Do the Chiefs Play This Sunday? Here Is the Deal
No.
Honestly, it’s a weird feeling for everyone in Kansas City. For the first time in what feels like forever, the answer to do the Chiefs play this sunday is a flat no. They aren’t on the schedule. They aren’t even in the building. While the rest of the NFL world focuses on the Divisional Round—with the Broncos, Bills, Texans, and Patriots battling it out—the Chiefs are already deep into an offseason they never expected to have this early.
It’s jarring. You’ve probably spent the last half-decade planning your January Sundays around Patrick Mahomes doing something impossible. But not today.
The Chiefs finished the 2025 season with a 9-8 record and missed the playoffs entirely. If you're looking for them on your TV guide this Sunday, January 18, 2026, you'll see the Houston Texans taking on the New England Patriots at 3:00 p.m. ET instead. Later tonight, it's the Rams and the Bears. Kansas City is on the outside looking in, and the reason why is both simple and heartbreaking for the Kingdom.
Why the Chiefs Are Missing From the Divisional Round
The season basically broke in Week 15. That was the day the air went out of Arrowhead. Patrick Mahomes went down with a torn ACL and LCL against the Los Angeles Chargers, and everything changed in an instant.
You can’t just replace a three-time Super Bowl MVP.
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Carson Wentz tried to steer the ship, but without Mahomes and with a receiving corps that was already struggling, the wheels came off. They lost their final games, including a disappointing Week 18 finale against the Raiders. It’s the first time since 2014 that Kansas City hasn't made the postseason.
The Mahomes Rehab Reality
Mahomes actually spoke to the media this past Thursday. He’s been doing his rehab right there in Kansas City with trainer Julie Frymyer. He says he's aiming for a Week 1 return in September, but doctors are literally having to hold him back because he’s trying to push the pace too hard. It's a long road.
- Injury Date: December 14, 2025
- Surgery Date: December 15, 2025
- Current Status: Light mobility work and strength training.
- Goal: No restrictions by training camp in July.
What the 2026 Season Looks Like Without a Game Today
Even though we're asking do the Chiefs play this sunday and getting a "no," the front office is already working on the 2026 schedule. Since they finished third in the AFC West, their path back to the top is actually set.
They won't be playing the "first-place" schedule they're used to.
Instead of the usual gauntlet, they'll face the third-place finishers from the other AFC divisions. That means games against the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts. They also have the NFC West on the docket for next year. Imagine a Mahomes (hopefully) vs. Brock Purdy matchup at Arrowhead or a trip to see the Rams in SoFi.
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The 2026 Home Opponents
You can already start looking ahead to who will be visiting Kansas City next fall. It's a solid mix:
- Denver Broncos
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Arizona Cardinals
- Indianapolis Colts
- New York Jets
- New England Patriots
- San Francisco 49ers
The team also confirmed that Xavier Worthy underwent shoulder surgery on January 14. He played through a torn labrum for most of the season, which explains why his numbers dipped so much from his rookie year. Getting him and Mahomes healthy at the same time is basically the only priority for Andy Reid right now.
How to Handle a Chiefs-Free Sunday
It’s okay to feel a little lost. We’re spoiled. Usually, this is the time of year when we’re debating whether the AFC Championship is going to be held at Arrowhead or some neutral site in Atlanta.
If you still need your football fix, watch the AFC matchup between the Texans and Patriots today. It's a glimpse into the "new" AFC. C.J. Stroud is looking like the real deal, and the Patriots have had a massive resurgence. It’s weird watching other teams celebrate in January, but it also serves as a reminder of how hard it is to stay at the top.
Andy Reid isn't going anywhere, by the way. Despite the rumors that he might retire after a losing season, he’s already been vocal about finding a reliable backup for the start of 2026 and getting the roster back into shape.
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Key Next Steps for Fans
- Monitor the Mahomes recovery: The next big milestone is the start of OTAs in May.
- Watch the Draft: The Chiefs have a higher pick than usual (mid-teens), which is a rare chance to snag a truly elite playmaker.
- Check the schedule release: Expect the full 2026 calendar to drop in mid-May.
The answer to do the Chiefs play this sunday might be a "no" for now, but the work for next season is already happening behind closed doors at 1 Arrowhead Drive.
Focus on the recovery updates. Watch how the front office handles the cap. The dynasty isn't dead; it's just taking a very rare, very quiet winter break.
Get some rest, Chiefs Kingdom. You’ve earned a Sunday off, even if you didn't want one.
Sign up for local ticket alerts now if you want to be there for the 2026 home opener, as demand is expected to be record-breaking for Mahomes' return game. Keep an eye on the NFL Scouting Combine in late February to see which receivers the Chiefs might be targeting to help stretch the field next year.
The road back to the Super Bowl starts with a quiet January.