If you woke up this morning, threw on your favorite Travis Kelce jersey, and started Googling what time do the Chiefs play today, I’ve got some news that might sting a little. Honestly, it’s not the news any member of the Kingdom wants to hear on a Saturday in mid-January.
The Kansas City Chiefs are not playing today.
Usually, this time of year, we’re used to seeing Patrick Mahomes doing something logic-defying on a frozen field at Arrowhead. But the 2025-2026 NFL season didn't go according to the usual script. For the first time in what feels like forever, the Chiefs aren't just "not playing today"—they're officially in the offseason.
Why the Chiefs Aren't on the Schedule Today
So, here’s the deal. Today is Saturday, January 17, 2026, which is the start of the NFL Divisional Round. Normally, this is prime time for Kansas City. But if you look at the bracket, their name is nowhere to be found.
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The Chiefs actually missed the 2025-2026 playoffs entirely.
It was a rough year. They finished third in the AFC West, and while they had some flashes of that old magic, the consistency just wasn't there. They wrapped up their season back on January 4th with a narrow 14-12 loss to the Raiders. That game basically slammed the door on any Wild Card hopes. It’s weird, right? We’ve been so spoiled by deep playoff runs that a January without Chiefs football feels like a glitch in the matrix.
Who Is Playing Today Instead?
Even though our guys are at home, there are some massive games happening today that actually impact the AFC landscape the Chiefs will have to navigate next year. Since you were looking for what time do the Chiefs play today, you might as well catch the teams that are actually taking the field.
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- Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos: This one kicks off at 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS. It’s a bit of a "what could have been" game for KC. The Broncos, our division rivals, actually secured the #1 seed this year. Watching Sean Payton and Bo Nix host a playoff game at Mile High while the Chiefs watch from the couch is... well, it's a lot to swallow.
- San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks: The nightcap is an NFC West showdown at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX.
It’s a double-header of playoff football, but yeah, no red and gold.
What’s Next for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Missing the playoffs is a massive wake-up call for Andy Reid and Brett Veach. You don’t just have a "disappointing season" with Mahomes under center and not make big changes.
The good news? The 2026 opponents are already locked in. We already know that next season, the Chiefs are going to have a brutal schedule. They’ll be facing the entire AFC East and the NFC West. That means games against the Bills, Dolphins, Jets, and Patriots, plus matchups with the 49ers and Seahawks.
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They also have "place-finish" games against the Cincinnati Bengals and Indianapolis Colts. Basically, the road back to the top isn't going to be easy.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
Since there’s no game today, the focus shifts to the draft and free agency. The Chiefs will likely be looking to bolster the receiving corps (again) and maybe find some fresh legs for the defense.
It’s definitely a strange feeling. Usually, we’re talking about point spreads and weather reports for Arrowhead. Instead, we’re looking at mock drafts in mid-January. But if history tells us anything, a frustrated Patrick Mahomes is usually a very dangerous Patrick Mahomes.
If you're still looking for football to watch today, tune into that Bills/Broncos game at 4:30. It'll give you a good look at the team the Chiefs will have to leapfrog to win back the AFC West crown next year.
Next Steps for Chiefs Fans:
- Monitor the Coaching Staff: Watch for any defensive or offensive coordinator shifts in the coming weeks.
- Draft Position: Keep an eye on the 2026 NFL Draft order; the Chiefs will have a much higher pick than they’ve had in a decade.
- Rest and Recovery: For the players, this long offseason is a chance to heal up after years of playing deep into February.