Let’s be real. If you’re asking someone to show me Kansas City Chiefs schedule, you’re probably still nursing a bit of a sports hangover from that weird 2025 season. It was a tough pill to swallow. For the first time since 2014, the Kingdom watched the postseason from the couch. A 6-11 finish? Nobody saw that coming, especially after the dynasty talk was at an all-time high.
But that’s the NFL for you. One minute you’re on top of the world, and the next, you’re looking at a third-place finish in the AFC West. Honestly, the 2025 campaign felt like a "what could go wrong, did go wrong" situation. Close losses defined the year—nine of those eleven defeats were by seven points or fewer.
So, what's next? Since the regular season wrapped up with that 14-12 heartbreaker against the Raiders on January 4, 2026, the focus has shifted entirely to the future. We don't have the specific dates and kickoff times for the 2026 season yet—the NFL usually drops that big schedule release in May—but we already know exactly who the Chiefs are playing.
Why the 2026 Kansas City Chiefs Schedule is a Brutal Gauntlet
The NFL scheduling formula is a bit of a science, but it's predictable if you know the math. Because Kansas City finished third in the division, their 2026 "unique" games are against other third-place finishers. That sounds easier on paper, but when you look at the names, it’s anything but a cakewalk.
First off, you’ve got the standard AFC West home-and-away series. That means two games each against the Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, and the Los Angeles Chargers. The AFC West was surprisingly stingy last year, and they aren't getting any friendlier.
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Beyond the division, the Chiefs have to rotate through entire divisions in the AFC and NFC. In 2026, the rotation lands on the AFC East and the NFC West.
The 2026 Home Slate at Arrowhead
The atmosphere at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium is always electric, but the 2026 visitor list is particularly spicy. You’ll see the San Francisco 49ers coming to town, which is always a heavyweight bout. Here is the list of teams currently slated to visit Kansas City:
- Denver Broncos (Division Rival)
- Las Vegas Raiders (Division Rival)
- Los Angeles Chargers (Division Rival)
- San Francisco 49ers (NFC West Rotation)
- Arizona Cardinals (NFC West Rotation)
- New York Jets (AFC East Rotation)
- New England Patriots (AFC East Rotation)
- Indianapolis Colts (Third-place finisher match)
The 2026 Road Warriors
Pack your bags, because some of these road trips are legendary. The Chiefs will be traveling to some of the toughest environments in football. Specifically, the "17th game" logic this year gives the NFC the extra home game, meaning the Chiefs will play nine games on the road and only eight at home.
- Denver Broncos
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Los Angeles Rams (SoFi Stadium)
- Seattle Seahawks (Lumen Field)
- Buffalo Bills (Highmark Stadium - a classic Mahomes vs. Allen rematch)
- Miami Dolphins (Hard Rock Stadium)
- Cincinnati Bengals (Third-place finisher match)
- Atlanta Falcons (The extra 17th game)
Breaking Down the 2025 Schedule Hangover
When you look back at the show me Kansas City Chiefs schedule results from last year, you can see where the wheels fell off. It started with a loss in São Paulo, Brazil, against the Chargers. It was a historic game for the league, but a sour start for KC.
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They actually managed to claw back to a 5-3 record by late October. After a dominant 31-0 shutout against the Raiders in Week 7 and a solid win over Washington, things looked okay. Then the Buffalo game happened on November 2nd. That 28-21 loss seemed to break something.
The Chiefs went on a catastrophic slide, losing seven of their final eight games. Backup QB Gardner Minshew dealt with a knee injury, and by the end, third-stringer Chris Oladokun was taking snaps. It was a mess. But if there’s a silver lining, it’s that the defense actually stayed elite, ranking 6th in the league for points allowed. They just couldn't get the offense over the hump.
Lessons Learned for 2026
The 2026 schedule offers a chance for a "revenge tour." Playing the Bengals and the Bills on the road in the same year is a nightmare for most teams, but it’s exactly the kind of high-stakes environment where Patrick Mahomes usually thrives.
One thing to watch is the scheduling of the "17th game" against Atlanta. Because the AFC and NFC alternate having nine home games, the Chiefs are at a disadvantage this year with more time on the plane. Expect Andy Reid to emphasize depth and conditioning even more this offseason to handle that extra wear and tear.
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Looking Ahead: Important Dates for Chiefs Fans
While we wait for the official show me Kansas City Chiefs schedule with times and networks, keep these milestones on your radar:
- NFL Draft (Late April 2026): With a higher pick than they've had in years, the Chiefs are in a prime position to grab a blue-chip playmaker.
- Official Schedule Release (May 2026): This is when we find out if the Chiefs get their usual five or six primetime slots. Even after a losing season, Mahomes is still a TV ratings magnet.
- Training Camp (July 2026): The return to St. Joseph, Missouri. This will be the most scrutinized camp in a decade.
The 2025 season was a statistical anomaly for a team led by Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes. History suggests they won't stay down for long. The 2026 opponents are set, the path is clear, and the motivation has never been higher.
If you’re planning a trip to Arrowhead or looking to catch an away game, start scouting those NFC West venues now. Seeing the Chiefs play at SoFi or in Seattle is a bucket-list experience for any football fan. The comeback starts now.
Actionable Next Steps:
Keep an eye on the NFL's official announcement in mid-May for the exact dates and times. If you are looking to buy tickets, the secondary market usually floods right after the schedule drop, but the best deals for home games often appear once the initial "hype" of the release settles down about 48 hours later. For those planning to travel to the Atlanta or Seattle games, booking your flights early in the summer will save you a fortune compared to waiting for the season to start.