If you're frantically scrolling through your TV guide or refreshing sports apps to find the kansas city chiefs next game on tv, I've got some news that might sting a little. The screen is dark. There’s no kickoff countdown. Honestly, for the first time in over a decade, the Chiefs aren't playing a January game that actually matters for a trophy.
It feels weird, right? We’ve basically spent the last ten years penciling in Mahomes and Reid for deep playoff runs. But the 2025-2026 season didn't follow the script. After a brutal 6-11 finish, the Kansas City Chiefs are officially out of the postseason. They aren't in the Divisional Round this weekend, and they won't be in the AFC Championship next week.
The "next game" isn't a playoff showdown on CBS. It's a preseason matchup months away.
💡 You might also like: LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith: Why the NBA’s Biggest Beef Still Matters
Why the kansas city chiefs next game on tv isn't happening
The simple truth is that the Chiefs failed to qualify for the 2026 NFL playoffs. They finished third in the AFC West, a division that the Denver Broncos absolutely dominated this year with a 14-3 record. Even the Chargers managed to sneak in as a wild card.
The turning point was December. It was ugly. After starting with a somewhat respectable 5-3 record, the team completely bottomed out. They lost seven of their last eight games. The absolute gut-punch happened in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Not only did the Chiefs lose 16-13, but Patrick Mahomes went down with a season-ending ACL tear.
Once Mahomes was out, the season was effectively over.
Without their superstar under center, the offense struggled to find any rhythm. They finished the year with a 12-14 loss to the Raiders on January 4, 2026. That was the final whistle for the season.
📖 Related: 6 7 Basketball Players: Why This Specific Height Rules the Modern NBA
The playoff schedule you're seeing instead
If you turn on the TV this weekend expecting to see the red and gold, you're going to see other AFC teams fighting for that Super Bowl LX spot in Santa Clara. Here is what the actual television landscape looks like while the Chiefs are at home:
- Saturday, Jan. 17: Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos (4:30 PM ET on CBS)
- Saturday, Jan. 17: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (8:00 PM ET on FOX)
- Sunday, Jan. 18: Houston Texans at New England Patriots (3:00 PM ET on ABC/ESPN)
- Sunday, Jan. 18: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears (6:30 PM ET on NBC)
It’s a bit jarring to see the Broncos as the AFC’s top seed hosting a playoff game at Mile High while Arrowhead Stadium sits quiet.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season
Since there is no kansas city chiefs next game on tv until the late summer of 2026, fans are already looking at the 2026 opponents. We don't have the exact dates yet—the NFL usually drops that big schedule release in May—but we know exactly who they are playing.
💡 You might also like: What Channel Is the Pacers Game Today: How to Watch Pascal Siakam and the Squad
The rotation for 2026 is set. Kansas City will face the entire AFC East and the NFC West. That means high-profile matchups against the 49ers, Bills, and Jets at home. They’ll also have to travel to places like Seattle and Miami.
One game that already has people talking is the "17th game" against the Atlanta Falcons. Because of how the standings shook out, the Chiefs will be heading to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for that one.
Can they bounce back?
History says yes, but the road is long. Mahomes’ recovery is the only thing that matters right now. Rehab for an ACL is a grind. If he’s back by training camp in July, the Chiefs immediately become contenders again.
You've also got to look at the roster. Travis Kelce and Chris Jones aren't getting younger. This offseason is going to be about rebuilding the depth that failed them in 2025. General Manager Brett Veach has a lot of work to do with a higher draft pick than he’s used to having.
Actionable steps for Chiefs fans
Just because the Chiefs aren't on TV today doesn't mean you have to check out of football entirely.
- Watch the AFC Divisional Round: Keep an eye on the Broncos and Bills. These are the teams the Chiefs have to leapfrog next year to get back to the top.
- Monitor the Injury Report: Follow the official Chiefs' social channels for updates on Mahomes' surgery and recovery timeline.
- Key Dates: Mark your calendar for the 2026 NFL Draft in late April. This is where the "next game" actually begins.
- Schedule Release: Set an alert for mid-May. That is when we will finally know the actual date and time for the first kansas city chiefs next game on tv of the 2026 preseason.
The dynasty isn't necessarily dead, but it’s definitely on a forced intermission. For now, the best thing to do is settle in, watch the playoffs as a neutral observer, and wait for the comeback story to start in 2026.