If you’re scrambling around looking for the remote or frantically refreshing your streaming apps to find out what channel are the Kansas City Chiefs on tonight, there is a bit of a reality check coming. You might want to sit down.
Honestly, the Chiefs aren't playing tonight, January 17, 2026.
It feels weird, right? For the last several years, the mid-January weekends have basically been a national holiday in Kansas City, usually involving a frozen Arrowhead Stadium and Patrick Mahomes doing something impossible on a Saturday or Sunday night. But the 2025-2026 season didn't go quite according to the usual script.
The Chiefs actually wrapped up their season back on January 4th with a tough loss to the Raiders. Because they finished third in the AFC West this year, they didn't make the cut for the postseason. So, while there is plenty of NFL playoff action happening right now, the reigning dynasty is watching from the couch just like the rest of us.
The NFL Playoff Schedule for Tonight
Even though the Chiefs aren't on your screen, the Divisional Round is in full swing. If you just need a football fix, here is who is actually playing tonight and where you can catch the games.
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The first matchup features the Buffalo Bills traveling to Denver to take on the Broncos. That kicks off at 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS. If you’re a cord-cutter, you can find that one streaming on Paramount+. It’s a bit surreal seeing the Broncos in this spot while Kansas City is out, but that’s the way the division shook out this year.
Later tonight, the primetime slot belongs to the NFC. The San Francisco 49ers are playing the Seattle Seahawks at 8:00 p.m. ET. You’ll find that game on FOX.
Why the Chiefs Missed the Postseason
It’s the question every fan in Missouri and Kansas is asking: what happened? For years, the Chiefs seemed invincible, but 2025 was a bit of a "perfect storm" of issues.
Basically, the offense struggled to find a consistent rhythm after some key injuries in the receiving corps. Combine that with a defensive unit that, while talented, couldn't quite get off the field in those crucial fourth-quarter drives during December, and you end up with a 3rd place finish in the AFC West.
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Missing the playoffs is a rarity for this group. Andy Reid hasn't had many "early vacations" since he arrived in KC, but this year the AFC was just too deep. Teams like the Broncos and Bills (the ones playing tonight!) managed to scrape out those tie-breaker wins that usually go the Chiefs' way.
How to Watch the Rest of the Playoffs
If you've decided to stick around and watch the teams that actually made it, you've got plenty of options. The NFL has spread these games across almost every major network and streaming platform.
- CBS / Paramount+: They have the early game today and will also host the AFC Championship game next week.
- FOX: This is your home for the Seahawks-49ers game tonight and the NFC Championship.
- NBC / Peacock: They’ll have the Sunday night game tomorrow and are the exclusive home of Super Bowl 60 on February 8.
- ESPN / ABC: You'll catch the Texans vs. Patriots matchup there tomorrow afternoon.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
Now, just because they aren't on tonight doesn't mean there isn't plenty of news. The Chiefs' 2026 opponents are already set. Because of their third-place finish, they’ll actually have a slightly "easier" schedule next year compared to the gauntlet they ran this season.
They are slated to play the entire AFC East and the NFC West. That means high-profile games against the Patriots, Jets, 49ers, and Cardinals at home. They’ll also be heading on the road to play the Bills, Rams, Dolphins, and Seahawks.
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The NFL usually drops the exact dates and times in mid-May. Until then, the front office is likely focusing on the Draft and Free Agency to make sure we aren't asking "where is the game?" at this time next year.
Actionable Steps for Chiefs Fans
If you’re feeling the void of a Chiefs-less Saturday, here is what you can do to stay plugged in:
- Check the Draft Order: Since the Chiefs are out, their draft pick is locked in. Start looking at mock drafts to see which wide receivers or offensive linemen might be heading to Kansas City.
- Monitor the Coaching Staff: Every time the Chiefs miss the playoffs, other teams start sniffing around their assistants. Keep an eye on defensive coordinator rumors.
- Watch the Competition: Tonight’s Bills vs. Broncos game is a direct look at the two teams that dominated the AFC West and the conference this year. It's a good "know your enemy" session.
So, to answer the big question one last time: what channel are the Kansas City Chiefs on tonight? Technically, none. But the road to Super Bowl 60 continues without them, and the games on CBS and FOX tonight are still going to be worth the watch if you're a fan of the sport.
Next Steps:
Go ahead and tune into CBS at 4:30 p.m. ET for the Bills-Broncos game if you want to see how the AFC's best are looking. If you're more interested in the 2026 offseason, you can start tracking the NFL Scouting Combine news which will be the next major milestone for the Chiefs' rebuild.