You're sitting on the couch, maybe nursing a coffee or a beer, and the thought hits you: is there a Chiefs game today? It's the question that defines autumn in mid-America. Honestly, with the way the NFL flexes games into Mondays, Thursdays, and those weird Saturday slots late in the season, nobody blames you for being confused.
Today is Wednesday, January 14, 2026. If you are looking for a kickoff right this second, you’re in the heart of the postseason. The divisional round is looming. The Kansas City Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes and coached by Andy Reid, are deep in the hunt for another Lombardi Trophy. But because the NFL loves its TV ratings, they don't play on Wednesdays. You've got a few days of anticipation left.
Understanding the NFL playoff calendar and the Chiefs
The postseason isn't like the regular season. You can't just bank on a 12:00 PM kickoff at Arrowhead every Sunday. The NFL spreads these games out to maximize "eyeballs." Usually, the divisional round games fall on a Saturday and Sunday. Since today is Wednesday, the team is currently grinding through film and practice reps at the University of Kansas Health System Training Complex.
They’re likely prepping for a high-stakes matchup against a hungry AFC rival. Whether it’s the Bills, Bengals, or a surging underdog, the preparation in that building is intense.
Why the schedule feels so erratic lately
Broadcasting rights changed everything. We used to have a predictable rhythm. Now? Between Amazon Prime’s Thursday night dominance and the NFL’s aggressive expansion into international markets like Germany and London, the "standard" Sunday afternoon is kind of a relic.
🔗 Read more: When is Georgia's next game: The 2026 Bulldog schedule and what to expect
If you find yourself asking is there a Chiefs game today on a random Tuesday, it's probably because the league has conditioned us to expect football nearly every night of the week. But in the playoffs, the schedule tightens up. It's a bracket system. Win or go home. No Tuesday Night Football here.
How to check the status in ten seconds
Instead of scrolling through cluttered sports news sites that are 40% ads, just look at the official NFL app or the Chiefs' social media. They are incredibly loud about game days. If there’s a game, the "Red Friday" hype starts 48 hours early.
- Check the date. Is it Saturday or Sunday? Those are your primary playoff windows.
- Look for the local weather in KC. If people are posting photos of frozen fountains at Union Station, it’s probably a home game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
- Check the broadcast map. 506 Sports is a godsend for this—they show exactly which parts of the country get which games.
The Mahomes factor and the 2026 stakes
What makes the question is there a Chiefs game today so urgent for fans is the historical weight of this specific era. We aren't just watching a team; we are watching a dynasty attempt to rewrite the record books. Every game matters. A Wednesday like today is just the quiet before the storm.
Think about the roster depth. Travis Kelce, even as he enters the veteran stage of his career, remains the heartbeat of the passing game. The defense, under Steve Spagnuolo, has evolved from a liability a few years ago into a top-tier unit that actually wins games when the offense hits a lull.
💡 You might also like: Vince Carter Meme I Got One More: The Story Behind the Internet's Favorite Comeback
Common misconceptions about game times
A lot of fans think that if the Chiefs are the "home" team, it’s a 1:00 PM ET start. That’s rarely true for KC anymore. Because they are a national draw, the NFL almost always puts them in the "late window" (4:25 PM ET) or "Primetime" (8:20 PM ET).
It’s actually a bit of a curse for local fans who just want to get to bed early. If you're planning a watch party, always assume a late afternoon or evening start.
Predicting the next kickoff
Since today is Wednesday, Jan 14, your next window for a Chiefs game is this coming weekend, January 17th or 18th. The NFL usually announces the exact times for the divisional round immediately following the conclusion of the Wild Card games.
If they secured the #1 seed, they’re coming off a bye week. They’ll be rested. Dangerous. If they played in the Wild Card round, they’re carrying momentum (and maybe a few bruises).
📖 Related: Finding the Best Texas Longhorns iPhone Wallpaper Without the Low-Res Junk
What to do while you wait
If there’s no game today, use the time to check your gear. Is your lucky jersey clean? Do you have the ingredients for the burnt end sliders? Most importantly, make sure your streaming service hasn't logged you out. Nothing kills the vibe like fighting with a password reset ten minutes before kickoff.
The Chiefs have become a permanent fixture in the late-January conversation. It’s a privilege, honestly. Most fanbases are already looking at mock drafts by mid-January. In Kansas City, the season is just getting started.
Essential steps for the upcoming Divisional Round
To ensure you don't miss the actual kickoff after confirming there isn't a game today, follow these steps:
- Sync your calendar: Go to the Chiefs' official website and download the digital schedule to your phone. It updates automatically if the NFL flexes the time.
- Verify the channel: Since the playoffs are split between CBS, NBC, FOX, and ESPN/ABC, don't assume your usual channel has it.
- Monitor the injury report: Wednesday (today) is when the first "real" injury reports of the week come out. Keep an eye on the status of the offensive line; that's usually the deciding factor in these cold-weather playoff battles.
- Check the local Kansas City forecast: If there is a "Lamar Hunt" weather pattern—extreme wind or snow—it changes the betting lines and the game plan.
Get your chores done now. By the time the weekend hits, you’ll want your full attention on the field. The road to the Super Bowl runs through whichever stadium the Chiefs are in, and the drama is never-ending. Check back on Friday for the final active roster moves and the official "in/out" status for any lingering injuries.