If you just typed google when do the kansas city chiefs play again into your search bar, I’ve got some news that might sting a little. The short answer? Not for a long time.
The Kansas City Chiefs' 2025-2026 season is officially in the books. It wasn't the ending anyone in the Kingdom wanted—especially after years of being the team everyone loved to hate because they simply wouldn't stop winning. But following their Week 18 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on January 4, 2026, the cleats have been hung up. No playoffs. No deep January run at Arrowhead. Just the quiet hum of an early offseason.
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The Short Answer: When Is the Next Game?
Because the Chiefs missed the 2025-2026 postseason, they won't take the field for a meaningful snap until August 2026.
We don't have the exact dates yet because the NFL is notoriously secretive until their big schedule release "show" in May. However, based on how the league operates every single year, you can expect the first preseason game to land sometime between August 6 and August 10, 2026. If you're looking for a game that actually counts in the standings, you're looking at early September 2026.
It feels weird, doesn't it? Seeing a Divisional Round weekend (which is happening right now, January 17-18, 2026) without Patrick Mahomes is like watching a movie where the main character just disappears halfway through. But that’s the reality of a 6-11 season.
Why Everyone Is Asking "Google When Do the Kansas City Chiefs Play Again"
Honestly, most people are searching this because they're used to the Chiefs playing deep into February. For nearly a decade, "Chiefs game today" was a safe bet for any weekend in January.
This year, the script flipped. The AFC West was a gauntlet, and injuries finally caught up to the roster. If you're looking at the current playoff bracket, you'll see the Buffalo Bills taking on the Denver Broncos today, and the Houston Texans heading to New England tomorrow. The Chiefs are spectators just like us.
What the 2026 Opponents List Looks Like
Even though we don't have the calendar, we already know who they will play. The NFL uses a rotating formula, so there’s no guesswork involved in the opponents. Next season, the Chiefs are slated for a heavy dose of the NFC West and the AFC East.
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Here is a quick breakdown of who is coming to Arrowhead and where the team is traveling:
- At Home (Kansas City): Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers, Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets, New England Patriots, and the San Francisco 49ers.
- On the Road: Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers, Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Rams, and the Seattle Seahawks.
That road schedule is absolutely brutal. Trips to Buffalo, Miami, and Cincinnati? Plus a visit to the Rams in SoFi? Coach Andy Reid is going to have his work cut out for him during the draft.
What Happens Between Now and the Next Kickoff?
Since there are no games, the "action" moves to the front office. If you're a die-hard fan, the next few months are actually pretty busy, just not in a "touchdowns and tailgates" sort of way.
- Late February 2026: The NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. This is where the Chiefs will look for the next speedster to help Mahomes.
- March 11, 2026: Free agency begins. Expect the Chiefs to be aggressive here. They have gaps to fill on the offensive line and in the secondary.
- April 23–25, 2026: The NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. Picking in the top half of the draft is a novelty for this franchise lately, and they need to nail it.
- May 2026: This is when the NFL finally releases the 2026 schedule. That’s when you can finally stop asking google when do the kansas city chiefs play again and actually start booking your flights and hotel rooms.
The Reality of the 2026 Season
Missing the playoffs might actually be a blessing in disguise, though it's hard to say that with a straight face. This team was tired. Mahomes has played more football than almost any human on earth over the last five years. A full seven months of rest and recovery could be exactly what "15" needs to come back and dominate the league again.
The AFC is only getting tougher. With C.J. Stroud's Texans looking like a powerhouse and the Bills finally finding their rhythm, the road back to the Super Bowl isn't a guaranteed path anymore.
What you can do now: Keep an eye on the NFL Scouting Combine starting February 23. It’s the first real step toward the 2026 season. If you're looking for your football fix today, the Bills vs. Broncos game is your best bet for high-stakes AFC action, even if the red and gold aren't on the field.