6:30 PM ET on NBC and Peacock. Seeing the Bears in a Divisional game at Soldier Field is definitely a vibe shift from the usual AFC West dominance we've seen lately.
Yesterday, the Denver Broncos (the team that actually won the AFC West this year) beat the Buffalo Bills 33-30. It’s strange seeing Denver take the mantle that usually belongs to Kansas City, but that’s the parity of the NFL for you.
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Why the Chiefs Missed the Postseason
So, how did we get here? How is there no Chiefs game on in the second round of the playoffs? Basically, the 2025-2026 season was a "perfect storm" of issues. The Chiefs finished the year with a 6-11 record.
Six wins. That’s it.
It wasn't just one thing. Travis Kelce, while still a legend, dealt with some nagging injuries that slowed the offensive rhythm. The defense, which had been the backbone of the team in recent years, couldn't quite hold up in close games. They lost six of their last seven games, including a heartbreaker on Christmas Day to the Broncos (20-13) and that season-ending loss to the Raiders on January 4th.
Fans are already debating whether this was a one-year fluke or the start of a genuine rebuild. Given Mahomes is still under center, most experts think they’ll bounce back, but for today, the red and gold are spectators.
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Chiefs Game On: Looking Ahead to the 2026 Schedule
Even though they're out, we actually already know who the Chiefs will play next season. The dates and times won't be out until May, but the opponents are locked in because of the NFL's rotating scheduling formula.
The Chiefs finished third in the AFC West. That means they’ll have a "third-place schedule" in 2026, which might actually help them get back to the playoffs faster.
2026 Home Opponents at GEHA Field at Arrowhead
The home slate looks pretty tough. They’ll host the usual suspects—Broncos, Raiders, and Chargers. But they also have the San Francisco 49ers coming to town. That’s always a massive draw. Other home games include the Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets, and the New England Patriots.
2026 Away Opponents
On the road, things get even more interesting. They have to travel to Buffalo to face the Bills. They also have trips to Cincinnati to play the Bengals and Miami to face the Dolphins. Rounding out the road schedule are the Falcons, Rams, and Seahawks.
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Where to Watch the Rest of the 2026 Playoffs
If you're still looking for a football fix today despite the lack of a Chiefs game, here is the breakdown of how to watch the remaining playoff path.
Next Sunday, January 25, will be the Conference Championships. The AFC Championship will air at 3:00 PM ET on CBS. The NFC Championship follows at 6:30 PM ET on FOX.
The whole thing culminates in Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026. It's happening at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. NBC has the broadcast rights for the big game this year.
Actionable Steps for Chiefs Fans
While it sucks not having a game to watch today, there are a few things you can do to stay plugged in:
- Check the Draft Order: With a 6-11 record, the Chiefs will have a high pick. Start looking at mock drafts for wide receiver or offensive line help.
- Watch the Texans-Patriots Game: The winner of this game likely becomes the new "team to beat" in the AFC while the Chiefs retool.
- Sign up for Ticket Alerts: Even though the schedule isn't out, you can already find ticket deposits for the 2026 season on the Chiefs' official site.
- Monitor the Coaching Staff: There’s already speculation about defensive adjustments. Keep an eye on local KC news for any coordinator changes.
It feels weird, right? No Mahomes on a Sunday in January. But the NFL moves fast, and before you know it, we'll be talking about training camp in St. Joseph again.